Research Engineer – PDK Development (all genders) / Job-ID: 198-1

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 around 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 Responsibilities For This Role Include

• Interfacing device, materials, system architecture, and SAL microfab teams to understand device and process requirements for PDK.
• Interfacing the EDA and PDK design environment teams, for the integration of PDK utilities in our design environment.
• Creation and maintenance of PDK libraries, including parametrizable cells for the libraries,
• Creation and maintenance of PDK documentation, including design manuals and design rule documentation.
• Encapsulation of models within the PDK design environment.
• Creation and maintenance of required PDK back-end, including physical verification (DRC, LVS, PEX), layout/tapeout automation utilities, among others.
• PDK data analysis and generation, including reporting tools and automation scripts and macros for data processing.
• PDK foundry data handling, safekeeping and administration, including process, materials and design rules database management.

Your profile
Required Qualifications

• Completed academic education (minimum Bachelor´s degree) in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering; with relevant work experience in the fields mandatory (min. 5+ years).
• Proficiency in several scripting languages relevant for PDK development, such as Python or SKILL.
• Solid understanding of PDK development workflows and scope.
• Experience in creating and maintaining databases for documentation and workflow management.
• Willingness to relocate to Villach, Austria.

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with semiconductor processes and technologies.
• Experience setting up EDA tools and design environments across proprietary or open-access platforms and various operating systems.
• Hands-on experience with open-access (OA) tools, software, and environments.
• Previous involvement in PDK development for semiconductor or MEMS technologies.
• Industry experience in PDK development is a strong plus.
• Experience developing PDK utilities and components, including both front-end and back-end elements such as PCells, DRC, LVS, PEX, and layout/tapeout automation.

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 competitive salaries and additional benefits based on your experience and qualifications.

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 (max. 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 areas such as sensor systems, power electronics, intelligent wireless systems, microsystems, and embedded systems to develop future-oriented solutions for industry, 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 quick project starts. SAL shapes Austria and Europe’s high-tech future, fostering innovation and employee development. We are a family-friendly company supporting work-life balance, recognized by the Work and Family Certificate until 2026. We constantly improve measures to create a healthy, motivating environment.

Would you like to learn more about SAL?