Photonics Software Developer

Descriptions & Requirements

Job Description and Requirements

Hiring in Ossining, NY, Pasadena, CA or Sunnyvale, CA

We Are:

At Synopsys, we drive the innovations that shape the way we live and connect. Our technology is central to the Era of Pervasive Intelligence, from self-driving cars to learning machines. We lead in chip design, verification, and IP integration, empowering the creation of high-performance silicon chips and software content. Join us to transform the future through continuous technological innovation.

The Optical Solutions Group (OSG) at Synopsys is at the forefront of photonic and optical design software, delivering advanced tools that enable global leaders in consumer electronics, communications, and advanced lighting to design, optimize, and analyze next-generation photonic devices and systems.

You Are:

You are a passionate and innovative engineer with a deep curiosity for the intersection of software development and photonics. With a strong academic background-ideally a Ph.D. in Photonics, Optics, Physics, Engineering, or a related field-you have honed your technical skills through hands-on experience in computational modeling and photonic system design. You thrive in collaborative, agile environments and excel at translating complex theoretical concepts into practical, high-performance software solutions.

As a lifelong learner, you stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in photonic device modeling and software engineering. You value clear communication, both written and verbal, and enjoy working with multidisciplinary teams to solve challenging problems. Your attention to detail ensures robust code and reliable software, while your creativity drives you to propose innovative solutions and contribute to the evolution of photonic technologies.

You are comfortable managing multiple projects, adapting quickly to shifting priorities, and taking ownership of your work. Whether developing new algorithms, optimizing performance, or supporting customers, you approach every task with integrity, enthusiasm, and a commitment to excellence. If you are eager to make a tangible impact in a rapidly growing field, Synopsys OSG offers the platform and community to help you thrive.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Design and implement high-performance C++ solutions for photonic CAD/CAE software used by industry-leading companies.
• Research, develop, and integrate advanced modeling algorithms for photonic devices based on evolving customer and product requirements.
• Apply modern software development practices to deliver robust, scalable, and efficient solutions.
• Ensure code quality and maintainability through rigorous refactoring, code reviews, and regression testing.
• Collaborate closely with developers, testers, and end-users in an agile environment to deliver innovative photonic solutions.
• Act as a technical expert, providing guidance and leadership in critical photonic technology areas and mentoring junior team members.

The Impact You Will Have:

• Empower global leaders in consumer electronics and advanced lighting to develop cutting-edge photonic device systems.
• Enhance the capabilities and performance of Synopsys photonic design tools, driving industry innovation.
• Accelerate the adoption of new photonic technologies by delivering reliable, high-quality software solutions.
• Contribute to multidisciplinary projects that bridge optics, software engineering, and semiconductor design.
• Shape the future of photonic design through participation in our Software Innovation Initiative.
• Help maintain Synopsys' leadership in EDA and optical design by solving unprecedented technical challenges.

What You'll Need:

• Ph.D. in Photonics, Optics, Physics, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong proficiency in C++ programming, with experience in developing commercial engineering software.
• Expertise in computational photonic algorithms (RCWA, FEM, BPM, FDTD) and mathematical modeling.
• Solid foundation in object-oriented programming and software design best practices.
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Excellent technical communication skills-written, verbal, and presentation.
• Preferred: Experience with parallel processing/GPU computing, inverse design, machine learning algorithms, cloud platforms, and Agile/Lean development processes.

Who You Are:

• Analytical thinker with strong problem-solving skills.
• Collaborative team player who thrives in multidisciplinary settings.
• Innovative and creative, always seeking new solutions to complex challenges.
• Effective communicator, able to explain technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Adaptable, organized, and able to prioritize effectively in a dynamic environment.
• Committed to continuous learning and professional development.

The Team You'll Be A Part Of:

You'll join the Synopsys Optical Solutions Group R&D team-an elite group of engineers and scientists dedicated to advancing photonic and optical design software. The team values collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence, working together to deliver win-win solutions for world-leading companies. You'll engage with experts in software, optics, and engineering, and participate in initiatives that encourage creativity and impactful project proposals.

Rewards and Benefits:

We offer a comprehensive range of health, wellness, and financial benefits to cater to your needs. Our total rewards include both monetary and non-monetary offerings. Your recruiter will provide more details about the salary range and benefits during the hiring process.

At Synopsys, we want talented people of every background to feel valued and supported to do their best work. Synopsys considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, military veteran status, or disability.

In addition to the base salary, this role may be eligible for an annual bonus, equity, and other discretionary bonuses. Synopsys offers comprehensive health, wellness, and financial benefits as part of a competitive total rewards package. The actual compensation offered will be based on a number of job-related factors, including location, skills, experience, and education. Your recruiter can share more specific details on the total rewards package upon request. The base salary range for this role is across the U.S.