Senior Photonics Engineer
$150k - $240k USD
Who we are
Aurora’s mission is to deliver the benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly, and broadly.
The Aurora Driver will create a new era in mobility and logistics, one that will bring a safer, more efficient, and more accessible future to everyone.
At Aurora, you will tackle massively complex problems alongside other passionate, intelligent individuals, growing as an expert while expanding your knowledge. For the latest news from Aurora, visit aurora.tech or follow us on LinkedIn.
Aurora hires talented people with diverse backgrounds who are ready to help build a transportation ecosystem that will make our roads safer, get crucial goods where they need to go, and make mobility more efficient and accessible for all. We’re searching for a Senior Photonics Engineer.
What we are looking for
Aurora hires talented people with diverse backgrounds who are ready to help build a transportation ecosystem that will make our roads safer, get crucial goods where they need to go, and make mobility more efficient and accessible for all.
We are searching for a Senior Photonics Engineer to join our Lidar team. You will be a key contributor responsible for the design and layout of III-V chips. This role is a unique opportunity to own the full development cycle of high-power active devices—from initial epitaxial design and foundry tape-out to data-driven performance iteration—directly impacting the future of self-driving technology.
In this role you will
- Own III-V Layouts: Lead the design and layout of high-power active devices, specifically delivering reviewable GDS for SOA reticles.
- Manage Foundry Relations: Act as the primary technical interface with foundries to execute mask delivery and track critical fabrication milestones.
- Automate Data Analysis: Develop Python-based software and JMP workflows to analyze DFB and SOA test results.
- Drive Design Iterations: Function as the "Owner" for SOA component iterations, correlating design changes to empirical test data.
- Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Partner with Test, Packaging, and Reliability teams to integrate their feedback into design decisions.
Required qualifications
- Education: PhD in Electrical Engineering, Solid State Physics, or Optoelectronics.
- Laser Physics: Deep mastery of light-matter interaction in high-intensity fields and epitaxial design.
- Design Expertise: Proven expertise in the design of high-power III-V active devices.
- Simulation Suite: Proficiency in industry-standard tools including PhotonDesign, Lumerical, and RSoft.
- Fabrication: Hands-on experience with process design and managing development workflows with external foundries.
- Programming: High proficiency in Python for layout scripting and data automation.
- Characterization: Strong background in the testing and data analysis of semiconductor lasers.
Desirable qualifications
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- Direct industrial experience in high-power III-V active device design.
- Experience working with lidar or other optical sensing systems.
- Experience with photonic hybrid integration.
The base salary range for this position is $150,000 - $240,000 per year. Aurora’s pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future. The successful candidate will also be eligible for an annual bonus, equity compensation, and benefits.
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Working at AuroraAt Aurora, we bring together extraordinarily talented and experienced people united by the strength of our values. We operate with integrity, set outrageous goals, and build a culture where we win together — all without any jerks.
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At the core of everything we do is our commitment to safety. Building best-in-class self-driving technology will take time, and we believe that each employee at Aurora has a role in contributing to safety, every step of the way. Aurora expects commitment to our safety policies from every employee, and seeks candidates who take an active responsibility, can contribute to building an atmosphere of trust, and invest in the organization’s long-term success by prioritizing working safely, no matter what.
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