Join Our Team as a Photonics Design R&D Engineer
Are you passionate about pushing the boundaries of photonic integrated circuit (PIC) technology? Lightium, a cutting-edge photonics startup, is seeking a skilled Photonics Design R&D Engineer to drive the development of innovative layout and design methodologies for our thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) platform. This role presents a unique opportunity to contribute to the next generation of photonics solutions while collaborating with leading academic institutions.
Position Summary
As a Photonic Design and Layout Engineer, you will define, implement, and execute wafer-level and block-level designs and floor-planning for both internal and customer designs on our TFLN-based PIC platform. Your contributions will be vital in continuing our design innovation using state-of-the-art software packages, bringing cutting-edge photonic technologies from concept to mass production.
Responsibilities
- Technical: GDS mask generation, floor-planning, and block-level design of advanced photonic components for internal and external stakeholders.
- Design: Translating block-level specifications into photonic designs together with our RF and optical simulation engineers.
- Simulation: Supporting Lightium’s simulation activities by contributing to optical and RF simulations using state-of-the-art environments.
- PDK Development: Assisting in PDK development by providing block-level functional models and statistical models, addressing fabrication and process tolerances.
- Collaboration: Work closely with R&D teams across design, processing, fabrication, and optical testing, contributing to cross-functional projects that advance our PIC technologies.
- Documentation and Reporting: Maintain comprehensive documentation of design data, report findings, and implement work instructions and scripts for mask generation.
- Innovation: Stay informed on the latest advancements in photonics, integrating new metrology techniques and technologies into our R&D efforts.
What Our Ideal Candidate Brings
- Educational Background: A degree (MSc or PhD) in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Communications, Material Sciences, or a related field.
- Experience: Previous experience in photonic design at an industrial level is preferred. Familiarity with integrated photonics design, including TFLN, silicon photonics, SiN, InP, or related platforms is a plus.
- Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in GDS mask generation, optical simulations, RF/antenna simulations, design-rule-check (DRC), PDK development, and improvements. Experience with optical proximity correction (OPC) is advantageous.
- Organization & Documentation: Excellent organizational skills for managing your work schedule across multiple projects, maintaining clear documentation of design data, and adhering to standard procedures while ensuring confidentiality.
- Collaboration: Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment, demonstrating flexibility and resilience in the face of change.
- Language Skills: Fluency in English is required; knowledge of German or French is a plus.
What We Offer
This is a unique opportunity to lead a groundbreaking manufacturing initiative in the rapidly growing field of photonics. You will be part of a collaborative and innovative work environment where your contributions will significantly impact telecommunications, datacom, and more. We provide a competitive compensation and benefits package, including an employee stock option plan (ESOP), generous vacation, full salary insurance under the Pillar 2 pension, and support for fair/conference attendance and ongoing education. You will have the chance to become a key player in an early-stage startup and join a vibrant, motivated, and energetic team, allowing you to develop your professional skills at a rapid pace.
If you're eager to help build new technologies from the ground up and thrive in a collaborative, results-driven environment, we want to hear from you! Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered. Lightium is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees.