Photonics Design Verification Engineer - 100%

Lightium AG; Zürich; On-site; CHF 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

Pillar Two

Generous vacation

Job summary

Lightium AG in Zürich seeks a Photonics Design Verification Engineer to drive verification for our thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) platform. Define and implement verification procedures, and perform hands-on validation of high‑speed electro‑optical designs for internal and external customers.

You will collaborate with R&D, design and test teams, ensure DRC/LVS cleanliness, and contribute to Lightium’s IP portfolio in a fast-paced startup environment.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree required in photonics or related field.
• Minimum 3 years in chip design or photonic circuit design.
• Experience with integrated photonics platforms (TFLN, silicon photonics).
• Proficiency in DRC/LVS and mask generation.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Define, establish and coach state-of-the-art verification procedures for electro-optical circuits.
• Hands-on verification of designs for internal and external customers at high bandwidths (>100 GHz).
• Ensure DRC/LVS compliance and adherence to specifications.
• Collaborate with R&D, design, testing and customer teams; occasional travel.
• Maintain thorough documentation and SOPs; train new colleagues.

Skills

Design verification

High-speed photonics

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Documentation

Customer engagement

Communication

Education

PhD or MSc in Photonics/Electrical Engineering

Tools

Luceda

GDSFactory

Cadence

Synopsys

SiN/MQ/mask tools

Job description

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 Verification Engineer to spearhead the verification of designs end establish new procedures for the verification of internal and external designs in 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 leading customers in the optics and photonics field.

Position Summary

As a Photonics Design Verification Engineer, you will define, implement and drive the design verification process geared to advance our TFLN-based PIC platforms. Your contributions will be pivotal in continuing and improve the design quality of Lightium’s internal and external customers ranging from telecom, datacenter and AI customers over RoF and PON until leading customers in the quantum space.

Key Responsibilities

Procedures: Define, establish and coach best-in-class state-of-the art design verification procedures for electro-optical circuits in leading photonics design software packages, such as Luceda, GDSFactory, Synposis and Cadence in collaboration the respective EDA tool vendors.

Technical Work: Conduct hands-on design verification on designs of internal and external customers with high-speed designs with bandwidths exceeding 100 GHz. Strong background in optical chip design and microwave photonics is required.

Customer engagement: Work with leading tier-1 customers in the photonics space and ensuring that their designs are DRC clean, LVS clean and that the designs are done according to system-level and block-level specifications

Collaboration: Work closely with the R&D teams from design to optical testing and characterization, contributing to cross-functional projects to advance our TFLN technologies. Occasional travel to Lightium’s customers and test partners.

Documentation and Reporting:Maintain thorough documentation and report findings, as well as establishing standard-operating procedures and training of new colleagues.

Innovation: Stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in photonics, incorporating new techniques and technologies into our metrology landscape. Contribution to Lightium’s IP portfolio.

What You’ll Bring

Educational Background: An advanced degree (PhD or MSc) in Communication, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

Experience: At least 3 years work experience in chip design, photonic circuit design, layout, design verification, system engineering or requirements tracking at industrial scale. This role requires prior experience with integrated photonics, such as TFLN, silicon photonics, SiN, InP or related photonics platforms.

Technical Skills: Proficiency in design verification, design rule check (DRC), layout vs schematic (LVS), mask generation, handling of larger GDS files is required. Industry experience with major EDA software packages like Luceda, GDSFactory, Cadence, Synopsis, and Siemens / Mentor Graphics is preferred.

Organization & Documentation: Strong organizational skills to plan your work schedule between multiple facilities, record your results and procedures follow facilities’ guidelines, and use best practices to maintain confidentiality.

Collaboration: Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team and with international customers.

Adaptability: The ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment, demonstrating flexibility and resilience in the face of change.

Language Skills: Fluency in English is required; knowledge of German, French or an Asian language is an advantage.

What We Offer

Competitive compensation and benefits package, including an employee stock option plan (ESOP), fully-covered Pillar Two, and generous vacation.

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.

Final Thoughts

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. Become a key player in an early-phase startup and join a motivated, and energetic team. You will have the unique opportunity to create, grow, and develop your professional skills at a fast pace. Lightium is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.