Full-Time
Photonic Integrated Circuit Design Engineer
Pixcel
1-10 employees
Hyperspectral Earth observation satellite constellation
Compensation Overview
$170k - $290k/yr
Matawan, NJ, USA
In Person
Hybrid work may be considered for exceptional candidates.
Master's, PhD
 Hardware Engineering (1) |
|---|
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- A Ph.D. with at least 2 years of industry experience or an M.S. with at least 5 years of industry experience is required.
- Prior experience with commercial photonic integrated circuit tape-outs and design for manufacturing is required.
- Proficiency in GDS-based layout tools, such as KLayout or similar tools, is required.
- Experience with Lumerical, Cadence Virtuoso, or similar electronic design automation tools is required.
- Demonstrated Python and MATLAB coding skills are required.
- Knowledge of commercial silicon photonics foundry processes is required.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills are required.
- Design novel photonic integrated circuits.
- Develop passive and active photonic components using simulation tools.
- Perform physical layout and design rule checking verifications.
- Manage research and development and production photonic integrated circuit tape-outs.
- Work with foundry partners to optimize process design kits.
- Collaborate with the engineering team on innovative product concepts.
Pixxel builds a constellation of hyperspectral imaging satellites to provide detailed Earth observation data. Hyperspectral tech captures hundreds of narrow spectral bands to identify the chemical composition of objects and surfaces, with Firefly and Honeybee satellites delivering daily global coverage at about 5-meter resolution over a 40-kilometer swath, plus the Aurora AI platform to analyze the data. The company sells this data and analytics in a B2B model to sectors like agriculture, energy, mining, government, and environmental monitoring, including contracts with the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office. Its goal is to act as a health monitor for the planet, turning vast spectral information into actionable, sector-specific insights and differentiating itself with end-to-end satellites plus software.
Company Size
1-10
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
N/A
Founded
2025
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See people who can refer or advise you
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Pixxel says Honeybee launches in 2026 will extend bands from 135 to 260.
- NSG UP42 partnered with Pixxel on March 16, 2026, opening Saudi distribution.
- Pixxel is still hiring in Bengaluru and posting image-quality roles during July 2026.
What critics are saying
- Honeybee remains unlaunched on August 7, 2026, leaving Pixxel dependent on Firefly.
- The NRO award starts at $300,000, too small to fund constellation economics.
- A Honeybee failure traps Pixxel in Firefly-only imagery, ceding SWIR leadership to competitors.
What makes Pixcel unique
- Firefly’s six operational hyperspectral satellites give Pixxel daily, proprietary spectral coverage since August 2025.
- Pixxel won NRO SCE awards on May 4, 2026, validating intelligence demand.
- IN-SPACe named Pixxel leader of India’s first privately-led national Earth-observation constellation on January 21, 2026.
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Benefits
Hybrid Work Options