Logo Silicon Austria Labs GmbH

Senior Research Engineer - Quantum Photonic Integrated Circuit Design and PDK development

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Job

  • Level
    Senior
  • Job Field
    Application, Embedded
  • Employment Type
    Full Time
  • Contract Type
    Temporary employment
  • Salary
    from 61.000 € Gross/Year
  • Location
    Villach
  • Working Model
    Onsite
  • Job Summary

    In this role, you will design photonic integrated circuits for quantum technologies and develop process design kits while collaborating closely with fabrication teams and optimizing device performance.

    Job Technologies

    Your role in the team

    As part of the European Chips Act, Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is driving innovation in quantum and semiconductor technologies through its Quantum Pilot Lines.

    Join our interdisciplinary teams at the interface of design and fabrication and enjoy Villach's exceptional quality of life in the heart of the Austrian Alps.

    Be part of something bigger.

    Be part of Silicon Austria Labs.

    This opportunity is a temporary PostDoc position with an expected duration of 3 years, aligned with the timeframe of the pilot line project.

    Continuation in a permanent role may be considered thereafter, subject to strong performance and future funding opportunities.

    The Integrated Photonics Technologies (IPT) research unit focuses on emerging photonic device approaches, including integrated photonics for quantum applications.

    We are seeking an experienced and motivated researcher to contribute to design and PDK development for aluminum nitride (AlN)-based quantum photonic integrated circuits (PICs) in SAL's R&D cleanroom.

    The role bridges research and fabrication pilot line, supporting the development of next-generation PIC for quantum communication, sensing, and metrology.

    The successful candidate will contribute to the design workflow for PDK development of AlN quantum PICs, while supporting the process development and fabrication readiness toward high technology readiness levels (TRL).

    The candidate will support design, device performance optimization, yield improvement, and quality assurance.

    Your future responsibilities will include:

    • Designing photonic integrated circuits (passive components and modulators) for quantum applications based on AlN PIC platform
    • Contributing to the development and validation of PDK components, including layout, simulation, and basic documentation
    • Performing layout design using tools such as KLayout and assisting with design rule checks and GDS generation
    • Performing layout manipulation to ensure compatibility with developed process flow
    • Characterizing fabricated devices in the lab (optical/electrical testing) and analyzing measurement data
    • Suggesting design improvements based on characterization results to enhance device performance and yield.
    • Supporting the integration of experimental feedback into updated designs and compact models
    • Collaborating closely with process and fabrication teams to ensure high design-to-fab fidelity
    • Contributing to reporting, documentation, publication, IP generation, and patent application
    • Supporting industry and academic collaborations within multidisciplinary projects

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    Our expectations of you

    Qualifications

    • Proficiency in PIC design and characterization, preferably in R&D or pilot line environments
    • Solid programming skills in Python or similar (e.g., for layout, data analysis)
    • Strong understanding of cleanroom-based micro- and nanofabrication processes for photonics
    • Knowledge and understanding of electron beam lithography processes.
    • Strong organizational and documentation skills for technical reporting and IP generation
    • Ability to work collaboratively across teams, including fabrication, packaging, and testing
    • Autonomous, passionate, well organized, enjoy working in a dynamic and multicultural team
    • Knowledge of photonics market trends and technology roadmap is a plus
    • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English

    Experience

    • PhD in electrical engineering, applied physics, or a related field, ideally with focus on integrated photonics (or MSc with equivalent work experience)
    • Experience with layout design tools (e.g., KLayout)
    • Project management experience is an asset

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    Benefits

    Food & Drink

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    Work-Life-Integration

    Job Locations

    Map of company locations
    • Location Villach

      Location Villach

      Kärnten

      Austria

    Topics that you deal with on the job

    This is your employer

    Silicon Austria Labs GmbH

    Silicon Austria Labs GmbH

    Graz, Altenberg Bei Linz

    With Silicon Austria Labs (SAL), we are creating a top European research center for electronic systems. We have world-class research that creates the basis for innovative products and processes in cooperation with science and business.

    Description

  • Company Type
    Established Company
  • Working Model
    Full Remote, Hybrid, Onsite
  • Industry
    Science, Research
  • Logo Silicon Austria Labs GmbH

    Senior Research Engineer - Quantum Photonic Integrated Circuit Design and PDK development

    Salary
    from 61.000 € Gross/Year
    Location
    Villach
    Working Model
    Onsite

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