Field Application Engineer (Integrated Photonics)
Proof-Backed Reasoning Startup · Boston, MA, United States ·
- Category
- Solutions engineering
- Experience
- 5+ years
Proof-Backed Reasoning Startup · Boston, MA, United States ·
We're building a new class of AI systems designed to reason with the rigour of the scientific method. Combining deep learning with formal logic and physics-based modelling, our platform creates verifiable, interpretable AI that accelerates real engineering workflows - not replaces them.
Our mission: a 30× improvement in the speed, accessibility, and cost of semiconductor and photonic hardware development by 2030. We're at an early, high-conviction stage - and the team we're building reflects that.
This is not a pre-sales support role.
You'll sit at the intersection of photonic engineering, scientific AI, and customer deployment - working directly with PIC designers, EDA vendors, and foundry partners to translate complex, real-world engineering challenges into structured, AI-assisted workflows on our platform.
You're expected to own the technical relationship. That means identifying bottlenecks, architecting deployable solutions, and integrating AI-assisted processes into live engineering environments - not just demoing features.
The role offers a clear path into technical leadership in AI-assisted engineering and workflow architecture.
Architect AI-assisted workflows for photonic design, verification, and yield improvement - enabling customer teams to move faster without compromising manufacturability
Translate complex engineering processes (simulation setup, compact modelling, variability analysis, layout-aware optimisation, measurement interpretation) into verifiable, physics-grounded workflows
Identify high-value bottlenecks and deliver solutions that integrate with existing EDA tools, simulation environments, and PDK ecosystems
Build models that improve design confidence, accelerate iteration cycles, and support analysis across process corners and fabrication variability
Feed customer learnings directly back into platform capabilities and product features
MSc or PhD in integrated photonics, electrical or telecommunications engineering, or related field
5+ years in photonic product development; experience reaching market deployment is highly valued
Hands-on with simulation and EDA tools (COMSOL, Ansys, RSoft, Cadence Virtuoso, Synopsys OptoCompiler, Luceda IPKISS, or similar)
Experience with advanced component design - high-speed modulators or photodiodes
Track record working directly with EDA vendors or photonic foundries to deliver technical solutions
Experience with multi-objective co-design
Excellent communicator - equally comfortable with device engineers, engineering managers, and enterprise stakeholders
Nice to have
Hands-on experience with modern AI tools: LLMs, APIs, agentic systems, orchestration frameworks
Python for scientific computing, workflow orchestration, or API integration
Familiarity with cloud/HPC infrastructure and enterprise deployment models
Experience working with R&D organisations on production software
Competitive compensation + equity (stock options)
Access to cutting-edge AI, physics, and EDA tooling
Direct collaboration with leading experts at the intersection of AI and hardware
Conference attendance, research engagement, and professional development
A team that cares about doing technically rigorous work - not just shipping fast
Hybrid - Boston or Toronto office
Remote - Singapore
After screen by TechTree:
30 min with Head of Photonics, Hiring Manager
30 min with Advisor (Professor, University of Toronto ECE)
45 min with the core team members - Technical Product Lead in PIC, Optoelectronic Measurements Lead, Research Engineer. Broader technical questions
Exec interview: CEO + Co-Founder + People & Culture Lead
References (in parallel with exec interview)
Offer