Layout & Design Engineer - SNSPDs

Job Description

Job Title: Layout and Design Engineer - SNSPDs (Superconducting Nanowire Single Photon Detectors). Location: Toronto, Canada

Responsibilities:

• Join the Low Temperature Devices team to develop superconducting single-photon detector components that are critical to fault-tolerant quantum computing architecture.
• Develop the internal PDK with a focus on complex multiplexed multi-pixel detector arrays.
• Capture device layout requirements by collaborating closely with low-temperature device scientists.
• Design and execute GDS mask layouts for test structures and production tape-outs;
• Lead mask design for fabrication process optimization.
• Design advanced test structures and production tape-outs to bridge simulation and experimental results.
• Perform device-level simulations and develop automated pipelines connecting design environments with simulation tools.
• Collaborate with the Fabrication Engineering team to align design strategies with fabrication capabilities and constraints;
• Drive improvements in key SNSPD performance metrics through layout optimization and innovative design strategies.
• Contribute to other simulation or computational projects aligned with the successful candidate's expertise.

Qualifications:

• MSc or PhD in Engineering, Science, or a related field, with 2+ years of industrial experience.
• Expert-level experience with scripted photonic mask design and layout using tools such as gdsfactory, ipkiss3, Virtuoso, OptoDesigner, or similar.
• Expert-level knowledge of physical verification using custom or foundry-provided code, including DRC and LVS.
• Expert-level experience generating GDSII/OAS layouts for MPW and dedicated full mask sets;
• Experience working in collaborative, team-based development environments, preferably with version control systems such as Git.
• Experience collaborating with internal teams and external partners across process integration, packaging, and fabrication.
• Experience using Python for component design, simulation, layout, and data analysis.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, cross-disciplinary environment.
• Strong attention to detail and a rigorous, data-driven approach to problem solving.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred:

• Background in developing superconducting single-photon detectors, circuits, and devices.
• Experience designing layouts for SNSPDs and other superconducting devices, with a strong understanding of their operating principles.
• Expertise in accounting for fabrication effects such as lithographic rounding, OPC/bias correction, and material non-uniformity during layout design.
• Experience with device-level modeling and simulation, such as COMSOL;
• Experience optimizing component performance through advanced layout techniques.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Base salary will be determined according to location, experience, and internal benchmarks.
• Eligible for equity.
• Benefits provided.
• Opportunity to work on advanced quantum computing hardware and fault-tolerant architecture.
• Collaborative and cross-disciplinary working environment.