Layout and Automation Design Engineer

Ligentec; Renges; On-site; CHF 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Ligentec’s Photonic Design Team seeks a dedicated Layout and Automation Design Engineer to ensure robust realization and scalable PIC designs. You will execute layout of passive and active photonic components, apply design rules, and contribute to library and automation tooling.

You will collaborate with Process and Yield teams, perform DRC/LVS checks, develop scripts, and document workflows to maintain high standards in the layout ecosystem.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in photonics required.
• 3+ years in integrated optics layout or automation.
• Proficient with GDS tools and design rules.
• Strong Python for automation and data handling.
• Familiarity with Git.

Responsibilities

• Layout photonic components and full circuits adhering to design rules.
• Contribute to component design and manufacturability feedback via DRC/LVS checks.
• Develop and maintain internal layout component library and automation scripts.
• Interface with Process and Yield Engineering teams to capture manufacturing requirements and design rules.
• Document layout procedures, scripts, and library components.
• Support data extraction and test planning aligned with layout features.
• Ensure rigorous version control and documentation of layouts.

Skills

Photonics degree/PhD level

Python programming

Layout best practices

GDS tools

IPKISS

Git version control

Data analysis

Education

MSc or PhD in photonics

Tools

GDSfactory

IPKISS

Job description

LIGENTEC’s Photonic Design Team is seeking a dedicated Layout and Automation Design Engineer to ensure the robust realization and efficient scaling of Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) designs. The successful candidate will be highly proficient in layout best practices and possess a strong programming background to drive automation and maintain the layout ecosystem.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Photonic Layout and Realization: Execute the layout of passive and active photonic components and full circuits for customer and strategic projects, strictly adhering to design rules and best practices.
• Contribute to Component Design: Actively contribute to component design and provide critical feedback on manufacturability by performing design rule checks (DRC) and layout vs. schematic (LVS) checks.
• Automation and Library Development: Develop, maintain, and contribute to the internal layout component library and automation scripts to enhance the efficiency of the design to layout flow, reduce layout cycle time, and enforce manufacturing guidelines.
• Process Interface: Interface directly with the Process and Yield Engineering teams to collect manufacturing requirements and design rules, and design necessary test structures to monitor fabrication capabilities.
• Layout Best Practices: Ensure all designs follow rigorous layout best practices, including meticulous version control and documentation of layout procedures and library components.
• Data Analysis Support: Support the characterization team with data extraction and test planning, linking experimental results to specific physical layout features.
• Documentation: Provide clear and complete documentation for all developed scripts, layout methodologies, and library components.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• MSc or PhD in photonics or a related field.
• Minimum of 3+ years of hands-on experience in integrated optics layout and/or automation programming in a top environment, preferably industrial.
• Expert competence with layout tools (e.g., GDSfactory, IPKISS) and deep understanding of layout best practices.
• Experience in designing passive photonic components is a strong plus for seamless integration within the design team
• Expert proficiency in Python programming for automation, scripting, and data handling. Familiarity with code versioning (e.g., Git) for collaborative software development is required.
• Familiarity with dataset analysis, linking experimental data to physical layout features.
• Deep understanding of PIC manufacturing and the implications of layout on yield (design-for-testability and design-for-manufacturability).
• Familiarity with active components and heterogeneous integration is a plus.
• Proactive, solution-oriented, and meticulous with details, seeking to maintain high standards in the layout ecosystem.
• Working proficiency in English.

What's in it for me?

We offer a unique career opportunity where you will directly impact our global expansion by translating our market-leading, next-generation photonics R&D into business success. You will be welcomed by an agile, international team of over 30 nationalities, valued for its enthusiasm, short decision paths, and open culture.

With us, you're empowered to drive strategy and make a tangible difference from day one, all within an environment that genuinely supports work-life harmony and professional development.