Senior Research Engineer – Quantum Photonic Integrated Circuit Fabrication (all genders) / Job-[...]

Silicon Austria Labs; Villach; Vor Ort; EUR 60 000 - 80 000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research center in semiconductor technology in Villach is seeking a motivated researcher with a PhD in electrical engineering or applied physics to develop aluminum nitride-based quantum photonic integrated circuits. The role involves collaborating with teams, driving technology readiness, and contributing to documentation and IP generation. Competitive salaries starting at EUR 61,000 and various employee benefits are offered.

Leistungen

Meal allowance

Public transport subsidy

Family-friendly policies

Qualifikationen

• Proficiency in PIC fabrication, ideally with experience in R&D.
• Solid programming skills in Python for automation and data analysis.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.

Aufgaben

• Develop and fabricate photonic integrated circuits for quantum applications.
• Analyze device performance data and implement refinements.
• Contribute to IP generation and patent applications.

Kenntnisse

PIC fabrication

Programming in Python

Organizational skills

Collaborative work

Knowledge of photonics market trends

Ausbildung

PhD in electrical engineering or applied physics

Tools

KLayout

EBL lithography tools

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 a motivated researcher to support the development of 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.

Your Future Responsibilities Will Include

• Developing and fabricating photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for quantum applications
• Contributing to DOEs and AlN PIC process development
• Working hands‑on in the cleanroom and closely with SAL’s process engineering team
• Driving process integration, stability, and performance improvements for scalable fabrication
• Collaborating with the team (design, PDK development and characterization) to ensure high fabrication fidelity
• Analyzing device performance data and implementing feedback into process refinements
• Supporting the transfer of mature processes into SAL’s cleanroom platform
• Contributing to reporting, documentation, IP generation, and patent applications
• Supporting industry and academic collaborations within multidisciplinary projects

The successful candidate will be responsible for executing design of experiments (DOEs) in the cleanroom, developing and improving processes, and driving fabrication readiness toward high technology readiness levels (TRL). The candidate will contribute to the process integration, device performance optimization, yield improvement, and quality assurance.

Your profile

• PhD in electrical engineering, applied physics, or a related field, ideally with focus on integrated photonics (or MSc + equivalent work experience)
• Proficiency in PIC fabrication, preferably in R&D or pilot line environments
• Experience with layout tools (e.g. KLayout) and layout verification
• Hands‑on experience with lithography tools, particularly EBL, and process
• Knowledge of EBL job preparation from CAD to tool job files
• Solid programming skills in Python or similar (e.g. for automation, data analysis)
• Strong understanding of PIC component design and experimental characterization
• Strong organizational and documentation skills for technical reporting and IP generation
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams, including design, packaging, and testing
• Autonomous, passionate, well organized, enjoy working in a dynamic and multicultural team
• Knowledge of photonics market trends and technology roadmap is a plus
• Project management experience is an asset
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English

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

• The application window opens early July 2025, with reviews continuing through mid‑August.
• 1st Interviews begin in August/September, followed by a short technical task (two‑weeks deadline) for shortlisted candidates.
• After positive assessment, final candidates will be invited to a second round to present their solution in October.
• Final decisions are expected by late October or November, with most positions starting around January/February 2026.

If’re looking for a place to grow, collaborate, and make an impact, we’d love to hear from you.

About Us

Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is a top research center for Electronics and Software Based Systems (ESBS). With three locations (Graz, Villach, Linz), SAL is conducting research along the entire ESBS value chain in the areas of sensor systems, power electronics, intelligent wireless systems, microsystems and embedded systems to develop future-oriented solutions for industrial production, health, energy, mobility, safety and more. SAL brings together key players from industry, science and research and thus valuable expertise and know-how and conducts cooperative, application-oriented research along the value chain. Cooperative projects are co-financed by SAL and enable a fast and unbureaucratic project start. SAL is thus shaping the high‑tech location Austria and Europe and developing the future.

Innovation is our top priority and so are our employees. We are a family‑friendly company and support the compatibility of work and family as much as possible. That is why we have been awarded the Work and Family Certificate until 2026. But we are constantly working on new measures to offer our employees an environment where they feel good, healthy and motivated.