Photonics Layout Automation Engineer

HyperLight; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in integrated photonics seeks a Photonics Layout Automation Engineer to design and validate photonic integrated circuits. This role focuses on using script-driven tools for layout automation and requires strong programming skills. Join a fast-paced team making real-world impacts with cutting-edge technology.

Benefits

Competitive market-based compensation

Comprehensive health coverage

401(k) retirement plans with matching

Paid Parental Leave

Life and disability insurance

Commuter benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Qualifications

• 2+ years relevant work experience or equivalent advanced degree.
• Familiarity with Python ecosystem (numpy/scipy, pytest) preferred.
• Experience with semiconductor schematic capture, layout, LVS, and DRC.

Responsibilities

• Own the layout of high-performance photonic integrated circuits.
• Collaborate to define layout requirements and develop automation tool chains.
• Work with component designers on libraries and process design kits.

Skills

Programming principles

Collaboration

Software development

Python

Integrated photonics

Education

M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field

Tools

Git

SVN

KLayout

Job description

HyperLight is at forefront in commercialization of thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) integrated photonics - a material and process technology that is enabling high-performance, scalable optical components across AI/datacom infrastructure, hyperscale computing, quantum computing, sensing, and beyond. Founded in 2018 and backed by leading venture capital, we've built a team and a platform focused on real-world mass deployment of TFLN photonics technology.

At the core of our work is the TFLN Chipletplatform - a modular, integrated architecture designed for scalability, manufacturability, and seamless integration into complex systems. It offers a rare combination of extraordinary performance and industrial readiness, enabling system developers across applications to deploy the technology fast and ready. We partner with our customers and suppliers from conceptualization, design, and prototyping phases, all the way through mass production to ensure smooth and rapid deployment of TFLN photonic technology.

We believe our platform is the key, in the golden age of integrated photonics industry, to empower humanity to the next level. We assembled a world class team covering engineering, business and operations. We believe in the power of integrity, innovation, collaboration and pragmatic solutions. Our diverse team thrives on challenges and is united by a shared commitment to excellence. We take pride in tackling complex challenges with curiosity, humility, and a deep sense of care for one another.

We are seeking a Photonics Layout Automation Engineer to join our growing team. In this position, you will be responsible for the layout and validation of photonic integrated circuits, while developing software in a script-based layout framework to automate layout procedures such as design-rule checking (DRC), layout-versus-schematic (LVS), and mask preparation. As a Photonics Layout Automation Engineer, you would play a key role in developing cutting-edge solutions for advanced photonic integrated circuits.

Join us to make a real-world impact in a fast-paced, collaborative and high-growth environment!

Responsibilities

• Own the layout of high-performance photonic integrated circuits using script-driven layout tools in Python.
• Collaborate to define the layout requirements, including schematic capture, fabrication process definition, and device component selection.
• Develop tool chains for automation of layout processes like LVS, DRC, and mask preparation.
• Collaborate with component designers to develop component libraries and our process design kit (PDK).

Requirements

• Either 2+ years of relevant work experience or equivalent experience through an advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Understanding of basic programming principles including object-oriented and functional programming.
• Experience developing software collaboratively, using modern version control tools like Git or SVN. Familiarity with modern CI/CD development practices is a plus.
• Familiarity with Python and its package ecosystem (numpy/scipy, pytest, etc.) is preferred
• Experience with semiconductor schematic capture, layout, LVS, and DRC. Familiarity with KLayout is a plus.
• Familiarity with integrated photonics is a plus.
• Familiarity with scripted integrated photonics layout tools like GDSFactory, Nazca, IPKISS, Cadence, etc.
• Authorization to work in the US is required. This position is onsite at HyperLight HQ.

Benefits

• Competitive market-based compensation
• Comprehensive health coverage, including medical, vision, and dental plans for individuals and families
• 401(k) retirement plans with employee matching
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life and disability insurance
• Commuter benefits and subsidies
• Professional growth and mentorship opportunities

HyperLight is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.