Photonic Layout Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Sep 28, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 25, 2026.
The Role
You will create and maintain layouts of photonic devices and Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs). In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to work across the design and development of these PICS, having daily interactions with a team of talented photonic component designers, PIC architects, process engineers, process design kit (PDK) developers, and test engineers, ensuring quality layouts are implemented on OpenLight’s silicon photonics platform.
What You Will Do
Participate in development & implementation of next-generation photonic design automation workflows
Perform physical verification of mask data to ensure design and manufacturability requirements are met
Use custom built and commercially available tools to design layouts of photonic components and circuits
Maintain and execute automated mask build workflows to generate artwork in GDS file format
Work closely with process engineers to ensure layout compatibility with rapidly developing design rules and guidelines
Continuously monitor for quality escapes. Perform root cause analysis and drive improvements.
Your Background Includes
B.S. or M.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Computer Science or related engineering discipline
Strong programming & scripting skills (preferably Python)
Knowledge of semiconductor design and/or fabrication
Knowledge of optics and/or photonics theory and design
Experience with version control, CI/CD pipeline software, Agile
Proficiency in a commercial photonic layout tool (e.g., Synopsys OptoCompiler & ICV, GDSFactory, Luceda IPKISS, or KLayout)
Strong problem solving, communication, organizational, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
About OpenLight
OpenLight Photonics is an innovative start-up at the forefront of photonic integration, commercializing our cutting-edge heterogeneously integrated silicon photonics platform. OpenLight has a PDK that supports customers designing Photonic ASICs (PASICs) for applications in communications, LIDAR, quantum computing, sensing, and more. OpenLight has over 300 patents covering the integration of many different active and passive components, such as tunable lasers, DFBs, SOAs, modulators, switches, filters, and detectors, onto a single, silicon photonics chip. Join us in an exciting start-up environment with ample opportunities for growth and professional development.
We continue with a hybrid schedule, with a standard of three days/week in office; you select the days you're in, based on what's best for your work priorities.
OpenLight's salary for technical roles is dependent on the skills and experience of the individual, their primary work location, and other parameters; annual salary will generally be somewhere between $130,000-$230,000. In addition to cash compensation, OpenLight offers incentive stock options (ISOs), generous insurance support, 401k matching, unlimited vacation, spot bonuses, and a positive work environment. If you are excited about solving challenging problems, advancing cutting-edge technology, and working with a highly collaborative team, we would love to hear from you.