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

Job Title

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

Role Summary

Develop and maintain device-library components and Process Design Kit (PDK) elements that enable photonic device integration and layout for internal test sites and customer flows. Work with EDA tools, automation, and process design rules to deliver production-quality PDKs and support customers and internal layout teams.

Experience Level

Senior-level. Typical experience ranges provided by the employer: BS + 4–5 years, MS + 2–4 years, or PhD + 1–2 years.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include developing, testing, and supporting PDK components and device libraries for silicon photonics; ensuring quality and usability for internal and customer use.

• Develop device-library components and Cadence PCELLs to enable photonic devices in layouts.
• Create, deploy, support, and maintain PDK collections of technology files and runtime code for EDA tools.
• Develop and maintain automation tools that represent the fab process and accelerate PDK delivery.
• Support layout design activities for internal test sites and customer layouts.
• Review and interpret process design rules and SPICE model documents to create PDK specification data.
• Create and maintain test cases for PDKs (DRC/LVS/spice) and perform QA checks for error-free deliveries.
• Document release notes, application notes, known limitations, and recommended workarounds for PDK components.
• Contribute technical ideas that may lead to internal IP or patents.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills, behaviors, and tooling experience; preferred skills are listed separately.

• Strong technical problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Fluent English (written and verbal) and effective interpersonal/teamwork skills.
• Self-motivated, resourceful, organized, and able to work in a team environment.
• Experience with EDA/CAD systems (Cadence Virtuoso, Cadence IC, OrCAD or similar) is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with Unix/Linux environments.
• Experience with scripting (Perl, Tcl, Bash, Python) for automation is a plus.
• Knowledge of silicon photonics, SPICE modeling, DRC/LVS flows, or process-technology representation is a strong advantage.
• Nice-to-have: Cadence Skill programming experience, exposure to ML/GenAI techniques for automation and data analysis.

Education Requirements

Requires a technical university degree or equivalent practical experience: Bachelor’s (BS) in Electrical Engineering, Microelectronics, Physics, Computer Science or a closely related field is stated as the baseline. Employer also lists MS and PhD as acceptable with reduced years-of-experience (BS +4–5 years, MS +2–4 years, PhD +1–2 years). The posting permits equivalent practical experience and notes that exceptions may be approved by local HR.

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.