Photonics AI Engineer — Tapeout & AI-Driven Layout

Xanadu; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

Xanadu is hiring a Photonics AI Engineer to own layout and physical verification for fast-paced photonic circuit tapeouts. You will convert schematics into verified, tapeout-ready layouts and build agentic AI tools to automate generation, verification, and DOE/testing structures.

The role requires strong Python skills, experience with gdsfactory/IPKISS/KLayout, GDSII/OASIS, and end-to-end tapeout ownership from PDK to mask set. Equity and benefits accompany base salary.

Qualifications

• BSc in Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Strong Python skills with testing and version control.
• Experience with layout automation and photonic mask design.

Responsibilities

• Own GDS/OASIS mask layout end to end for test structures, path-finding vehicles, and production tapeouts.
• Translate schematics into verified device layouts using scripted frameworks.
• Own tapeout flow from PDK to tapeout with fast, repeatable processes.
• Build automated routing, floorplanning, and tooling for large-scale photonic circuits.
• Manage physical verification: DRC, LVS, and netlist integrity with custom decks.
• Develop agentic AI tooling for layout and verification and tapeout review packaging.
• Oversee tapeout process including reticle floorplan and sign-off criteria.
• Design test structures and on-chip monitors to answer design questions.
• Collaborate with designers, fabrication and test engineers to align with process capability.

Skills

AI tooling

Tapeouts ownership

Python

GDSII/OASIS

GDS layout automation

GDSII workflows

IPKISS

gdsfactory

KLayout

PDK familiarity

Education

BSc in Engineering/Physics

MSc/PhD in Engineering/Physics

Tools

gdsfactory

IPKISS

KLayout

GDSII/OASIS

Job description

Xanadu is hiring a Photonics AI Engineer to own layout and physical verification for fast-paced photonic circuit tapeouts. You will convert schematics into verified, tapeout-ready layouts and build agentic AI tools to automate generation, verification, and DOE/testing structures.

The role requires strong Python skills, experience with gdsfactory/IPKISS/KLayout, GDSII/OASIS, and end-to-end tapeout ownership from PDK to mask set. Equity and benefits accompany base salary.