Principal Engineer, Design Enablement PDK — Device Library Developer for Silicon Photonics

Job Title

Principal Engineer, Design Enablement PDK — Device Library Developer for Silicon Photonics

Role Summary

Develop and maintain Process Design Kits (PDKs), device libraries and automation that enable silicon photonics designs. Work within the Design Enablement team to deliver PCELLs, tech files, runtime code and testcases for internal testsites and customer layouts.

Experience Level

Senior level (Principal engineer).

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include PDK and device-library development, tool integration, and quality assurance.

• Develop device-library components for PDKs and Cadence PCELLs for photonic devices.
• Support layout design activities for internal testsites and customer layouts.
• Develop, deploy, maintain PDK tech files and runtime code for EDA tools.
• Create and maintain automation tools representing the fab process.
• Review process design rules and SPICE models to create PDK specification data.
• Create and maintain test cases for DRC/LVS and perform PDK quality assurance.
• Produce release notes, application notes, and documentation of limitations and solutions.
• Contribute technical innovations that may result in trade secrets or patents.

Requirements

Core professional skills and preferred technical skills.

• Excellent technical problem-solving skills.
• Fluent English, both written and verbal.
• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills; tactful and collaborative.
• Self-motivated, resourceful, and able to take initiative.
• Well organized with attention to detail.

Preferred (nice-to-have)

• Experience with electronic CAD systems (Cadence IC/Virtuoso, OrCAD, Protel, or similar).
• Scripting skills (Perl, Tcl, Bash, etc.).
• Experience with Cadence Skill programming and Virtuoso layout/schematic tools.
• Prior Unix/Linux experience.
• Knowledge of silicon photonics.
• Familiarity with machine learning or generative AI applied to design automation.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Microelectronics, Physics, Computer Science or equivalent is required or acceptable. Advanced degrees (MS/PhD) are also referenced. Preferred experience combinations noted: BS + 4–5 years, MS + 2–4 years, PhD + 1–2 years. Equivalent practical experience may be considered.

About the Company

Company: GlobalFoundries

Headquarters: Saratoga Springs, New York, USA

GlobalFoundries is a leading contract manufacturer for the global semiconductor industry, with facilities in multiple countries, including the USA. The company develops a broad portfolio of semiconductor technologies and employs around 13,000 people worldwide. GlobalFoundries focuses on enhancing competitiveness in specialized application solutions and fostering innovation in mobile communications, consumer electronics, and automotive applications.