Photonics Circuit Designer (f/m/d)

Job Title

Photonics Circuit Designer (f/m/d)

Role Summary

Design and deliver photonic integrated circuit (PIC) blocks and full-chip assemblies, owning schematic capture, layout, verification, and tape-out readiness. Work within the photonics design team and coordinate with device, simulation, EIC, packaging, and foundry partners to ensure manufacturable, PDK-compliant implementations.

Experience Level

Mid-level — typically 5+ years of relevant PIC schematic/layout and tape-out experience.

Responsibilities

You will translate photonic device concepts into PDK-compliant, tape-out-ready layouts and ensure alignment between design, simulation models, and manufacturing requirements.

• Own PIC schematic capture and physical layout for components, links, and full-chip assemblies using industry photonic IC flows.
• Define floorplans, waveguide routing, and PIC/EIC interconnects balancing optical performance, electrical integration, and packaging constraints.
• Develop and maintain PDK-based workflows, pcells, compact/behavioral models, and design rules to keep layouts consistent with netlists and simulations.
• Execute verification and tape-out readiness: DRC/LVS, extraction debugging, verification closure, and foundry coordination.
• Automate and improve design flows via scripting, regression testing, layout checks, and data analysis.
• Document implementation decisions and communicate design trade-offs across architecture, simulation, EIC, packaging, and product teams.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and practical experience.

Must-have:

• 5+ years of PIC schematic capture and mask layout experience using Cadence Virtuoso, Synopsys photonic flows, or equivalent tools.
• Experience implementing photonic IC designs with foundry PDKs, layout constraints, process rules, and manufacturability considerations.
• DRC/LVS execution, verification debugging, and closure experience.
• Proven experience taking photonic designs through tape-out and foundry submission.
• Practical understanding of photonic device behavior (waveguides, coupling, loss budgets) and layout trade-offs.
• Strong Python scripting skills for layout automation, regression flows, verification workflows, and data analysis.
• Familiarity with PIC/EIC co-design, packaging constraints, Git, and standard IC design workflows; ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with Ansys Lumerical (FDTD, MODE, INTERCONNECT), Verilog-A or compact model development.
• Experience with 2.5D/3D packaging floor planning, advanced package integration, or semiconductor product qualification and reliability.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or a related technical field; strong fundamentals in optics, electromagnetics, and semiconductor device physics.

About the Company

Company: Black Semiconductor

Headquarters: Aachen, Germany

Black Semiconductor is revolutionizing the semiconductor industry with innovative graphene solutions that enhance chip connectivity and efficiency. By merging electronic computing and photonic communication, the company aims to reshape how chips interact, driving significant advancements in power and speed. Their human-centered approach fosters collaboration and continuous learning, making it a dynamic place for professionals to grow and make an impact.