The posting
Principal ASIC Engineer (Mixed-Signal)
About us:
Voyant Photonics is bushing the boundaries of silicon photonic chips that steer and switch light at high speed. They power next generation, chip-scale FMCW LiDAR for robotics and autonomy, and optical circuit switches (OCS) for AI data centers. Based in NYC, we’re a hands-on team designing, building, and deploying frontier hardware to solve problems that matter, from how machines see to how AI scales.
About the Role:
We're hiring our first Principal Mixed Signal ASIC Engineer to establish and lead our custom IC development program. This is a ground-floor opportunity to architect the ASIC strategy, select tools and processes, build a team, and deliver working silicon that directly enables our product roadmap. You'll work at the intersection of analog design, photonics, and high-volume manufacturing - solving technically challenging problems while enjoying the autonomy and impact of being the foundational technical hire in this domain.
The role starts hands-on (>80% IC design work) with a clear path to technical leadership and team management as we scale. If you're energized by the idea of taking full ownership - from concept through production silicon - this is your chance to define how we build ASICs.
Location: NYC preferred, with remote options available. If you're open to relocating, we’re happy to support you through the process.
What You'll Do:
- Drive analog tapeouts from concept to production across different technology nodes (130 nm and below, including BCD processes)
- Design ultra-low-noise transimpedance amplifiers (TIAs) achieving low pA/√Hz noise performance
- Develop mixed-signal circuits including amplifiers, ADCs, DACs, and power management blocks that interface directly with photonic ICs
- Establish the ASIC development environment: select and deploy EDA tools, define design flows, and set standards for verification and validation
- Collaborate closely with photonics designers, systems engineers, and FPGA/digital design teams to ensure seamless co-design
- Provide HDL and architectural input to our external digital design partner (you won't own place-and-route for advanced node digital, but you'll guide the requirements)
- Hire and mentor a small team of analog and digital IC designers
What We're Looking For
- 7+ years of experience in analog and mixed-signal IC design with an 80/20 analog-to-digital focus
- Proven track record leading multiple tapeouts from concept to production silicon
- Deep expertise in low-noise analog circuit design, particularly transimpedance amplifiers or similar precision front-end circuits
- Knowledge of test plan development for analog ASICs at OSAT partners
- Strong understanding of mixed-signal design: ADCs, DACs, bias circuits, and power management
- Experience working in both mature nodes and interfacing with advanced node digital design
- Ability to hit the ground running: we need working silicon in 9-12 months
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills—you'll work across disciplines daily
Nice to Have
- Experience with photonic IC co-design or interfacing analog circuits with optical components
- Knowledge of advanced packaging techniques (chiplets, heterogeneous integration, 2.5D/3D)
- Background in design-for-manufacturability
- Understanding of commercial IP ecosystems, build vs buy tradeoffs, selection, and license negotiation
Life at Voyant
We build frontier hardware & systems from our lab and office in Midtown Manhattan, where optical tables, lab benches and electronics sit alongside traditional office space. Our work is hands-on and primarily in person, but we don’t run on a rigid 9-to-5. We partner with customers across time zones, so some calls start early or run late, and we adjust schedules around them. We run a high-trust, high-accountability environment: you’ll own meaningful work, move quickly and often wear more than one hat. Voyant provides catered lunch every day at HQ, and we’re a diverse group of food lovers from around the world who enjoy sharing food, culture and technical ideas around the lunch table.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Voyant Photonics is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital or partnership status, age, national origin, citizenship, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
