Staff Photonics Design & PDK Modeling Engineer

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a library of pcells using Python-based frameworks. Ensure strict synchronization between physical layout, logical netlists, and behavioral models.
• Create and verify physics based behavior models for passive and active devices.
• Design test structure, develop test plans for device FOMs extraction. Work with test engineers to get silicon data.
• Validate models against lab measurements. Perform data fitting and statistical analysis to align model parameters with real-world silicon performance.
• Automated Verification: Implement regression testing and Continuous Integration (CI) pipelines to ensure PDK updates do not break legacy designs or connectivity logic.
• Actively collaborate with design, analog, digital and architecture engineers to deliver high impact tape-outs

Qualifications

• Master’s +5 years experience or PhD +3 years experience in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or related field.
• Deep understanding of photonic device physics and experience in device simulation.
• Experience building behavioral models for circuit simulators (e.g., Lumerical INTERCONNECT, Cadence, Synopsys OptSim, or custom Python solvers).
• Experienced in Python for modeling, automation, and data analysis. Comfortable with object-oriented programming and scientific libraries (NumPy, SciPy).
• Python based layout experience.
• Demonstrated strong problem solving skills for problems without obvious solutions

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with python-based layout tools such as gdstk, GDSFactory, and KLayout
• Experience with Python-native circuit simulation ecosystems (e.g., SAX, Photontorch, Simphony).
• Experience with verilogA/spectre equivalent circuit modeling for photonics device
• Prior experience in using foundry-provided process design kits (PDKs), adhering to specific design rules and constraints, well understanding of DRC, LVS, etc.
• Experience working on large-scale designs using industry standard environments such as Cadence Virtuoso
• Experience in taping out and testing large-scale photonic integrated circuits, including familiarity with relevant testing equipment and methodologies.
• Possess strong project execution skills, demonstrating the ability to effectively manage multiple design priorities, adhere to project timelines, and meet critical milestones.
• We offer competitive compensation. The base salary range for this role determined based on location, experience, educational background, and market data.
• Salary Range: total compensation goes beyond base salary, it also includes a new hire equity grant, annual performance-based equity, and other rewards that recognize your impact and contribution.
• $185,000 — $220,000 USD

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Savings Matching Program
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Generous Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Paid Family Leave
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Commuter Benefits
• Flexible, hybrid workplace model
• Equity grants (applicable to full-time employees)
• Benefits eligibility may vary depending on your employment status and location. Lightmatter recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.

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