ICON Photonics, a CNRS spinoff based on a decade of research, develops wafer-level microfabrication-based photonics packaging solutions targeting optical transceivers, quantum photonics, LiFi, LIDAR, and sensing. The company aims to become a global reference supplier for next-generation optical connectivity, addressing miniaturization and high-bandwidth assembly challenges. It was a grand prize winner in the French Ministry of Higher Education’s i-Lab competition and named one of the top 100 startups to invest in during 2022.

The firm is recruiting an R&D Photonics Engineer to drive optical system development from modeling and design to experimental characterization, leveraging its proprietary polymer-based wafer-level micro-optics. The role includes building and implementing a packaging and assembly line that integrates optics with electrical interconnections compliant with Telcordia, quantum, and space environmental standards. Applications span fiber optics, free-space communications, and sensing, with an emphasis on continuous innovation.

Core responsibilities encompass designing 3D polymer micro-optic functionalities (focusing, collimation, beam shaping), engineering packaging lines that account for electrical and mechanical requirements, and performing optical characterization of on-chip micro-optics. The engineer will also conduct RF and microwave testing of ultra-high-speed optoelectronic and electro-optic devices, run reliability test plans, and develop bench setups from R&D to industrial scale. Assembly and packaging of optoelectronic devices into high-speed modules, along with creating detailed engineering documentation (qualification plans, validation reports, specifications, procedures), round out the duties.

Candidates must hold a PhD in photonics or a related field, with deep knowledge of optical microwave, microelectronics, and optoelectronics. Expertise in electromagnetic propagation, semiconductor lasers, photodetectors, optical fiber and free-space communications is essential. Strong numerical and analytical modeling skills using tools such as RSoft, Zemax, COMSOL, Lumerical, CodeV, MATLAB, Python, ADS, and Cadence are required, as is hands-on familiarity with optical microwave measurements. Fluency in both French and English (B2 minimum), self-motivation, and excellent communication skills are mandatory; some prior experience is expected.

The position offers the chance to work at the interface of research and industry in a fast-paced startup environment, embedded within an international team and an elite CNRS laboratory setting. Based at the ESIEE Paris scientific campus in Marne-la-Vallée (connected by RER A and the upcoming Grand Paris Express), the role starts in October/November 2022 with some flexibility. Applicants should submit a CV and cover letter to join-us@icon-photonics.com.

About ICON Photonics

ICON Photonics is a technological company offering advanced photonics packaging solutions for

multiple applications such as Optical Transceivers, Quantum Photonics, LiFi, LIDAR and Sensing. ICON

Photonics ambition is to become the global reference suppliers of photonics market leaders with

cutting-edge technologies enabling the next generation optical connectivity. Based on 10-years of

research, ICON Photonics is a spinoff from a CNRS technological Center. The solutions developed by

company tackles the miniaturization, bandwidth and assembly integration challenges of photonics

industries based on an integrated packaging platform using wafer-level microfabrication processes.

ICON Photonics was awarded by the highly selective and prestigious i-Lab innovation competition,

organized by the French Ministry of higher education, research, and innovation. It was particularly

noticeable with one of the ten grand prizes given by a national jury awarding particularly remarkable

projects focusing on one of today’s major societal challenges. The company was also listed among the

100 start-ups where to invest in 2022.

The Role

The successful candidate will be in charge of the development of optical systems, their modeling, design

and experimental characterization, exploiting original wafer-level micro-optics in a polymer-based

technology. The candidate will also be responsible to develop and implement the packaging and

assembly line, combining the optics with electrical interconnections that must be compliant in different

environment conditions (Telcordia, quantum, space, etc.)

The applications will be oriented toward fiber optics, free space communications and sensing. The

candidate will bring her/his experience in the design, test and packaging of such optical microsystems

developed at the chip/wafer level. The work will be focused on the research and development of ICON

Photonics solutions following a continuous innovation cycle.

Major Responsibilities / Tasks

Design of photonics integrated packaging solutions:

1. Optical modelling and design of 3D polymer micro-optics technology with different

optical functionalities such as focusing, collimation and beam shaping/forming;

2. Design of packaging and assembly lines taken into account the electrical interconnection

and the mechanical requirements.

Optical characterization and testing of the on-chip micro-optics.

RF and Microwave characterization of ultra-high-speed optoelectronics and electro-optics

devices and sub-assemblies

Operate reliability tests plans for thermal, microwave, photonics behavior

Innovate, develop and maintain original bench setups from R&D to industrial production

Create, develop and implement the assembly and packaging of optoelectronic devices into highspeed modules

Create, develop and maintain detailed engineering documentation such as qualification plans,

validation reports, component specifications/drawings, reports, test procedures and work

instructions.

Major Desired Skills

PhD degree in Photonics or related field

Strong knowledge of Optical Microwave, Microelectronics, Optoelectronics. Good

understanding of electromagnetic propagation, semiconductor lasers, photodetectors, optical

fiber communications, free space optics and other optoelectronic device theory.

The candidate should also possess strong numerical and analytical modeling skills to support

process, device or system designs in optics, microwaves and mechanics (e.g. RSoft, Zemax,

COMSOL, Lumerical, CodeV, Matlab, Python, ADS, Cadence, etc.)

Familiarity with optical microwaves measurements and laboratory instrumentation.

Language : French and English, strong written and verbal communications skills

Strong motivational and self-learning skills

Strong communication, interpersonal, and related skills

First experience

We offer

Become a R&D photonics engineer, member of a technological startup building the bridge

between research and industry into an international dimension

Experience a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment

Opportunity to join a dynamic and highly motivated international team

Scientific research environment of excellence (CNRS laboratories)

Application details:

Starting Date: Oct./Nov. 2022 (flexible)

Language: both French and English required (B2 minimum)

Location : ESIEE Paris scientific campus. Paris region – Marne-la-vallée, East side. Connected to

the RER A and upcoming Grand Paris Express

Contacts: Send CV and motivation letter to join-us@icon-photonics.com

ICON Photonics SAS, 2B rue Alfred Nobel, 77420 Champs-sur-Marne, France

www.icon-photonics.com ; join-us@icon-photonics.com

The post R&D Photonics Engineer appeared first on EPIC Photonics.