Senior Photonics PDK Design Automation Engineer

Lightmatter•Boston, MA

3h•$1 - $2•Hybrid

About The Position

Lightmatter is leading the revolution in AI data center infrastructure, enabling the next giant leaps in human progress. The company invented the world’s first 3D-stacked photonics engine, Passage™, capable of connecting thousands to millions of processors at the speed of light in extreme-scale data centers for the most advanced AI and HPC workloads. Lightmatter raised $400 million in its Series D round, reaching a valuation of $4.4 billion. We will continue to accelerate the development of data center photonics and grow every department at Lightmatter! If you're passionate about tackling complex challenges, making an impact, and being an expert in your craft, join our team of brilliant scientists, engineers, and accomplished industry leaders. Lightmatter is (re)inventing the future of computing with light! We are hiring a Photonics PDK Design Automation Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will develop our internal Process Design Kit (PDK). You will act as the architect of our component library, bridging the gap between photonics device design and system-level verification. You will develop robust flow ensuring that our simulation environment accurately predicts the behavior of our physical layouts. You will work heavily in Python, EDA tools, applying software engineering rigor to the challenges of photonic hardware design.

Requirements

Masters or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Photonics, or related field.
3+ years experience in LVS deck development for Siemens Calibre, Cadence Pegasus, and/or Synopsys IC Validator, experience troubleshooting and resolving LVS mismatches in complex circuit designs
Experience with photonics layout
Python based layout experience. Comfortable with object-oriented programming and scientific libraries (NumPy, SciPy).
Experience writing software and scripts in languages such as Python, SVRF, Tcl, Bash, and SKILL
In-depth knowledge of integrated photonic devices, analog devices, and parasitics
In-depth knowledge of foundry process (SOI, etching, implants, metal stacks)
Proficiency with Linux environments, advanced version control (Git), and software engineering best practices
Demonstrated strong problem solving skills for problems without obvious solutions

Nice To Haves

Proficiency with python-based layout tools such as gdstk, GDSFactory, and KLayout
Experience with Git setup, version control, unit testing (pytest), and CI/CD workflows.
Prior experience in performing physical layout using foundry-provided process design kits (PDKs), adhering to specific design rules and constraints.
Experience with DRC deck and rule development
Experience working on large-scale designs using industry standard environments such as Cadence Virtuoso
Excellent communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams
Strong project execution skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities and meet project milestones

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain a library of pcells using Python-based layout frameworks. Ensure strict synchronization between physical layout, logical netlists, and behavioral models.
Develop and maintain custom photonic Layout vs Schematic (LVS) decks across multiple foundry technologies
Design and test device and parameter extraction for innovative photonic devices
Troubleshoot and resolve LVS mismatches in complex analog and photonic circuits
Actively collaborate with design, layout, modeling, and infrastructure engineers to deliver high impact tape-outs
Implement regression testing and Continuous Integration (CI) pipelines to ensure PDK updates do not break legacy designs or connectivity logic.
Contribute to other PDK, DRC, and automation projects as needed