(PostDoc) Senior Research Engineer – Quantum Photonic Integrated Circuit Design and PDK develop[...]

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 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 an experienced and motivated researcher to contribute to design and PDK development for 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.
The successful candidate will contribute to the design workflow for PDK development of AlN quantum PICs, while supporting the process development and fabrication readiness toward high technology readiness levels (TRL). The candidate will support design, device performance optimization, yield improvement, and quality assurance.
Your future responsibilities will include:

• Designing photonic integrated circuits (passive components and modulators) for quantum applications based on AlN PIC platform
• Contributing to the development and validation of PDK components, including layout, simulation, and basic documentation
• Performing layout design using tools such as KLayout and assisting with design rule checks and GDS generation
• Performing layout manipulation to ensure compatibility with developed process flow
• Characterizing fabricated devices in the lab (optical/electrical testing) and analyzing measurement data
• Suggesting design improvements based on characterization results to enhance device performance and yield
• Supporting the integration of experimental feedback into updated designs and compact models
• Collaborating closely with process and fabrication teams to ensure high design-to-fab fidelity
• Contributing to reporting, documentation, publication, IP generation, and patent application
• Supporting industry and academic collaborations within multidisciplinary projects

Your Leadership responsibilities

Your Scientific responsibilities

Your profile

• PhD in electrical engineering, applied physics, or a related field, ideally with focus on integrated photonics
• Proficiency in PIC design and characterization, preferably in R&D or pilot line environments
• Experience with layout design tools (e.g., KLayout)
• Solid programming skills in Python or similar (e.g., for layout, data analysis)
• Strong understanding of cleanroom-based micro- and nanofabrication processes for photonics
• Knowledge and understanding of electron beam lithography processes
• Strong organizational and documentation skills for technical reporting and IP generation
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams, including fabrication, packaging, and testing
• Autonomous, passionate, well-organized, and able to 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

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, 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.