Layout Engineer

Photonic Layout EngineerMaryland | Full-Time | HybridThe OpportunityWe are working with a leading quantum technology company looking to hire a Photonic Layout Engineer to join its hardware design team in College Park, Maryland.This is a highly technical, hands-on position focused on the layout and tape-out of complex Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) used within next-generation quantum hardware.You will work closely with photonic designers, scientists, fabrication engineers, test engineers and packaging teams to translate photonic designs into manufacturable chip layouts.A major focus of the position will be programmatic photonic layout using Python, alongside layout verification, PDK development and foundry tape-out.What You'll Be DoingDevelop and own layouts for complex Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs)Arrange and route photonic components across multi-layer chip designsAccount for electrical, metal and CMOS routing constraints during photonic layoutGenerate large-scale GDS / mask layouts using Python-based design workflowsSupport chip and reticle-level layout through foundry tape-outPerform layout verification including DRC and LVSContribute to the development and maintenance of custom photonic PDKsWork with photonic designers to integrate components including waveguides, splitters, couplers and other passive/active photonic structuresCollaborate with fabrication, test and packaging teams to establish design rules and manufacturability requirementsDocument layout methodologies, design rules and final tape-out filesWhat We're Looking ForStrong hands-on experience with PIC layoutExperience taking photonic layouts toward fabrication or tape-outAt least 2 years of experience using Python for photonic mask/layout generationExperience with tools such as gdsfactory, Luceda IPKISS, KLayout, or similar programmatic layout environmentsUnderstanding of common photonic components such as waveguides, beamsplitters, grating couplers and related structuresExperience with DRC, LVS and design-rule-driven layoutDegree in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experienceAbility to work across photonic design, fabrication and engineering teamsParticularly Valuable ExperiencePhotonic PDK developmentReticle or full-chip layoutComplex semiconductor or multi-layer chip integrationCMOS / photonics co-integrationFoundry design rules and manufacturing processesCadence, Synopsys or Ansys environmentsStrong Python/software development skillsWhy Consider It?This is an opportunity to work on highly advanced integrated photonic hardware at the intersection of photonics, semiconductor technology and quantum computing.You'll have direct involvement in bringing new chip designs from engineering requirements through layout, verification and commercial foundry tape-out, with your work contributing directly to the scaling of next-generation quantum systems.Competitive compensation, equity, annual performance bonus and comprehensive benefits are available.