Optical Engineer III

Job Title: Optical Engineer III

Location: Redmond, WA (Onsite)

Duration: Contract - 12 months

Pay Range: $70-$75/hr

Job ID: 372767

About BCforward

BCforward is a leading global IT consulting and workforce solutions firm providing services and support to Fortune 500 and government clients. Founded in 1998, BCforward has grown with our customers needs into a full-service business solutions provider. With delivery centers and offices across North America and India, we take pride in building long-term relationships and delivering excellence through innovation, collaboration, and integrity.

Job Description

We are seeking an Optical Engineer, Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Design & Analysis, to join our research and development team delivering near-to-eye display system technologies. The ideal candidate will have expertise in integrated photonics device design, metrology, and active device integration, with experience gained through a graduate degree or industry practice.

Responsibilities:

• Design and develop complete PICs from component blocks to full circuits with emphasis on active device integration.


• Generate, verify, and prepare fabrication-ready layout files aligned to foundry PDKs for external fabrication.


• Conduct systematic design analysis, optimization, and parametric studies to guide design decisions.


• Support the end-to-end design-to-fabrication pipeline from concept through tapeout, partnering with cross-functional teams and external foundries.


• Collaborate with program leadership, TPMs, and researchers to align PIC designs with program objectives.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• MS or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Optical Sciences, Physics, or a related field.


• 3+ years of hands-on PIC design, simulation, and layout for visible or IR wavelengths on Si, SiN, LiNbO, or BTO platforms.


• 3+ years using photonic device simulation and electromagnetic modeling tools (e.g., Lumerical FDTD/MODE/DEVICE, Ansys Photonics, Synopsys RSoft, COMSOL Multiphysics).


• 2+ years with PIC layout tools and GDSII generation (e.g., KLayout, Cadence Virtuoso, gdsfactory), including PDK integration and DRC.


• 2+ years of scientific programming in Python or MATLAB for scripting, automation, and analysis.


• 1+ years supporting or executing PIC tapeouts at commercial foundries with understanding of fabrication constraints (e.g., propagation losses, sidewall roughness, etch non-idealities).

Preferred Skills:

• 3+ years in active PIC design, fabrication, and validation for visible wavelengths on LiNbO or BTO.


• 3+ years in design space exploration, sensitivity analysis, and statistical performance/yield modeling.


• 3+ years with major photonic simulation suites (e.g., Lumerical, Synopsys, COMSOL).


• 2+ years using circuit-level simulation tools (e.g., Lumerical Interconnect, Synopsys OptSim, VPIphotonics) for system evaluation.


• 2+ years in photonic device characterization and test, including optical and electro-optic measurements.


• 1+ years with fiber optics, free-space optics, PIC packaging, and comprehensive device characterization.


• 1+ years with semiconductor fabrication processes and understanding of process-induced limitations.


• Ability to incorporate fabrication constraints into PIC designs, including feature sizes, bend radii, tapering, and layout methods to mitigate losses.

Why BCforward?

At BCforward, we believe in advancing lives and careers. When you join our team, you gain access to:

• Competitive compensation and benefits.


• Opportunities for growth with global clients.


• A supportive, inclusive culture that values innovation and people.


• Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and projects.

About Our Commitment

BCforward is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Fair Chance Notice

Pursuant to applicable Fair Chance laws, qualified applicants will be considered for assignment with arrest and conviction records. Criminal history may have a direct relationship with certain job duties, including adherence to policies, sound judgment, stress management, safe and respectful collaboration, trustworthiness, meeting client standards and requirements, and safeguarding operations and reputation.

Interested? Apply Now!

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, please apply with your most recent resume.

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