Are you passionate about pushing the boundaries of photonic integrated circuit (PIC) technology? Lightium, a leading-edge photonics startup, is looking for a skilled Photonics Design R&D Engineer to drive the development of new layout and design methodologies for our innovative thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) platform. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the next generation of photonics solutions while collaborating with top academic institutions.

Position Summary

As a Photonics Layout Engineer, you will define, implement and execute the wafer-level and block-level designs and floor-planning of our internal and customer designs in our TFLN-based PIC platform. Your contributions will be pivotal in continuing the innovation at the design level using state-of-the-art software packages, bringing our cutting-edge photonic technologies from concept to mass production.

Key Responsibilities

Photonic Design: Develop and optimize 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 Our Ideal Candidate Brings

Technical: GDS mask generation, floor-planning and block-level design of cutting-edge 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-arts simulation environments.

PDK Development: Supporting Lightium’s PDK development by providing block-level functional models and statistical models involving fabrication and process tolerances.

Collaboration: Work closely with the R&D teams from design, processing, fabrication to optical testing and characterization, contributing to cross-functional projects to advance our PIC technologies.

Documentation and Reporting: Maintain thorough documentation of design data and report findings, as well as implement work instructions and scripts for mask generation.

Innovation: Stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in photonics, incorporating new metrology techniques and technologies into our R&D landscape.

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