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

Silicon Austria Labs; Villach; Vor Ort; EUR 61 000 - 75 000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

Silicon Austria Labs seeks a motivated researcher for a role in the Integrated Photonics Technologies unit. Responsible for developing cutting-edge photonic integrated circuits for quantum applications, the candidate will work in a collaborative environment focused on innovation and scientific excellence. This temporary position offers an excellent opportunity for professional growth.

Leistungen

Meal allowance

Public transport subsidy

Family-friendly policies

Training opportunities

Healthy workplace initiatives

Qualifikationen

• Proficiency in photonic integrated circuits fabrication.
• Experience with research and pilot line environments.
• Solid organizational skills for reporting and documentation.

Aufgaben

• Developing photonic integrated circuits for quantum applications.
• Conducting experiments in a cleanroom setup.
• Collaborating across teams for high-quality outcomes.

Kenntnisse

Programming in Python

Process optimization

Device performance analysis

Collaborative teamwork

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.

This opportunity is a temporary position with an expected duration of 3 years, aligned with the timeframe of the pilot line project. Continuation in a permanent role may be considered thereafter, subject to strong performance and future funding opportunities.

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 PICs 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 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, and 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 include 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 a competitive salary 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.

• 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 you'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). At three locations (Graz, Villach, Linz), SAL conducts research along the entire ESBS value chain in 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 industry, science, and research players, conducting cooperative, application-oriented research along the value chain. Cooperative projects are co-financed by SAL, enabling a fast and unbureaucratic start. SAL actively shapes Austria and Europe's high-tech future, fostering innovation and employee development.