Your mission
The future of AI computing is light not electrons. is building photonic processing systems that compute with light delivering a scalable energy-efficient alternative to transistor-based architectures for next-generation AI and HPC applications.
As Senior Photonics Packaging Engineer (f / m / d) you will lead the specification development and verification of high-density photonic packaging solutions that integrate photonic integrated circuits (PICs) light sources photodetectors and analog circuitry into production-ready modules. Youll be the technical authority ensuring that supplier-delivered modules meet stringent optical electrical thermal and mechanical requirements through precise definition of technical requirements contractual agreements and supplier project management.
What makes this role unique :
- High complexity : Developing novel high-density photonic packaging concepts that simultaneously address thermal management optical alignment RF signal integrity and manufacturability an area with few industry precedents
- Strategic freedom : Broad autonomy to define requirements select suppliers and design technical strategies within strategic goals and budgetary limits
- Decision authority : Direct influence on supplier relationships product architecture decisions and program economics
i nnovation mandate : Implementation of at least one new packaging material process or architecture annually that becomes differentiating IP for the company
Real-world impact : Your work directly enables technology already deployed in production at world-leading institutions like the Leibniz Supercomputing CentreWithin your first 18-24 months you will :
Achieve leading-edge integration density and performance through innovative packaging architectures that enable our photonic processors to deliver up to 30x energy efficiency vs. conventional systemsMinimize integration risks and rework through rigorous supplier verification and quality assuranceContribute to competitive advantage by accelerating time-to-market and optimizing cost-performance trade-offs in the rapidly scaling photonic computing marketKey responsibilities :
Cross-functional leadership : Coordinate internal R&D system engineering manufacturing and test teams to align packaging solutions with overall product architectureSupplier engagement & interface role : Act as the primary point of contact for suppliersensuring alignment on technical goals schedules and deliverables including contract management and negotiationProject control : Plan and oversee multi-party R&D projects tracking milestones budgets and risks while ensuring deliverables are verified and integrated into final systemsTechnical specification : Define complete packaging requirements including optical coupling techniques thermal management strategies RF signal integrity and hermetic sealing methodsQuality assurance : Ensure supplier quality ratings maintain 95% on-time delivery with zero critical defects and packaging costs remain within 5% of budgeted targetsYour profile
Education & Experience :
More than 5 years of experience in hybrid packaging photonics assembly optoelectronic integration or related high-density interconnect technologiesProven track record in managing supplier-led R&D and packaging projects from requirements definition through to integration and validationHands-on experience with PICs laser sources photodetectors analog electronics and mixed-signal integrationMasters or PhD in Photonics Optoelectronics Electrical Engineering Physics or a related fieldDeep Technical Expertise in :
Optical coupling techniques (butt-coupling lens coupling fiber array integration)Thermal management strategies for high-power photonic devicesUnderstanding and enhancement of RF signal integrity for highest performance in different high density interconnectsPackaging material science (polymers ceramics metals) and hermetic sealing methodsRelevant standards for reliability and environmental testing (e.g. Telcordia JEDEC)Tools & Processes :
Familiarity with CAD tools for photonics / electronics packaging optical simulation software and statistical process controlLeadership & Coordination Skills :
Exceptional ability to lead cross-functional teams across R&D system engineering manufacturing and test domainsSkilled in negotiation and contract management with external suppliers and R&D partnersStrong systems thinking to balance optical electrical thermal and mechanical requirements simultaneouslyExcellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical trade-offs to management and stakeholdersLanguages :
Fluent in English ; German or other European language beneficialPreferred Qualifications :
Experience with photonic integrated circuit (PIC) packaging for AI or HPC applicationsKnowledge of high-speed digital interfaces and their integration with photonic systemsFamiliarity with scaling systems from prototype to volume productionUnderstanding of supply chain management and material supplier ecosystems in photonicsWhy us
Make impact at scale : Help solve one of computings biggest challengesmaking growing demand in compute and sustainability go hand in handWork on the leading edge : Photonic AI acceleration technologies that will define the next decade of computing - already validated in production HPC environmentsOwn your work from day one : Broad autonomy and decision authority with direct impact on product success and the future of AI infrastructureFast-track your growth : Work on challenges with few industry precedentsevery problem you solve becomes new institutional knowledge and potentially industry-defining IPWorld-class team : Collaborate alongside a passionate international cross-functional team of experts in photonics processor design and AI systemsDirect access to leadership : Work closely with the companys founders including CEO Dr. Michael Förtsch and advisory board members who shaped the semiconductor industry (ARM Intel Infineon)Collaborative culture : Innovative work environment that values technical excellence open communication and pragmatic problem-solvingBe part of history : Join at the inflection point where photonic computing transitions from research to mainstreamyour contributions will shape this transformationWere looking for a technical leader who gets energized by developing novel photonic packaging solutions managing supplier partnerships and driving innovations that enable production systems to transform AI computing already today.
Ready to shape the future of photonic integration
We are looking forward to receiving your application!
is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
About us
Who we are and what we do
is a deep-tech scale-up developing photonic processing solutions that compute natively with light and deliver a scalable alternative to transistor-based systems. The analog co-processors are optimised for complex computations and enable energy-efficient performance for next-generation AI and HPC collaboration with the Institute for Microelectronics Stuttgart IMS CHIPS operates its own pilot line for photonic chips based on the material system Thin-Film Lithium Niobate TFLN. was founded by Michael Förtsch in 2018 and is headquartered in Stuttgart Germany.
Required Experience :
Senior IC
Key Skills
Electrical Engineering,System Design,Computer Networking,LabView,PCB,Triage,5G,Signal Processing,3G,Matlab,Systems Analysis,4G / LTE
Employment Type : Full-Time
Experience : years
Vacancy : 1