Senior Research Engineer – Quantum Photonic Integrated Circuit Design and PDK development (all [...]

Photonics Austria; Graz; Vor Ort; EUR 80 000 - 100 000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A pioneering research facility in photonics seeks an experienced researcher in Graz, Austria, to design photonic integrated circuits for quantum applications. You will contribute to PDK development, lab characterization, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams. A PhD or MSc is required, along with proficiency in microelectronics design and Python scripting. This role offers a supportive environment along with competitive salaries starting from €61,000 annually and additional benefits promoting work-life balance.

Leistungen

€4 meal allowance

Public transport subsidy

Internal training opportunities

Qualifikationen

• PhD (or MSc with equivalent work experience) in electrical engineering, applied physics, or related field.
• Proficiency in microelectronics design, ideally related to Photonic Integrated Circuits.
• Solid scripting skills, ideally in Python.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.

Aufgaben

• Design photonic integrated circuits for quantum applications.
• Contribute to PDK development including layout, simulation, and documentation.
• Characterize fabricated devices in lab and analyze measurement data.
• Collaborate closely with fabrication teams to ensure design-to-fab fidelity.

Kenntnisse

Microelectronics design

Scripting skills in Python

Organizational skills

Collaborative work

Communication skills in English

Ausbildung

PhD in electrical engineering or applied physics

Jobbeschreibung

Your future responsibilities

As part of the European Chips Act, Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is driving innovation in quantum and semiconductor technologies through its Quantum Pilot Lines.

Join our interdisciplinary teams at the interface of design and fabrication and enjoy Villach’s exceptional quality of life in the heart of the Austrian Alps. Be part of something bigger. Be part of Silicon Austria Labs.

The Integrated Photonics Technologies (IPT) research unit focuses on emerging photonic device approaches, including integrated photonics for quantum applications. We are seeking an experienced and motivated researcher to contribute to design and PDK development for aluminum nitride (AlN)-based quantum photonic integrated circuits (PICs) in SAL’s R&D cleanroom. The role bridges research and fabrication pilot line, supporting the development of next‑generation PIC for quantum communication, sensing, and metrology.

You will contribute to the design workflow for PDK development of AlN quantum PICs, while supporting the process development and fabrication readiness toward high technology readiness levels (TRL). You will support design, device performance optimization, yield improvement, and quality assurance.

Your future responsibilities will include:

• Designing photonic integrated circuits(passive components and modulators)for quantum applications based onAlN.
• Contributing to the development and validation of PDK components, including layout, simulation, and documentation.
• Generating layout from designandperforming design rule checks
• Characterizing fabricated devices in the lab (optical/electrical testing) and analyzing measurement data
• Designing improvements based on characterization results to enhance device performance and yield
• Collaborating closely with process and fabrication teams to ensure high design-to-fabfidelity
• Contributing to reporting, documentation,publication,IP generation, and patent application
• Supporting industry and academic collaborations within multidisciplinary projects

Your profile

• PhD (or MSc with equivalent work experience) in electrical engineering, applied physics, or a related field, ideally with focus on integrated photonics
• Proficiencyinmicroelectronics design,preferably in R&D or pilot line environments, ideally related to Photonic Integrated Circuits.
• Solid scripting skills, ideally in Python
• Strong organizational and documentation skills for technical reporting and IP generation
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams, e.g.with fabrication, packaging, testing…
• Autonomous, passionate, well organized, enjoying work in a dynamic and multicultural team
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, German is a plus

Important Facts about SAL

• Diverse research activities with many technical challenges
• State-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment
• Location in the heart of Europe in Austria – relocation support for non-European nationalities
• Internal and external training opportunities for career development
• Family & children friendly - actively shaping the compatibility of family and career
• “Vital4SAL” to promote a healthy workplace (e.g. SAL coaching pool, trainings on mental health, physical activities, healthy snacks, 24/7 accident insurance)
• € 4 per day meal allowance in restaurants or € 2 per working day in supermarkets
• Public transport initiative (subsidy for the “Klimaticket”)
• Our values:
  • Open door policy, flexibility in working hours, casual dress code, diverse teams, working with people of different nationalities, informal communication, lifelong learning,compatibility of family and career, sustainability, personal growth, and collective advancement

This position is subject to the Collective Agreement for employees in non-university research (Research CA) starting in occupational group E (E1 salary = EUR 3.963, paid 14 times a year) based on 38,5 hours per week. For this position we offer competitive salaries and additional benefits based on your experience and qualifications, starting with a minimum gross salary of EUR 61.000 (annual, based on an All-in contract).

Become part of Silicon Austria Labs

This is a unique chance to accelerate your scientific career at the forefront of Europe’s quantum and semiconductor research. If you're looking for a place to grow, collaborate, and make an impact, we’d love to hear from you.