Photonics/RFIC Engineer
Georgia Tech Research Institute
Atlanta, GA0–8 yrs3h agovia LinkedIn
This job at a glance
- Who can apply
- New grads and up to 8 years
- Must know
- Circuit designPythonMATLAB
- Work
- On-site in Atlanta
- Pay
- Not stated by the employer.
- Skill demand
- Circuit design42%Python32%MATLAB19%of 99 similar entry-level jobs posted in the US this week
- Listed
- Nov 6, 2026 · still open
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About the Role
The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is seeking a mid-career Photonics/RFIC Engineer for the Electro-Optical Systems Laboratory (EOSL), Photonics & Microelectronics Division (PMD). This role involves architecting and building benchtop photonic & RF systems, modeling results, and reducing designs to photonic & RF ICs.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead designer of RF/Analog IC project tasks.
- Serve as a lead contributor and author to technical journals and publications.
- Present project presentations and technical reports.
- Take ownership of small team development and mentor others.
- Make significant contributions to white papers and competitive proposals.
- Support sponsor engagements.
Additional Responsibilities
- Conduct benchtop experiments using free-space and fiber optics, lasers, modulators, amplifiers, photodetectors, and photonic integrated circuits.
- Build and characterize RF subsystems with discrete components, ICs, and apertures.
- Test, characterize, and package custom ICs designed at GTRI.
- Integrate custom photonic and RF ICs into functional circuit card assemblies.
- Model and simulate optical and RF systems, devices, and structures.
Requirements & Tech Stack
- Experience with photonic component and system simulation software such as Lumerical, OptSim, VPI Photonics, Opti-Designer.
- Experience with radio frequency (RF) component and system simulation software such as HFSS, Cadence AWR, Keysight ADS, Silvaco TCAD, Altium Designer.
- Experience with IC design and layout tools such as Cadence, Synopsis, KLayout, Calibre.
- Experience performing basic electrical and optical measurements using equipment such as spectrum analyzers, high-speed oscilloscopes, network analyzers, power meters, and signal analyzers.
- Experience with common simulation tools such as MATLAB or Python.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance.
Qualifications
- Degree in electrical engineering, applied physics, microelectronics, physics, or a similar field.
- B.S. with 5-8 years relevant work experience; OR
- M.S. with 3-6 years relevant work experience; OR
- Ph.D. with 0-3 years relevant work experience.
- Candidates currently enrolled in an accredited degree program for MS or PhD relevant to this position will be considered, with a graduation date no later than May 2027.
- Good understanding of photonics or RF engineering, circuit concepts, fabrication techniques, or device physics.
- Strong sense of curiosity in both technical and non-technical aspects of applied research.
Preferred Qualifications
- Active Secret Clearance.
- Prior experience designing into various foundry processes, through tapeout, fabrication, and characterization.
- Working knowledge of semiconductor & CMOS reliability mechanisms; measuring & modeling failure analysis & reliability for discrete devices & ICs.
- Skill and experience architecting RF and/or photonic subsystems.
- Characterization and test of bare die in a probe station, load pull measurements.
- Strong foundation in mathematics and physics with ability to learn complex engineering concepts.
- Ability to clearly communicate technical ideas to a non-technical audience.
U.S. Citizenship Requirements
- Candidates must be U.S. Citizens.
Clearance Type Required
- Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.