Senior Research Engineer – Quantum Photonic Integrated Circuit Design and PDK development (all genders)
As part of the European Chips Act, Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is driving innovation in quantum and semiconductor technologies through its Quantum Pilot Lines.
Join our interdisciplinary teams at the interface of design and fabrication and enjoy Villach’s exceptional quality of life in the heart of the Austrian Alps. Be part of something bigger. Be part of Silicon Austria Labs.
The Integrated Photonics Technologies (IPT) research unit focuses on emerging photonic device approaches, including integrated photonics for quantum applications. We are seeking an experienced and motivated researcher to contribute to design and PDK development for aluminum nitride (AlN)-based quantum photonic integrated circuits (PICs) in SAL’s R&D cleanroom. The role bridges research and fabrication pilot line, supporting the development of next‑generation PIC for quantum communication, sensing, and metrology.
You will contribute to the design workflow for PDK development of AlN quantum PICs, while supporting the process development and fabrication readiness toward high technology readiness levels (TRL). You will support design, device performance optimization, yield improvement, and quality assurance.
Your future tasks include:
* Designing photonic integrated circuits (passive components and modulators) for quantum applications based on AlN.
* Contributing to the development and validation of PDK components, including layout, simulation, and documentation.
* Generating layout from design and performing design rule checks
* Characterizing fabricated devices in the lab (optical/electrical testing) and analyzing measurement data
* Designing improvements based on characterization results to enhance device performance and yield
* Collaborating closely with process and fabrication teams to ensure high design‑to‑fab fidelity
* Contributing to reporting, documentation, publication, IP generation, and patent application
* Supporting industry and academic collaborations within multidisciplinary projects
Your profile:
* PhD (or MSc with equivalent work experience) in electrical engineering, applied physics, or a related field, ideally with focus on integrated photonics
* Proficiency in microelectronics design, preferably in R&D or pilot line environments, ideally related to Photonic Integrated Circuits.
* Solid scripting skills, ideally in Python
* Strong organizational and documentation skills for technical reporting and IP generation
* Ability to work collaboratively across teams, e.g. with fabrication, packaging, testing…
* Autonomous, passionate, well organized, enjoying work in a dynamic and multicultural team
* Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, German is a plus
Important Facts about SAL:
* Diverse research activities with many technical challenges.
* State‑of‑the‑art laboratory facilities and equipment.
* Location in the heart of Europe in Austria – relocation support for non‑European nationalities.
* Internal and external training opportunities for career development.
* Family & children friendly - actively shaping the compatibility of family and career.
* “Vital4SAL” to promote a healthy workplace (e.g. SAL coaching pool, trainings on mental health, physical activities, healthy snacks, 24/7 accident insurance)
* € 4 per day meal allowance in restaurants or € 2 per working day in supermarkets.
* Public transport initiative (subsidy for the “Klimaticket”)
* Our values: Open door policy, flexibility in working hours, casual dress code, diverse teams, working with people of different nationalities, informal communication, lifelong learning, compatibility of family and career, sustainability, personal growth, and collective advancement.
This position is subject to the Collective Agreement for employees in non‑university research (Research CA) starting in occupational group E (E1 salary = EUR 4.056, paid 14 times a year) based on 38,5 hours per week). For this position we offer competitive salaries and additional benefits based on your experience and qualifications, starting with a minimum gross salary of EUR 65.000 (annual, based on an All‑in contract).
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