Optical Transmission System Researcher  

Shape the next generation optically connected computing 

We are seeking a highly skilled Optical Transmission System Researcher to join our cutting-edge research team at imec in Eindhoven. As an Optical Transmission System Researcher in Optical Connected Computing, you will focus on designing and simulating optical transmission systems, including optical IMDD and coherent/coherent-lite schemes. You will be responsible for developing photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and/or the related electronic integrated circuits (EICs) based on Silicon, III-V, and SiN materials. In addition, you will model and optimize optical components such as modulators, detectors, lasers, and passive devices in close collaboration with device design engineers to enable scalable, energy-efficient computing architectures. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, along with proficiency in simulation tools and programming, is essential. 

What you will do

You will contribute to the development of next-generation optical interconnect technologies for high-performance computing (HPC) and data centers (DCs).  

• Optical Transmission Systems: Design and optimize optical transmission systems, including optical IMDD and coherent transmission schemes. 
• System Simulations: Conduct system-level simulations using VPIphotonics (considered a plus), Lumerical INTERCONNECT, and other similar simulation tools. 
• System Implementations: Conduct system-level experiments using internally designed lasers, modulators, passive devices, and photodetectors (PDs). 
• System Evaluations: Perform system-level performance analysis using key metrics such as BER, EVM, OSNR, eye diagrams, and constellation plots. 
• Integrated Photonic Systems: Develop and simulate integrated photonic circuits across Silicon, III-V, and SiN material platforms using Lumerical simulation tools (FDTD, MODE, INTERCONNECT). 
• Device Modeling: Model and evaluate optical devices, including lasers, modulators, detectors, and passive components for high-speed communication, in collaboration with device designers. 
• Collaborations: Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support the co-integration of PICs and EICs. 
• Outputs: Document technical findings and contribute to technical reports and peer-reviewed publications. 

What we do for you

We offer a challenging environment at the forefront of technology, in an international network of renowned industrial customers. This is your opportunity to bring new technologies to the market that will have an impact on tomorrow’s society.  

Imec, as an employer of choice, offers you an attractive compensation and benefits package including a 100% employer-paid pension plan and flexible working hours. Furthermore, imec offers a wide range of training possibilities. For international candidates, we provide support in the relocation process.  

By joining the PICSYS team in Eindhoven, you will be part of a team of disruptive innovators and thinkers. Together, with our researchers and engineers, you will work on a variety of topics, including healthcare, mobility and communications. Opportunities for professional growth and contribution to impactful innovations in HPC and DC interconnects. We invite you to be part of our ambitious team where your ideas will have an impact on our society and our future lives.  

Who you are

• PhD with an additional 3+ years of experience in Optics, Photonics, Optical Communications, or a related field. 
• Strong hands-on experience in optical transmission technologies (IMDD and coherent systems). 
• Demonstrated expertise in optical communication system design and experimental validation, including fiber-based systems and photonic integrated circuits (PICs). 
• Proven hands-on experience in integrated photonic circuit design, particularly across platforms such as Silicon, III-V materials, and SiN. 
• Good understanding of key optical components, including modulators, detectors, lasers, and passive components. 
• Proficient in simulation tools (e.g., VPIphotonics, Lumerical) and programming languages such as Python and MATLAB. 
• Knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) for optical communication systems is considered a plus. 
• Self-driven, analytical problem solver with excellent communication and collaboration skills. 

Interested

Please submit your complete resume along with a cover letter outlining your motivation and relevant experience. If you would like to learn more about the position, feel free to connect with Mayuri Nalawade, Talent Acquisition Specialist, at mayuri.nalawade.ext@imec.nl.

Click on ‘apply’ to submit your application. You will then be redirected to e-recruiting.