Principal Analog Design Engineer

About Neurophos:

We are developing an ultra-high-performance, energy-efficient photonic AI inference system. We’re transforming AI computation with the first-ever metamaterial-based optical processing unit (OPU).

As AI adoption accelerates, data centers face significant power and scalability challenges. Traditional solutions are struggling to keep up, leading to rapidly rising energy consumption and costs. We’re solving both problems with an OPU that integrates over one million micron-scale optical processing components on a single chip. This architecture will deliver up to 100 times the energy efficiency of existing solutions while significantly improving large-scale AI inference performance.

We’ve assembled a world-class team of industry veterans and recently raised a $110M Series A led by Gates Frontier. Participants include M12 (Microsoft’s Venture Fund), Carbon Direct Capital, Aramco Ventures, Bosch Ventures, Tectonic Ventures, Space Capital, and others. We have also been recognized on the EE Times Silicon 100 list for several consecutive years.

Join us and shape the future of optical computing!

Location: Austin, TX. Full-time onsite position.

Reports To: Senior Director of Analog

Position Overview:

We are seeking a seasoned Principal Analog Design Engineer to play a vital role in developing cutting-edge full-custom electronic transceiver components that interface directly with our custom silicon photonics and are essential to our revolutionary photonic AI platform. You will be responsible for the full lifecycle of analog blocks, from specification and architecture down to tape-out-ready layout. Success in this role requires a deep understanding of transistor-level circuit design, linearity, noise performance, and signal integrity in CMOS processes up to GHz speeds. If you possess a proven track record of designing robust, ultra-fast analog circuits and are eager to work at the intersection of electronics and photonics, you will make a defining impact on the future of optical computing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, simulate, and verify high-speed analog circuits, such as drivers and transimpedance amplifiers, in deep sub-micron CMOS technologies.

• Define architecture and specifications for electronic blocks based on system-level requirements.

• Perform full-custom schematic capture, advanced analog simulations, and complete physical layout, including DRC/LVS, of critical analog blocks using Cadence Virtuoso.

• Ensure rigorous signal integrity and power integrity across all high-speed interconnects.

• Conduct post-layout extraction and simulation to validate performance against parasitic effects.

• Collaborate closely with the Photonics and Digital teams to optimize the electro-optic interface, maximizing performance across the combination of disciplines.

Qualifications:

• Degree: MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering.

• Experience: 10+ years of professional experience in full-custom analog integrated circuit design, 5+ years of dedicated experience in either GHz-speed RF or GHz-speed broadband analog design.

• Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated expert proficiency in the Cadence tool suite, specifically Virtuoso schematic, simulation, and custom layout.

• Deep understanding of semiconductor device physics, linearity, noise analysis, and high-frequency circuit theory.

• Proven track record of taking high-speed analog blocks from concept to mass production (successful tape-outs).

Preferred Skills:

• A background in photonic transceivers or optical communication electronics (e.g., experience with drivers for modulators, TIAs for photodetectors

• Experience designing high-speed power amplifiers (PAs).

• Proficiency in electromagnetic simulation tools such as EMX or HFSS.

• Experience with frequency domain simulation in Spectre RF.

What We Offer:

• A pivotal role in an innovative startup redefining the future of AI hardware.

• A collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment.

• Competitive compensation, including salary and equity options.

• Opportunities for career growth and future team leadership.

• Access to cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art facilities.

This is a rare opportunity to work on a game-changing technology at the intersection of photonics and AI. As part of our elite team, you’ll contribute to a platform that redefines computational performance and accelerates the future of artificial intelligence. Be a key player in bringing this transformative innovation to the world.