Photonics Circuit Designer (f/m/d)

Job Title

Photonics Circuit Designer (f/m/d)

Role Summary

Design and implement photonic integrated circuit (PIC) schematics and mask layouts, producing PDK-compliant, tape-out-ready blocks and full-chip assemblies. Work cross-functionally with photonics architects, device and simulation teams, EIC designers, packaging engineers, and foundry partners to move validated concepts through layout, verification, and manufacturing submission.

Experience Level

Mid-level — typically requires 5+ years of relevant PIC design and layout experience.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include:

• Capture PIC schematics and perform physical layout for photonic components, links, and full-chip assemblies using industry-standard photonic IC flows.
• Define PIC floorplans, waveguide routing, and PIC/EIC interconnects while balancing optical performance, electrical integration, and packaging constraints.
• Develop and maintain PDK-based workflows: pcells, compact/behavioral models, and design-rule sets to ensure consistency between layouts, netlists, and simulations.
• Drive verification and tape-out readiness: perform DRC/LVS, extraction debugging, verification closure, and coordinate foundry submissions.
• Automate and improve design flows via scripting, regression tests, layout checks, and data analysis.
• Document implementation decisions and communicate trade-offs across architecture, simulation, EIC, packaging, and product teams.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience:

• 5+ years of PIC schematic capture and mask layout experience using code-based or GUI-based tools (e.g., Cadence Virtuoso, Synopsys photonic flows, or equivalent).
• Practical experience implementing photonic ICs using foundry PDKs, including applying layout constraints, process rules, and manufacturability considerations.
• Strong DRC/LVS experience with verification debugging and closure, and experience taking designs through tape-out and foundry submission.
• Strong Python scripting skills for layout automation, regression flows, verification workflows, and data analysis (NumPy, SciPy, pandas).
• Familiarity with PIC design and verification tools and workflows: Cadence Virtuoso or Synopsys photonic flows, Ansys Lumerical (FDTD, MODE, INTERCONNECT), DRC/LVS toolchains, and Git.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with photonics, EIC, packaging, simulation, and product teams to resolve design trade-offs.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with PIC/EIC co-design, 2.5D/3D packaging floor planning, or advanced package integration.
• Experience developing Verilog-A or compact models for photonic devices.
• Background in semiconductor product development, reliability, qualification, or production requirements.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or a related technical field was specified. The posting accepts related technical backgrounds; no explicit equivalent-experience statement was provided.

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.