Onsite Junior PIC Design Engineer — Photonics & Simulation

The Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO); Castelldefels; On-site; EUR 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fixed-term contract

Family allowance

Training in PIC design

Job summary

ICFO in Castelldefels, near Barcelona, invites applications for a junior researcher or engineer to design and numerically simulate integrated photonic devices and circuits. You will use FDTD, FEM, and eigenmode methods to optimize performance and develop fabrication-ready PIC layouts, collaborating with partners and internal teams.

The role emphasizes PIC design and simulation with opportunities for hands-on fabrication and experimental validation in a leading photonics environment.

Qualifications

• Design and numerical simulation of integrated photonic devices.
• Experience with electromagnetic simulation tools and modes.
• Programming and data analysis with Python/MATLAB.
• Familiarity with PIC platforms and fabrication processes.

Responsibilities

• Design and simulate integrated photonic devices and circuits.
• Perform electromagnetic and optical simulations using numerical methods (FDTD, FEM, eigenmode expansion).
• Optimize device performance considering loss, coupling, bandwidth, and footprint.
• Develop photonic circuits by combining building blocks and performing circuit simulations.
• Prepare PIC layouts for fabrication following PDK specs.
• Collaborate with fabrication partners during design reviews and tape-out prep.
• Analyze experimental results and compare with simulations for iterative improvement.
• Develop scripts and workflows for design automation and data analysis.
• Document methodologies and results in technical reports.

Skills

Photonic design

Numerical simulation

Python / MATLAB

EM tools

Data analysis

PDK / lithography basics

Education

BSc/MSc/PhD in Photonics/EE/Physics

Tools

Ansys/Lumerical

COMSOL Multiphysics

CST

RSoft

GDSII / KLayout

Job description

ICFO in Castelldefels, near Barcelona, invites applications for a junior researcher or engineer to design and numerically simulate integrated photonic devices and circuits. You will use FDTD, FEM, and eigenmode methods to optimize performance and develop fabrication-ready PIC layouts, collaborating with partners and internal teams.

The role emphasizes PIC design and simulation with opportunities for hands-on fabrication and experimental validation in a leading photonics environment.