Photonic Design and Optimisation Engineer

LIGENTEC is a young, dynamic and strongly growing company, headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, near EPFL, close to the shore of Lake Geneva. We are developing Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) to world‑leading performance with our customers for applications in Quantum Technologies, LiDAR, Space, Biosensors and more.

• Design, simulation and optimisation of cutting‑edge passive and active photonic components (e.g., couplers, filters, modulators, photodiodes) for customer projects and strategic internal roadmaps, focusing on RF and CW domains.
• Inverse design and implementation of advanced design methodologies to push the limits of component performance.
• Hands‑on layout of photonic components and circuits, ensuring physical realization adheres to design intent, best practices and manufacturing constraints.
• Critical assessment of component and circuit performance by analysing complex experimental data and feeding insights back into the design cycle.
• Contributing to technical feasibility studies for customer projects, defining necessary component performance and architectural approach.
• Interface with Characterisation, Process and Yield Engineering teams to gather requirements, capabilities and support definition of test structures and test plans.
• Providing concise and clear documentation and reporting on design methodology, component performance and optimisation results.

• MSc or PhD in photonics, electrical engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 3+ years of hands‑on experience in advanced integrated optics design and optimisation in a top environment, preferably industrial.
• Proficiency in designing passive photonic components and complex circuits.
• Competence with layout tools (e.g., IPKISS) and best practices is required to effectively contribute to component layout.
• Strong proficiency in Python programming for simulation, optimisation and data analysis. Familiarity with code versioning (e.g., Git) for collaborative software development is a plus.
• Expertise in dataset analysis from photonic components and circuits.
• Familiarity with active components, heterogeneous integration and advanced design techniques (e.g., inverse design, topology optimisation) is a strong plus.
• Deep understanding of PIC manufacturing and test implications on design (design‑for‑testability and design‑for‑manufacturability).
• Collaborative, solution‑oriented mindset, and eager to learn and grow.
• Working proficiency in English.

• A flexible and dynamic start‑up work environment.
• Be a member of an international, diverse, customer‑focused and highly motivated team.
• Personal responsibility in your job and the chance to grow with us.
• Our passion to bring PICs to everyday life.

We look forward to receiving your full application, including:
1) your CV,
2) a statement of interest (relating the position to your skills), and
3) grade or work certificates.
Incomplete applications may not be considered.