Layout and Automation Design Engineer

About the role

LIGENTEC’s Photonic Design Team is looking for a Layout and Automation Design Engineer to turn photonic integrated circuit (PIC) concepts into manufacturable layouts. You will combine deep layout expertise with Python automation to accelerate design‑to‑layout flow and ensure high‑yield production.

Key responsibilities

• Create layout of passive and active photonic components and full circuits, following strict design rules.
• Perform design rule checks (DRC) and layout‑vs‑schematic (LVS) verification, providing manufacturability feedback.
• Develop and maintain an internal component library and automation scripts to reduce layout cycle time.
• Collaborate with Process and Yield Engineering to gather manufacturing requirements and design test structures.
• Document layout procedures, version control, and library components rigorously.
• Support the characterization team by extracting data and linking experimental results to layout features.

Required profile

• MSc or PhD in photonics or a related field.
• Minimum 3 + years of hands‑on experience in integrated optics layout or automation programming.
• Strong understanding of PIC manufacturing, design‑for‑testability and design‑for‑manufacturability.
• Proactive, detail‑oriented and fluent in English.

Required skills

• Python programming for automation and data handling.
• Experience with layout tools such as GDSfactory and IPKISS.
• Version control using Git.
• Design rule checking (DRC) and layout‑vs‑schematic (LVS) verification.
• Data analysis linking experimental results to physical layout features.

What we offer

• Opportunity to impact global expansion by turning cutting‑edge photonics R&D into business success.
• Work in an agile, international environment with a focus on innovation.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art photonic design and manufacturing facilities.