Search for Integrated Photonics Researcher roles in Tempe, AZ, requiring a Ph.D. in Photonics or Electrical Engineering, with 5+ years of experience, focusing on integrated photonics research and design, and including roles in semiconductor technology.

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Integrated Photonics Researcher

Tempe, AZ

Ph.D.

5 years + Experience

Semiconductor Technology

Can you help me to analyze the job description and company culture?

Sure. Here's the analysis:

Job Analysis:

The Integrated Photonics Researcher position at Natcast is fundamentally tasked with pioneering advancements in integrated photonics, a field critical to enhancing data transmission and sensing capabilities. This role encompasses leading innovative research initiatives, designing and optimizing sophisticated photonic circuits, and ensuring their successful fabrication and testing. A candidate will likely face challenges such as balancing theoretical knowledge with hands-on implementation, navigating the complexities of cross-disciplinary collaborations, and addressing the dynamic needs of the semiconductor ecosystem. Success in this role means not only achieving breakthroughs in photonic designs but also translating these innovations into tangible applications for next-generation technologies in telecommunications and data centers. Engaging with diverse research teams while showcasing expertise through publications and patents reinforces expectations for visibility and impact within Natcast’s mission to advance semiconductor technology and workforce development.

Company Analysis:

Natcast operates as a forward-thinking, purpose-driven organization, established as a critical player within the semiconductor industry through the National Semiconductor Technology Center. As a non-profit entity under the auspices of the CHIPS Act, Natcast aims to foster innovation and establish U.S. leadership in semiconductor technologies. The company's culture likely emphasizes collaboration across various sectors—government, academia, and industry—reflecting a commitment to collective progress rather than rigid hierarchies. This environment will require the Integrated Photonics Researcher to embody a spirit of teamwork and open communication. Given Natcast's mission to tackle significant technological barriers and train the next generation of professionals, candidates looking to join this mission must be prepared for a fast-paced and impactful setting where their contributions can drive tangible advancements in the semiconductor ecosystem. The role is strategically positioned to influence broader company goals of pioneering research while aiding workforce development, thus aligning personal success to the organization's vision for innovation and leadership in semiconductor technology.

Mock up some interview questions based on the job description.

Absolutely. Here are some mock interview questions that could come up:

Tell me about a time when you had to lead a complex research project in integrated photonics—what challenges did you encounter, and how did you overcome them?
Can you share an experience where you had to collaborate with a cross-functional team? How did you ensure effective communication and maintain project momentum?
Describe a situation in which you had to troubleshoot a fabrication issue in photonic devices. What steps did you take to identify the problem and implement a solution?
How would you approach designing an advanced photonic circuit aimed at improving scalability and efficiency? What specific techniques would you consider?
What simulation tools do you have experience with, and how have you applied them in your research to model photonic device performance?
In your opinion, what are the most significant trends in integrated photonics right now, and how would you adapt your research to address these trends?
Imagine you are tasked with mentoring a junior researcher who is struggling with their contributions to a project. How would you support their development and encourage their engagement?
Why are you interested in working at Natcast and contributing to the NSTC initiative specifically?
How do your professional values align with Natcast's mission of advancing technology and education in the semiconductor space?
What motivates you to stay at the forefront of photonics research, and how do you see your contributions shaping the future of integrated semiconductor technologies?
Can you explain your experience with cleanroom environments and how you ensure adherence to best practices in photonic device fabrication?
What questions do you have about Natcast's vision for the future of semiconductor technology development?
How do you see your experience in silicon photonics contributing to the objectives of Natcast?
What approach do you take to stay current on emerging trends and technologies in both photonics and the larger semiconductor field?

Job Details

Overview Company

Integrated Photonics Researcher

Natcast

3 days ago

Highlight

HybridFull-time5+ yearsSenior

Summary

Natcast is seeking an Integrated Photonics Researcher to join their team in Tempe, AZ. The role involves advancing integrated photonics at America's premier semiconductor research facility, developing breakthrough solutions that merge optical and electronic technologies.

About the Role

As an Integrated Photonics Researcher, you will lead and execute research initiatives focused on integrated photonics, design advanced photonic circuits, and develop and optimize waveguide architectures, modulators, and photodetectors. You will conduct simulation studies, guide the fabrication of photonic devices, and mentor research teams. Collaboration with academic institutions and industry leaders is essential, along with authoring technical publications and contributing to Natcast’s intellectual property portfolio.

About You

Required:

Ph.D. in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
5+ years of experience in integrated photonics research, design, or development.
Expertise in photonic circuit design, waveguide modeling, and modulator development.
Strong background in optics and photonics principles, including light propagation and interaction.
Knowledge of semiconductor fabrication processes, including cleanroom techniques.
Proficiency in simulation tools (e.g., Lumerical, COMSOL, or similar software) for photonic device modeling.
Experience with characterization tools for photonic device testing, such as optical spectrum analyzers and interferometers.
Proven track record of publishing research in peer-reviewed journals or presenting at conferences.
Demonstrated project leadership and problem-solving abilities in a research or development environment.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.

Preferred:

Industry experience in photonics, particularly in the design and fabrication of commercial devices.
Established patent portfolio demonstrating contributions to integrated photonics innovation.
Expertise in silicon photonics and its applications in data centers or optical interconnects.
Knowledge of quantum photonics and emerging quantum information technologies.
Experience working in cleanroom environments, including hands-on fabrication and process optimization.

Natcast

The National Center for the Advancement of Semiconductor Technology, or Natcast, is a new, purpose-built, non-profit entity created to operate the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) consortium, which will be established as provided for in the CHIPS Act of the U.S. government.

The NSTC, as a key component of the CHIPS and Science Act, will be a public-private consortium dedicated to semiconductor R&D in the United States. The NSTC will convene the U.S. government, allied and partner nations, and organizations across the semiconductor ecosystem—including academia and businesses of all kinds—to address the most challenging barriers to continued technological progress in the domestic semiconductor industry, including the need for a capable workforce. The NSTC reflects a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the U.S. to drive the pace of innovation, set standards, and re-establish global leadership in semiconductor design and manufacturing.

The mission of the NSTC is to serve as the focal point for research and engineering throughout the semiconductor ecosystem, advancing and enabling disruptive innovation to provide U.S. leadership in the industries of the future.

Tempe, AZ