Senior Photonics Design Engineer - RF

Join a leading-edge R&D center of excellence at the forefront of silicon photonics innovation. Based in Ghent, Belgium—a lively hub in the heart of Europe—this group drives pioneering research and development efforts, delivering advanced solutions in integrated photonics and silicon-based optical technologies.

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Senior RF Design Engineer to lead the RF design aspects of high-speed optical modulators and help shape the future of next-generation photonic systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with optical design experts to enhance our integrated photonics platform.
• Lead the design and development of RF components for high-speed optical modulators, particularly in traveling-wave configurations.
• Develop transmission lines, impedance matching networks, biasing circuits, and termination schemes to maximize performance.
• Evaluate device performance across different material systems and modulation principles (e.g., electro-optic, plasma dispersion).
• Innovate equalization techniques for bandwidth optimization and optical dispersion management.
• Work closely with electronic driver design teams to ensure full system integration.
• Support and guide characterization efforts for high-speed modulators, partnering with test teams.
• Contribute to the design and validation of integrated optical components, circuits, and sub-systems.
• Define and execute test plans, analyze data, and contribute to technology maturation.
• Collaborate with process engineering, component integration, and module development teams throughout the R&D lifecycle.

Essential Qualifications

• Strong foundation in integrated optics and photonics.
• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related discipline with 3+ years of industry or postdoctoral experience; or Master’s degree with 6+ years of relevant experience.
• Proven experience in designing integrated photonic devices using Group IV and/or III-V semiconductor platforms.
• Demonstrated leadership in RF design projects involving high-speed modulator technologies.
• Proficiency with RF simulation tools (e.g., electromagnetic field solvers, circuit simulators).
• Practical experience in RF characterization of high-frequency photonic components.
• Familiarity with photonic device physics, fabrication workflows, and optical layout tools.
• Programming skills in Python and experience working in Linux environments are advantageous.
• Excellent verbal and written communication in English.
• Strong teamwork ethic, innovative mindset, and a proactive approach to complex problem-solving.

You’ll work alongside some of the brightest minds in photonics research, in a collaborative, international environment. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge developments that directly influence the evolution of high-speed optical communication systems and integrated photonic technologies.

If you're passionate about advancing photonic technologies and meet the qualifications outlined above, we’d love to hear from you.

Please apply now or email your CV to nk@eu-recruit.com to explore this exciting opportunity further.