Principal ASIC Engineer (Mixed-Signal)

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