Senior Photonics Engineer
Rydberg Technologies
Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Posted on Mar 20, 2026
Rydberg Technologies is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Photonics Engineer to lead the design, development, and integration of advanced lasers and photonic systems for next-generation atomic quantum technologies. This hands-on engineering role is ideal for a candidate passionate about photonics innovation and ready to work at the intersection of physics, optics, and system integration.
You will collaborate with a dynamic team of physicists and engineers to design and build photonic devices, including narrow-linewidth lasers and integrated photonic systems, with applications in quantum sensing, communications, and measurement systems.
Key Responsibilities:
• Prototype Development
Lead the end-to-end design, simulation, and development of integrated photonic systems and laser subsystems, including waveguides, microrings, couplers, Sagnac mirrors, Bragg structures, and tapers.
• Simulation & Modeling
Perform device-level and system-level simulations using Lumerical MODE, FDTD, INTERCONNECT, HEAT/DEVICE, and GDSFactory. Conduct thermo-optic and electro-optic analysis and verification.
• Tapeout & Fabrication
Drive tapeout processes with commercial silicon photonics foundries. Manage GDSII layout preparation and validation using PDKs and oversee fabrication runs.
• System Integration
Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and thermal engineers to integrate photonic systems into complete atomic and quantum platforms. Ensure stable packaging, alignment, and optical performance.
• Characterization & Testing
Design and execute optical test procedures. Use MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, and other tools for real-time data acquisition, analysis, and iterative design refinement.
• Research & Innovation
Monitor advances in PIC technologies, frequency stabilization, and heterogeneously integrated lasers. Drive internal innovation and contribute to strategic R&D planning.
• Documentation & Reporting
Produce clear and thorough documentation including design specs, simulation reports, testing results, and fabrication protocols.
• Mentorship & Leadership
Mentor junior engineers and support technicians. Contribute to team skill development and project execution best practices.
Required Qualifications:
• Master’s or Ph.D. in Photonics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Extensive hands-on experience with narrow-linewidth laser development and photonic system integration.
• Proficient in Ansys Lumerical, GDSFactory, MATLAB, Python, and SolidWorks.
• Demonstrated experience with PIC design, layout, and foundry tapeouts (SiN, SOI, etc.).
• Expertise in laser stabilization, diode/fiber coupling, bonding/alignment, and integrated thermal-mechanical design.
• Familiarity with PDK-based workflows and semiconductor fabrication.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency may be required.
Preferred Skills
• Experience with ultra-stable optical cavities, frequency combs, THz systems, or opto-electronic packaging.
• Background in microfabrication, cleanroom processes, or MEMS.
• Experience with RF and electronic integration.
• Track record of publications, patents, or conference presentations in photonics or quantum engineering.
• Project management and leadership experience.
About Rydberg Technologies
Rydberg Technologies Inc. is a pioneer in atomic quantum sensor technology, advancing novel systems for government, commercial, and scientific applications. We develop next-generation Rydberg atom-based sensors, quantum communications systems, and photonic subsystems that power the future of quantum technologies. We are a fast-moving, innovation-driven company that values initiative, precision, and scientific excellence. Join us in building photonic systems that redefine what’s possible.
You will collaborate with a dynamic team of physicists and engineers to design and build photonic devices, including narrow-linewidth lasers and integrated photonic systems, with applications in quantum sensing, communications, and measurement systems.
Key Responsibilities:
• Prototype Development
Lead the end-to-end design, simulation, and development of integrated photonic systems and laser subsystems, including waveguides, microrings, couplers, Sagnac mirrors, Bragg structures, and tapers.
• Simulation & Modeling
Perform device-level and system-level simulations using Lumerical MODE, FDTD, INTERCONNECT, HEAT/DEVICE, and GDSFactory. Conduct thermo-optic and electro-optic analysis and verification.
• Tapeout & Fabrication
Drive tapeout processes with commercial silicon photonics foundries. Manage GDSII layout preparation and validation using PDKs and oversee fabrication runs.
• System Integration
Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and thermal engineers to integrate photonic systems into complete atomic and quantum platforms. Ensure stable packaging, alignment, and optical performance.
• Characterization & Testing
Design and execute optical test procedures. Use MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, and other tools for real-time data acquisition, analysis, and iterative design refinement.
• Research & Innovation
Monitor advances in PIC technologies, frequency stabilization, and heterogeneously integrated lasers. Drive internal innovation and contribute to strategic R&D planning.
• Documentation & Reporting
Produce clear and thorough documentation including design specs, simulation reports, testing results, and fabrication protocols.
• Mentorship & Leadership
Mentor junior engineers and support technicians. Contribute to team skill development and project execution best practices.
Required Qualifications:
• Master’s or Ph.D. in Photonics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Extensive hands-on experience with narrow-linewidth laser development and photonic system integration.
• Proficient in Ansys Lumerical, GDSFactory, MATLAB, Python, and SolidWorks.
• Demonstrated experience with PIC design, layout, and foundry tapeouts (SiN, SOI, etc.).
• Expertise in laser stabilization, diode/fiber coupling, bonding/alignment, and integrated thermal-mechanical design.
• Familiarity with PDK-based workflows and semiconductor fabrication.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency may be required.
Preferred Skills
• Experience with ultra-stable optical cavities, frequency combs, THz systems, or opto-electronic packaging.
• Background in microfabrication, cleanroom processes, or MEMS.
• Experience with RF and electronic integration.
• Track record of publications, patents, or conference presentations in photonics or quantum engineering.
• Project management and leadership experience.
About Rydberg Technologies
Rydberg Technologies Inc. is a pioneer in atomic quantum sensor technology, advancing novel systems for government, commercial, and scientific applications. We develop next-generation Rydberg atom-based sensors, quantum communications systems, and photonic subsystems that power the future of quantum technologies. We are a fast-moving, innovation-driven company that values initiative, precision, and scientific excellence. Join us in building photonic systems that redefine what’s possible.