Photonic Layout Engineer

Socket.dev; Goleta (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

OpenLight is hiring a role to create and maintain layouts of photonic devices and PICs on its silicon photonics platform. You will interact with photonic component designers, PIC architects, process engineers, PDK developers, and test engineers to ensure high-quality layouts.

You will contribute to photonic design automation workflows, verify mask data, and generate GDS files while collaborating across teams on evolving design rules and rapid development cycles.

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Computer Science or related engineering discipline.
• Strong Python scripting skills.
• Knowledge of semiconductor design and fabrication.
• Knowledge of optics and photonics theory and design.
• Experience with version control, CI/CD, and Agile.
• Proficiency with commercial photonic layout tools listed in the ad.

Responsibilities

• Participate in development and implementation of next-generation photonic design automation workflows.
• Perform physical verification of mask data to meet manufacturability requirements.
• Use tools to design layouts of photonic components and circuits.
• Maintain automated mask build workflows to generate GDS artwork.
• Collaborate with process engineers to ensure layout rule compliance.
• Monitor for quality escapes and drive root-cause analyses and improvements.

Skills

Python

CI/CD

Agile

Problem solving

Education

B.S. or M.S. in EE / Applied Physics / CS

Tools

Synopsys OptoCompiler

ICV

GDSFactory

Luceda IPKISS

KLayout

Job description

The Role

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.

Your Background Includes

• 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 design

• Experience 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 is growing as customer adoption and industry momentum continue to accelerate. The rapid growth of AI and cloud infrastructure is driving unprecedented demand for faster, more energy-efficient optical connectivity. We are addressing this challenge through a platform approach that simplifies the development of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and accelerates industry adoption.

As part of our team, you will contribute to technologies that enable AI and hyperscale data centers, high-speed optical communications, advanced sensing applications, next-generation photonic integration, and more. Our team is collaborative and fast-moving, and you will have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions across technology, operations, and business growth.

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.