Layout Engineering Lead

Coherent Corp.; Sherman (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. seeks an experienced layout engineer to lead physical layout development for III-V laser products, including VCSELs and DFB lasers.

You will own layout architecture, mask design, and data preparation from concept through production release, while advancing rule methodologies and automated verification. The role requires 5+ years in semiconductor layout, with strong scripting and automation skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's/PhD in a technical field with layout experience.
• 5+ years semiconductor layout design experience required.
• Experience with III-V devices (VCSELs, DFB, PIC) preferred.
• Production mask sets and layout releases management experience.
• Strong understanding of PCM structures and process control.

Responsibilities

• Lead physical layout development for III-V laser products including VCSELs and DFB lasers.
• Own layout architecture, mask design, and mask data from concept to production release.
• Develop and maintain design rule methodologies, verification flows, and layout standards.
• Design process monitor structures, test patterns, and characterization vehicles.
• Develop automated DRC/LVS and data analysis solutions using Python, Tcl, Perl, or C++.
• Champion layout automation to improve productivity, consistency, and cycle time.
• Collaborate with process integration, device engineering, epitaxy, manufacturing, and product teams.
• Drive layout reviews and cross-functional design reviews through development phases.
• Support root cause investigations and corrective actions for layout-related issues.
• Establish and maintain layout guidelines, libraries, and reusable cells.

Skills

Semiconductor layout

Silvaco / Cadence

Python

Tcl

Perl

C++

DRC

LVS

Automation

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Optical Engineering, or related technical field

Master's or Ph.D. in related field preferred

Tools

Silvaco layout tools

Cadence

KLayout

Synopsys

Mentor Graphics

Python

Job description

• Lead physical layout development for III-V semiconductor laser products including VCSELs, DFB lasers, photonic devices, and related optoelectronic technologies.
• Own layout architecture, mask design, and mask data preparation from concept through production release.
• Develop, maintain, and improve design rule methodologies, verification flows, and layout standards to ensure manufacturable and robust designs.
• Design and implement process monitor structures, test patterns, and characterization vehicles to support process development, process control, yield improvement, and reliability monitoring.
• Develop automated Design Rule Check (DRC), Layout Versus Schematic (LVS), verification, and data analysis solutions using scripting and programming languages such as Python, Tcl, Perl, or equivalent.
• Champion layout automation initiatives to improve design productivity, consistency, quality, and cycle time.
• Collaborate closely with process integration, device engineering, epitaxy, manufacturing, and product engineering teams to ensure layouts meet design, process, reliability, and manufacturing requirements.
• Drive layout reviews and cross-functional design reviews throughout product development and qualification phases.
• Support root cause investigations and failure analysis activities by evaluating potential layout-related issues and implementing corrective actions.
• Establish and maintain layout design guidelines, libraries, reusable cells, and best practices.
• Coordinate mask revisions and change management activities while ensuring configuration control and documentation accuracy.
• Lead multifunctional teams in resolving layout, manufacturability, and process integration challenges.
• Mentor layout engineering techs and provide technical guidance on layout methodologies, DRC compliance, automation, and semiconductor process interactions.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead physical layout development for III-V semiconductor laser products including VCSELs, DFB lasers, photonic devices, and related optoelectronic technologies.
• Own layout architecture, mask design, and mask data preparation from concept through production release.
• Develop, maintain, and improve design rule methodologies, verification flows, and layout standards to ensure manufacturable and robust designs.
• Design and implement process monitor structures, test patterns, and characterization vehicles to support process development, process control, yield improvement, and reliability monitoring.
• Develop automated Design Rule Check (DRC), Layout Versus Schematic (LVS), verification, and data analysis solutions using scripting and programming languages such as Python, Tcl, Perl, or equivalent.
• Champion layout automation initiatives to improve design productivity, consistency, quality, and cycle time.
• Collaborate closely with process integration, device engineering, epitaxy, manufacturing, and product engineering teams to ensure layouts meet design, process, reliability, and manufacturing requirements.
• Drive layout reviews and cross-functional design reviews throughout product development and qualification phases.
• Support root cause investigations and failure analysis activities by evaluating potential layout-related issues and implementing corrective actions.
• Establish and maintain layout design guidelines, libraries, reusable cells, and best practices.
• Coordinate mask revisions and change management activities while ensuring configuration control and documentation accuracy.
• Lead multifunctional teams in resolving layout, manufacturability, and process integration challenges.
• Mentor layout engineering techs and provide technical guidance on layout methodologies, DRC compliance, automation, and semiconductor process interactions.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Optical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum 5 years of semiconductor layout design experience required.
• Minimum 3 years of direct experience with III-V optoelectronic devices such as VCSELs, DFB lasers, edge-emitting lasers, photonic integrated circuits (PICs), or similar technologies preferred.
• Demonstrated experience developing production mask sets and managing layout releases for semiconductor products.
• Experience designing process control monitor (PCM) structures, test keys, and process characterization patterns.
• Strong understanding of semiconductor fabrication processes and how process interactions impact physical layout and device performance.

Skills

• Expert-level experience with semiconductor layout tools, preferably Silvaco layout solutions. Experience with equivalent EDA platforms such as Cadence, KLayout, Synopsys, Mentor Graphics/Siemens EDA, or similar tools will also be considered.
• Strong understanding of physical layout design principles, mask design, DRC, LVS, and semiconductor manufacturing constraints. Proficiency in programming and automation using Python, Tcl, Perl, C++, or similar languages.
• Experience developing custom verification tools, automated design rule checks, layout generators, or workflow automation solutions.
• Hands-on experience with VCSEL, DFB laser, photonic integrated circuit (PIC), or related optoelectronic device layouts.
• Strong knowledge of lithography, etch, metallization, dielectric deposition, implantation, and other semiconductor fabrication processes.
• Familiarity with semiconductor manufacturing operations, process control methodologies, and change management systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate complex layout-process interactions.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills with demonstrated ability to influence and drive actions across multifunctional engineering teams.
• Self-motivated and capable of leading projects in a fast-paced product development environment.
• Experience with statistical analysis tools such as JMP, Minitab, or equivalent is a plus.

Working Conditions

• Normal office environment

Physical Requirements

• Work in a class 100/1000 clean room for extended periods
• Wear full cleanroom attire (smock, mask, etc.)
• Work with and/or around chemicals (such as solids and acids)
• Stand for up to 4 hours at a time
• Lift up to 16-30 Pounds
• Push/Pull up to 16-30 pounds
• Sit for up to 4 hours at a time

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Quality And Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail].

About Us

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!

Note to recruiters and employment agencies:

We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.