(PostDoc) Senior Research Engineer – Quantum Photonic Integrated Circuit Fabrication (all gende[...]

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 atemporary PostDoc 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, depending on the overall project situation 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 PIC for quantum communication, sensing, and metrology.
Your future responsibilities will include:

• Developing and fabricating photonic integrated circuits(PICs)for quantum applications
• Contributing toDOEs andAlNPIC 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 within the team (design,PDK developmentandcharacterization)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 Leadership responsibilities

Your Scientific responsibilities

Your profile

• PhD in electrical engineering, applied physics, or a related field, ideally with focus on integrated photonics
• ProficiencyinPICfabrication, 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 ofPICcomponentdesign 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

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 asecond 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.