Photonic Layout Engineer

OpenLight; California; Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

OpenLight is seeking a driven engineer to create and maintain layouts of photonic devices and PICs. You’ll interact with a team of photonic component designers, PIC architects, and process engineers on a silicon photonics platform.

The role involves developing photonic layout automation, verifying mask data, and using tools like Synopsys OptoCompiler / ICV and KLayout. A degree in engineering is required, with strong Python scripting and semiconductor knowledge.

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Computer Science or related engineering discipline.
• Strong programming & scripting skills, preferably Python, and knowledge of semiconductor design.
• Experience with layout tools and design verification processes.

Responsibilities

• Participate in development and implementation of next-generation photonic design automation workflows.
• Perform physical verification of mask data to ensure manufacturability and design rules.
• Design layouts of photonic components and circuits using specialized tools.
• Maintain automated mask build workflows to generate GDS artwork.
• Collaborate with process engineers to ensure layout compatibility with evolving design rules.
• Analyze quality escapes, perform root-cause analysis, and drive improvements.

Skills

Python

Education

Electrical Eng / Applied Physics / CS degree

Tools

Synopsys OptoCompiler

ICV

GDSFactory

Luceda IPKISS

KLayout

Job description

You will create and maintain layouts of photonic devices and Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs). In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to work across the design and development of these PICS, having daily interactions with a team of talented photonic component designers, PIC architects, process engineers, process design kit (PDK) developers, and test engineers, ensuring quality layouts are implemented on OpenLight’s silicon photonics platform.

What You Will Do

• Participate in development & implementation of next-generation photonic design automation workflows
• Perform physical verification of mask data to ensure design and manufacturability requirements are met
• Use custom built and commercially available tools to design layouts of photonic components and circuits
• Maintain and execute automated mask build workflows to generate artwork in GDS file format
• Work closely with process engineers to ensure layout compatibility with rapidly developing design rules and guidelines
• Continuously monitor for quality escapes. Perform root cause analysis and drive improvements.
• B.S. or M.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Computer Science or related engineering discipline
• Strong programming & scripting skills (preferably Python)
• Knowledge of semiconductor design and/or fabrication
• Knowledge of optics and/or photonics theory and designExperience with version control, CI/CD pipeline software, Agile
• Proficiency in a commercial photonic layout tool (e.g., Synopsys OptoCompiler & ICV, GDSFactory, Luceda IPKISS, or KLayout)
• Strong problem solving, communication, organizational, interpersonal, and presentation skills.

About OpenLight

OpenLight Photonics is an innovative start-up at the forefront of photonic integration, commercializing our cutting-edge heterogeneously integrated silicon photonics platform. OpenLight has a PDK that supports customers designing Photonic ASICs (PASICs) for applications in communications, LIDAR, quantum computing, sensing, and more. OpenLight has over 300 patents covering the integration of many different active and passive components, such as tunable lasers, DFBs, SOAs, modulators, switches, filters, and detectors, onto a single, silicon photonics chip. Join us in an exciting start-up environment with ample opportunities for growth and professional development.

We continue with a hybrid schedule, with a standard of three days/week in office; you select the days you're in, based on what's best for your work priorities.

OpenLight's salary for technical roles is dependent on the skills and experience of the individual, their primary work location, and other parameters; annual salary will generally be somewhere between $130,000-$230,000. In addition to cash compensation, OpenLight offers incentive stock options (ISOs), generous insurance support, 401k matching, unlimited vacation, spot bonuses, and a positive work environment. If you are excited about solving challenging problems, advancing cutting-edge technology, and working with a highly collaborative team, we would love to hear from you.