Photonics Layout Engineer

Are you passionate about pushing the boundaries of photonic integrated circuit (PIC) technology? Lightium, a leading-edge photonics startup, is looking for a skilled Photonics Design R&D Engineer to drive the development of new layout and design methodologies for our innovative thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) platform. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the next generation of photonics solutions while collaborating with top academic institutions.

As a Photonics Layout Engineer, you will define, implement and execute the wafer-level and block-level designs and floor-planning of our internal and customer designs in our TFLN-based PIC platform. Your contributions will be pivotal in continuing the innovation at the design level using state-of-the-art software packages, bringing our cutting-edge photonic technologies from concept to mass production.

• Photonic Design: Develop and optimize various photonics PDK components, including passive, electro-optics, and active components based on TFLN using FEM or FDTD simulation methods in Lumerical or COMSOL.
• PDK Development: Develop, implement, and maintain the PDK in various EDA design software, such as Nazca, Luceda, and Synopsys. This PDK encompasses both layouts and physical models of each component.
• PIC Circuits Layout: Model and simulate PIC designs (including GDS layouts) at the circuit level, focusing on innovative solutions to improve performance and reliability.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with the fabrication team to ensure designs are manufacturable and meet quality standards, and implement the PDK physical models based on statistical measurements.
• Customer Guidance: Provide technical support and expertise to our sales and marketing teams, assisting in customer engagement and product specification.
• Technical Expertise: Stay up-to-date with industry trends and advancements in PIC technology and design methodologies.
• Documentation: Document and maintain comprehensive records of PDK revisions, updates, and usage guidelines.
• EU Projects: Participate in and contribute to international, national, and public-funded projects (e.g., Horizon Europe), including at the technical level and in grant writing and reporting.

• Technical: GDS mask generation, floor-planning and block-level design of cutting-edge photonic components for internal and external stakeholders.
• Design: Translating block-level specifications into photonic designs together with our RF and optical simulation engineers.
• Simulation: Supporting Lightium’s simulation activities by contributing to optical and RF simulations using state-of-the-arts simulation environments.
• PDK Development: Supporting Lightium’s PDK development by providing block-level functional models and statistical models involving fabrication and process tolerances.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the R&D teams from design, processing, fabrication to optical testing and characterization, contributing to cross-functional projects to advance our PIC technologies.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain thorough documentation of design data and report findings, as well as implement work instructions and scripts for mask generation.
• Innovation: Stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in photonics, incorporating new metrology techniques and technologies into our R&D landscape.

• A unique opportunity to lead a cutting-edge manufacturing initiative in the rapidly growing field of photonics.
• A collaborative and innovative work environment where your contributions will shape the future of telecommunications, datacom, and beyond.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package, including employee stock option plan (ESOP) that reflects your experience and expertise.
• Become a key player in an early-phase startup and join a young, motivated, and energetic team. You will have the unique opportunity to create, grow, and develop your professional skills at a fast pace.

We’d love to hear from you if you’re passionate about building new tech from the ground up and thrive in a collaborative and result-driven environment. Lightium is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.