Photonic Layout Engineer - Hybrid, Impactful PIC Design

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

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.