PhD Intern, Silicon Photonics and Optical Communications at Marvell (Santa Clara and 8 Other US Sites)
Job Description
Marvell is hiring PhD interns in silicon photonics and optical communications in Santa Clara and eight other US locations. Interns join active design and research work on silicon photonics light engines for co-packaged and near-packaged optics, PAM4 and coherent DSPs for 1.6T and 800G optical links, and optical system modelling, and characterise designs in the lab. Candidates must be enrolled in a PhD with hands-on research in photonics, optical communications or high-speed signal processing.
At a glance
- Role: Ph.D. Intern, Silicon Photonics & Optical Communications (2604414)
- Locations: Santa Clara CA plus Irvine, Austin, Morrisville, Westlake Village, Chandler, Westborough, Burlington and Boise
- Posted: 10 September 2026
- Pay: $37 to $73 per hour
- Apply: open until filled (re-checked 13 October 2026)
About the PhD internship
- Design, simulate and characterise silicon photonic modulators, photodetectors, waveguides and optical engines
- Develop and validate DSP algorithms for PAM4 and coherent links
- Model optical systems and link budgets for data centre and co-packaged optics
- Work with analogue IC, packaging and systems teams
- Present research results to the engineering team
What Marvell is looking for
- Current enrolment in a PhD in electrical engineering, applied physics or a related field, with research in photonics, optical communications or signal processing
- Research experience in silicon photonic devices, optical transceivers, coherent or direct-detect links, or DSP
- Strong photonics and electromagnetics fundamentals
- Confident use of FDTD, MODE, Lumerical, MATLAB or similar
- Clear communication of research and design trade-offs
Nice to have
- PAM4 or coherent formats, FEC and equalisation
- Silicon photonics fabrication and DFM
- Co-packaged optics
- High-speed lab equipment
- TIAs, laser drivers and modulator front-ends
Pay and location
Marvell lists an expected base pay of $37 to $73 an hour, with intern benefits including medical cover and paid holidays.
How to apply
Apply through the official Marvell job posting. Marvell’s posting does not give a closing date, so the role is open until filled; ResearchJobs.in will re-check this listing on 13 October 2026. Check the posting for location and work-authorisation details before you apply.
See all our research engineer jobs, or browse more research jobs on ResearchJobs.in.
Hiring institution: Marvell
Official advertisement: marvell.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com
How to prepare for this application
- Research first: the posting wants real research, not coursework; lead with your thesis devices or algorithms.
- Pick a layer: say whether you fit devices, DSP or system modelling.
- No AI in interviews: Marvell bans AI tools during interviews.
- US sites: check your work authorisation for a US internship.
About Marvell
Marvell designs semiconductors for data infrastructure. Its optical team works on silicon photonics, PAM4 and coherent DSPs and co-packaged optics for AI data centres.
