Photonics Layout Engineer

PsiQuantum • Palo Alto, CA

2d

About The Position

PsiQuantum is building a general-purpose silicon photonic quantum computer. The Photonics Layout Engineer will design, lay out, and verify photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for foundry fabrication. Working across hardware and design enablement teams, the engineer will translate photonic designs and process requirements into manufacturable layouts. The position combines hands-on PIC layout using Python-based or commercial tools with verification and automation.

Requirements

• Master’s degree, PhD, or equivalent in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Material Science, or Physics.
• At least 2 years of relevant work or academic research experience in integrated photonics and layout.
• Experience creating photonic integrated circuit layouts and understanding how photonic components and circuits map to physical layout.
• Experience with one or more photonic layout tools, such as GDSFactory, Synopsys, Cadence, or similar.
• Strong Python programming skills, including experience writing scripts for layout generation, automation, or numerical analysis.
• Experience with collaborative code management tools such as Git.
• Experience with silicon photonic manufacturing processes, foundry design rules, and tapeout workflows.
• Ability to work effectively across departments, sites, and time zones.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical, detail-oriented problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain photonic layouts, from individual components to complex circuits, using passive and active components.
• Drive foundry tapeouts from layout implementation through physical verification, including design rule checking (DRC), layout versus schematic (LVS), fill, and density checks.
• Develop and maintain layout infrastructure and automation tools to improve layout quality and workflow efficiency.
• Contribute to PDK development by implementing and validating layout components and design rules.
• Prepare clear, complete documentation and handoff materials for tapeouts.

Benefits

• Competitive health coverage for employees and their dependents.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Equity grants.
• Access to financial wellness tools and planning resources.
• Wellness benefits.
• Family support programs.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Paid leave programs.
• Company-designated paid holidays.
• Discretionary time off (DTO).
• End-of-year company shutdown.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level