Layout Design Engineer

As a Layout Design Engineer, you will be responsible for transforming system architectures into manufacturable flex circuit layouts for our groundbreaking I/O systems. You will work closely with Systems Engineers, Application Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Manufacturing Engineering, and Production to ensure every design is optimized for current manufacturing capabilities and is in line with the design rules. This role combines precision engineering with system thinking and offers the opportunity to directly influence the next generation of quantum hardware.

About Delft Circuits

At Delft Circuits, we build the cryogenic I/O infrastructure that enables the next generation of quantum computers. Our Cri/oFlex® technology replaces conventional cryogenic wiring with scalable, integrated superconducting flex circuits that improve performance, reliability, and manufacturability. As our systems become increasingly complex, layout engineering plays a crucial role in translating multidisciplinary designs into manufacturable, high-performance products.

Your key responsibilities will include:

Layout Design

• Design multilayer flexible circuit layouts for cryogenic applications
• Translate electrical schematics and system requirements into manufacturable layouts
• Define stack-ups, routing strategies, grounding concepts, and mechanical constraints
• Optimize layouts for signal integrity, thermal performance, and scalability
• Create panelization and manufacturing documentation
• Perform regular design rule checks (DRC)
• Contribute to the automation of the DRC process
• Contribute to building a PDK library, which is compatible with industrial EDA tools

Design for Manufacturing (DfM)

• Work closely with Manufacturing Engineering to improve yield and robustness
• Standardize design rules and layout practices
• Develop reusable layout libraries and templates

Continuous Improvement

• Improve layout workflows and CAD/EDA methodologies
• Contribute to automation of repetitive layout tasks
• Support root cause investigations for production or field issues
• Drive continuous improvements in product quality and manufacturability

What success looks like

Within your first year, you will:

• Deliver production-ready layouts for new cryogenic products
• Improve design efficiency through standardized layout methodologies
• Reduce manufacturing iterations through robust DfM practices
• Contribute to scalable product platforms supporting Delft Circuits’ technology roadmap
• Define and maintain the PDK library (layout level)

What you bring

• At least 3 years of hands-on experience in high-tech or deep-tech industries: semiconductors, PCB manufacturing, consumer electronics, or similar
• BSc or MSc in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Mechatronics, Applied Physics, or a related field
• Experience with PCB or flexible circuit layout design
• Knowledge of manufacturing constraints for PCB/flex technologies
• Experience with ECAD tools (e.g., Altium Designer, Cadence Allegro, KiCad, or similar)
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics and mechanical drawings
• Python or scripting experience for design automation
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills in English; Dutch is not strictly required but would be a benefit

Bonus points for

• Experience with high-density interconnect (HDI) or flexible PCB technologies
• Experience with EDA tools (e.g., Keysight ADS, Cadence AWR or similar)
• Experience with building PDK libraries (layout part)
• Knowledge of signal integrity and EMC considerations
• Experience with mechanical CAD design tools and flows
• Familiarity with product lifecycle management (PLM) and revision control
• Experience in cryogenics, RF, microwave engineering, superconducting electronics, or quantum technologies

Personal Attributes

You enjoy turning complex engineering challenges into elegant, practical designs. You have strong attention to detail while maintaining an understanding of the overall system. You are comfortable working across disciplines and communicating with engineers from different technical backgrounds.

Why join Delft Circuits?

You’ll join a multidisciplinary, international team building hardware at the forefront of quantum technology. We design, manufacture, and validate our products entirely in-house, allowing engineers to see their work move from concept to production and deployment. You’ll work in an environment where engineering excellence, ownership, and collaboration are valued, contributing directly to the infrastructure enabling scalable quantum computing, and where you will also find:

• A 1-year contract with intention to extend
• Fulltime position (36 hours per week)
• A competitive salary of around € 55.750 – €61.848 per year, including 8% annual holiday allowance (paid in May)
• CAO Metalektro
• Pension scheme (PME)
• Travel reimbursement (choose between € 0,25/km or public transport subscription)
• 30 vacation days per year
• Various training opportunities, including an entitlement to two training days per year

You will be part of the Systems Engineering Team working closely with other teams at our headquarters in Delft, The Netherlands, featuring professional labs, a workshop, dedicated assembly and testing areas, and a modern office space.

Ready to shape the layouts behind the next generation of quantum computers?