Are you ready to lead the charge in the next generation of photonic integrated circuits (PIC)? Lightium, a pioneering force in the photonic industry, is on the hunt for a skilled Photonic Design Engineer to turn our visionary technology into a tangible solution for our customers. Join us on our journey to transform information and communication as well as quantum technologies, making advanced photonics more accessible and efficient for everyone.

Position Summary

We seek a skilled Photonic Design Engineer with a strong focus on modelling, simulation, and optimising novel photonic and electro-optical systems and sub-systems based on thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN). The ideal candidate will contribute to developing our process design kit (PDK) component library and novel PIC circuits, ensuring top-tier performance and integration. This role involves close collaboration with our multidisciplinary teams, especially with experimental characterisation and process development, to bring groundbreaking photonic solutions from concept to market.

Key Responsibilities

Photonic Design: Develop and optimise various photonics PDK components, including passive, electro-optics, and active components based on TFLN using FEM or FDTD simulation methods in Lumerical or COMSOL.

PDK Development: Develop, implement, and maintain the PDK in various EDA design software, such as Nazca, Luceda, and Synopsys. This PDK encompasses both layouts and physical models of each component.

PIC Circuits Layout: Model and simulate PIC designs (including GDS layouts) at the circuit level, focusing on innovative solutions to improve performance and reliability.

Collaboration: Collaborate with the fabrication team to ensure designs are manufacturable and meet quality standards, and implement the PDK physical models based on statistical measurements.

Customer Guidance: Provide technical support and expertise to our sales and marketing teams, assisting in customer engagement and product specification.

Technical Expertise: Stay up-to-date with industry trends and advancements in PIC technology and design methodologies.

Documentation: Document and maintain comprehensive records of PDK revisions, updates, and usage guidelines.

EU Projects: Participate in and contribute to international, national, and public-funded projects (e.g., HorizonEurope), including at the technical level and in grant writing and reporting.

What you’ll bring

Educational Background: A PhD or Master in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or a related field.

Experience: A minimum of 3 years of experience in integrated photonics and microwave photonics and a minimum of 2 years of experience in PIC design, modelling, and optimisation is required.

Technical Skills: Proficiency in FEM simulation tools for photonic and electronic design, such as Lumerical, COMSOL or similar. Good knowledge of EDA design tools like IPKISS (Luceda), Nazca, or Synopsys Opto-Designer. Expertise in Python coding is a must.

Communication skills: Ability and interest to interact with customers, understand their design needs and propose solutions. Fluency in English (in verbal or written communication) is a must – German and French are a plus.

Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.

Fluency in English (in verbal or written communication) is a must – German and French are a plus.

What We Offer

• A unique opportunity to lead a cutting-edge manufacturing initiative in the rapidly growing field of photonics.
• A collaborative and innovative work environment where your contributions will shape the future of telecommunications, datacom, and beyond.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package including employee stock option plan (ESOP) that reflective of your experience and expertise.
• Become a key player in an early-phase startup and join a young, motivated, and energetic team. You will have the unique opportunity to create, grow, and develop your professional skills at a fast pace.

We'd love to hear from you if you're passionate about building new tech from the ground up and thrive in a collaborative and innovative environment. We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Lightium is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.