TN Visa Photonics Engineer Jobs
Photonics Engineer roles qualify for TN visa sponsorship under the USMCA's Engineering category, requiring a bachelor's degree in photonics, optics, electrical engineering, or a closely related field. Canadian citizens can obtain TN status at the border or pre-clearance; Mexican citizens apply at a U.S. consulate. No lottery, no cap for Canadians.
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Get Access To All JobsNVIDIA has continuously reinvented itself over two decades. Our invention of the GPU in 1999 fueled the growth of the PC gaming market, redefined modern computer graphics, and revolutionized parallel computing. More recently, GPU deep learning ignited modern AI — the next era of computing. NVIDIA is a “learning machine” that constantly evolves by adapting to new opportunities that are hard to solve, that only we can address, and that matter to the world. This is our life’s work, to amplify human creativity and intelligence. Make the choice and join us today!
NVIDIA's Mixed-Signal Design (MSD) Photonics team is building the next generation of co-packaged optical interconnects to power the world's most advanced AI supercomputers. We are looking for a Principal Photonics IC Design Engineer to serve as the technical lead owning our photonics integrated circuit (PIC) product — from architecture definition through production tapeout and silicon validation.
What you will be doing:
- Own end-to-end PIC product delivery: architecture, design, layout, DRC/LVS verification, tapeout, and post-silicon validation on advanced silicon photonics platforms
- Lead cross-functional execution across photonic device, analog/mixed-signal, packaging, and systems teams
- Drive tapeout schedules, define design milestones, and resolve critical path issues across multiple concurrent PIC programs
- Architect optical transceiver PICs integrating modulators, photodetectors, wavelength multiplexing, waveguides, and optical couplers for high-speed and/or DWDM applications
- Define and improve PIC design methodology, automation (e.g., scripted DRC, parameterized cells), and verification flows in Cadence and related EDA tools
- Mentor and technically guide a team of photonics designers; set technical direction for the photonics PIC roadmap
What We Need to See:
- PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, or a closely related field with emphasis on integrated photonics, silicon photonics, or photonic device physics (or equivalent experience).
- 8+ years of industry experience in photonics IC design, with demonstrated progression into technical leadership roles
- Deep hands-on expertise with Cadence design environment (Virtuoso, PCell development, SKILL scripting) for photonic IC layout and simulation
- Proven track record of production tapeouts — you have personally driven PICs from design through GDS signoff on a foundry silicon photonics process
- Strong understanding of photonic device physics: waveguides, passive/active components, ring/MZI modulators, photodetectors, optical couplers
- Demonstrated technical leadership: setting project scope, making architecture tradeoffs, driving cross-team alignment, and delivering on schedule
Ways to Stand Out From the Crowd:
- Experience with high-speed (>50 Gbaud) optical modulator or receiver PIC design for datacom/telecom applications
- Experience with DWDM PIC architectures (MUX/DEMUX, multi-channel transceivers, wavelength tuning)
- Familiarity with co-packaged optics (CPO) system requirements and advance packaging integration
- Experience with photonic circuit simulation and CAD tools (Ansys Lumerical, ZeMax, Cadence, MATLAB, Python and Verilog-A) and electromagnetic solvers (FDTD, FDE, EME)
- Track record of publications and/or patents in silicon photonics
Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 232,000 USD - 368,000 USD. You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.
Applications for this job will be accepted at least until August 16, 2026. This posting is for an existing vacancy.
NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.
NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.
NVIDIA has continuously reinvented itself over two decades. Our invention of the GPU in 1999 fueled the growth of the PC gaming market, redefined modern computer graphics, and revolutionized parallel computing. More recently, GPU deep learning ignited modern AI — the next era of computing. NVIDIA is a “learning machine” that constantly evolves by adapting to new opportunities that are hard to solve, that only we can address, and that matter to the world. This is our life’s work, to amplify human creativity and intelligence. Make the choice and join us today!
NVIDIA's Mixed-Signal Design (MSD) Photonics team is building the next generation of co-packaged optical interconnects to power the world's most advanced AI supercomputers. We are looking for a Principal Photonics IC Design Engineer to serve as the technical lead owning our photonics integrated circuit (PIC) product — from architecture definition through production tapeout and silicon validation.
What you will be doing:
- Own end-to-end PIC product delivery: architecture, design, layout, DRC/LVS verification, tapeout, and post-silicon validation on advanced silicon photonics platforms
- Lead cross-functional execution across photonic device, analog/mixed-signal, packaging, and systems teams
- Drive tapeout schedules, define design milestones, and resolve critical path issues across multiple concurrent PIC programs
- Architect optical transceiver PICs integrating modulators, photodetectors, wavelength multiplexing, waveguides, and optical couplers for high-speed and/or DWDM applications
- Define and improve PIC design methodology, automation (e.g., scripted DRC, parameterized cells), and verification flows in Cadence and related EDA tools
- Mentor and technically guide a team of photonics designers; set technical direction for the photonics PIC roadmap
What We Need to See:
- PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, or a closely related field with emphasis on integrated photonics, silicon photonics, or photonic device physics (or equivalent experience).
- 8+ years of industry experience in photonics IC design, with demonstrated progression into technical leadership roles
- Deep hands-on expertise with Cadence design environment (Virtuoso, PCell development, SKILL scripting) for photonic IC layout and simulation
- Proven track record of production tapeouts — you have personally driven PICs from design through GDS signoff on a foundry silicon photonics process
- Strong understanding of photonic device physics: waveguides, passive/active components, ring/MZI modulators, photodetectors, optical couplers
- Demonstrated technical leadership: setting project scope, making architecture tradeoffs, driving cross-team alignment, and delivering on schedule
Ways to Stand Out From the Crowd:
- Experience with high-speed (>50 Gbaud) optical modulator or receiver PIC design for datacom/telecom applications
- Experience with DWDM PIC architectures (MUX/DEMUX, multi-channel transceivers, wavelength tuning)
- Familiarity with co-packaged optics (CPO) system requirements and advance packaging integration
- Experience with photonic circuit simulation and CAD tools (Ansys Lumerical, ZeMax, Cadence, MATLAB, Python and Verilog-A) and electromagnetic solvers (FDTD, FDE, EME)
- Track record of publications and/or patents in silicon photonics
Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 232,000 USD - 368,000 USD. You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.
Applications for this job will be accepted at least until August 16, 2026. This posting is for an existing vacancy.
NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.
NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.
See all TN Visa Photonics Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new TN Visa Photonics Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding TN Visa Sponsorship as a Photonics Engineer
Verify your degree maps to Engineering
TN visa approval depends on your degree field matching the Engineering category. A photonics or optical engineering degree clears this easily, but a physics or materials science degree needs supporting documentation showing direct relevance to the offered photonics role.
Target employers with active optics programs
Focus on defense contractors, semiconductor fabs, telecom hardware firms, and national research labs that run dedicated photonics or laser programs. These employers file TN support letters regularly and won't need educating on the sponsorship process.
Request a support letter that names your SOC code
Ask your employer to reference the Engineering occupational category and your specific duties in the TN support letter. A letter that describes generic engineering work is harder to adjudicate than one tied to photonic device design or optical system integration.
Check prevailing wage before accepting an offer
Use the OFLC Wage Search to confirm your offered salary meets the prevailing wage for your specific photonics role and work location. Wage compliance isn't a TN filing requirement, but underpayment can complicate future status changes or green card filings.
Use Migrate Mate to find photonics roles with TN sponsorship
Search Migrate Mate to identify photonics and optical engineering positions at employers already familiar with TN sponsorship. Filtering by TN-eligible roles cuts out the time spent explaining the visa category to recruiters who haven't seen it before.
Prepare for port-of-entry CBP review as a Canadian
Canadian citizens apply for TN status directly at the port of entry, so bring your degree transcripts, the employer support letter, and any professional credentials in a single organized packet. CBP officers review TN applications on the spot and may ask detailed questions about your photonics duties.
Photonics Engineer TN Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Photonics Engineer qualify for TN visa sponsorship?
Yes. Photonics Engineers qualify under the TN visa's Engineering occupational category, which covers engineers holding a baccalaureate or licenciatura degree. Your degree must be in photonics, optical engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related discipline, and your job duties must align with engineering work as defined under USMCA.
How does the TN visa compare to H-1B for Photonics Engineers?
The TN visa has no annual lottery and no cap for Canadians, so you can start a photonics role without waiting for an annual selection cycle. H-1B visa requires employer sponsorship through a lottery with limited slots each fiscal year. TN is employer-specific and non-immigrant, so it doesn't build toward a green card the way H-1B can, but it's far faster to obtain for qualifying photonics roles.
What documents does a Photonics Engineer need for a TN application?
You'll need a valid passport, a detailed employer support letter describing your photonics duties and confirming your engineering-level role, and your official degree transcripts or diploma. If your degree is in a related field like physics or materials science, include any additional documentation showing its direct relevance to photonics engineering work.
Where can I find Photonics Engineer jobs with TN visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate lists photonics and optical engineering positions at employers already familiar with TN sponsorship. Searching there lets you focus on companies that understand the visa category and won't require you to explain the USMCA Engineering classification from scratch during the recruiting process.
Can a Mexican citizen get TN status as a Photonics Engineer?
Yes, but the process differs from Canada. Mexican citizens must apply for a TN visa at a U.S. consulate rather than at a port of entry, and USCIS adjudicates the petition. The Engineering occupational category and degree requirements are identical, but consular appointment wait times can add weeks to the timeline compared to the Canadian border process.