Job description

We are seeking a Principal Engineer, Layout Automation & AI in our Brooklyn Park, MN location. You will accelerate the transformation of our design and layout development processes through advanced automation, AI-enabled workflows, and scalable engineering infrastructure. In this role, you will be responsible for defining and executing the technical vision for layout productivity across multiple programs. You will partner closely with design engineers, layout engineers, CAD teams, software developers, and R&D leaders to identify bottlenecks, automate repetitive activities, and deploy AI-powered capabilities that enable dramatic improvements in design cycle time, quality, and predictability. The ideal candidate combines deep, hands-on layout experience with a passion for software, workflow automation, data-driven engineering, and emerging AI technologies. All applicants for placement in safety-sensitive positions will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug test. Key Responsibilities: Develop and execute a roadmap for layout automation and AI-enabled design workflows across the organization. Define and own key productivity metrics, with primary emphasis on significant layout cycle time reduction, engineering throughput, and first-pass success rates. Identify high-value opportunities for automation throughout the layout, verification, tape-out, and release processes. Create software tools, automation frameworks, and AI-assisted workflows that reduce manual effort and improve design consistency. Lead the integration of generative AI, machine learning, and intelligent workflow technologies into engineering processes where measurable productivity gains can be demonstrated. Partner with layout engineers and design teams to capture best practices and institutional knowledge and translate them into reusable automated solutions. Establish data pipelines and performance dashboards to measure engineering efficiency and quantify automation impact. Drive adoption of new tools and processes through training, coaching, and technical leadership. Collaborate with EDA vendors and internal software teams to evaluate and deploy new capabilities. Serve as the technical leader for design automation initiatives across multiple programs and technology platforms. Mentor engineers and influence organizational strategy regarding future investments in automation, AI, and digital engineering capabilities. YOU MUST HAVE: Minimum of a bachelor’s degree Minimum 8+ years of experience in IC, MEMS, photonics, advanced packaging, or physical design and layout environments. Due to Contractual requirements, must be a U.S. Person defined as, U.S. citizen permanent resident or green card holder, workers granted asylum or refugee status. Due to national security requirements imposed by the U.S. Government, candidates for this position must not be a People's Republic of China national or Russian national unless the candidate is also a U.S. citizen. WE VALUE: Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or related discipline preferred Demonstrated experience developing automation solutions using scripting or software development languages such as Python, SKILL, Tcl, C++, or similar. Experience improving engineering workflows through automation, process optimization, or digital transformation initiatives. Proven ability to lead cross-functional technical efforts from concept through deployment. Strong communication skills and the ability to influence engineering organizations without direct authority. Experience with Cadence Virtuoso, Allegro, Synopsis, Siemens EDA, KLayout, or comparable design platforms. Experience building automation for layout generation, verification, DRC/LVS closure, PDK integration, or tape-out preparation. Experience applying AI, machine learning, large language models, agentic systems, or generative technologies in engineering environments. Demonstrated success delivering measurable productivity improvements of 25%, 50%, or greater through automation. Experience establishing engineering metrics, dashboards, and ROI-driven automation strategies. Familiarity with cloud computing infrastructure and modern software development practices. Experience leading organizational change and technology adoption initiatives. Ability to balance long-term platform development with immediate productivity gains. Experience working in an R&D-driven, multidisciplinary engineering environment. Quantinuum is a leading quantum computing company delivering a full stack platform designed to make quantum computing deployable in real-world environments. With active engagements spanning pharmaceuticals, material science, financial services, government, industrial sectors, and leading academic and research institutions worldwide, we are helping organizations unlock the transformative potential of quantum computing. Our global team of more than 800 employees includes many of the world's leading scientists, engineers, and researchers, with more than 70% of our technology team holding advanced degrees at the Master's or PhD level. Headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, Quantinuum operates across the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and Singapore. By joining Quantinuum, you’ll help shape the future of quantum computing, pushing the limits of technology, and making the impossible possible. What’s in it for you? We believe our people are our greatest strength and offer a comprehensive rewards package that supports your professional growth, well-being, and long-term success. Competitive compensation and the opportunity to work on groundbreaking technology Flexible work arrangements that support work-life balance Employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match and student loan repayment benefit Equity opportunities Generous paid time off, sick leave, and 12 paid holidays annually Paid parental leave Employee discount programs Equal Opportunity Employer Quantinuum is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where all employees and applicants are treated with respect and provided equal opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, ancestry, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal. For more information about Quantinuum, please visit our website . We are committed to making our recruitment process accessible to all. If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know use the Lets talk contact form. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis, there is no application deadline for this position.

Requirements

Must-haves

The ideal candidate combines deep, hands-on layout experience with a passion for software, workflow automation, data-driven engineering, and emerging AI technologies.
All applicants for placement in safety-sensitive positions will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug test.
Develop and execute a roadmap for layout automation and AI-enabled design workflows across the organization.
Define and own key productivity metrics, with primary emphasis on significant layout cycle time reduction, engineering throughput, and first-pass success rates.
Identify high-value opportunities for automation throughout the layout, verification, tape-out, and release processes.
Create software tools, automation frameworks, and AI-assisted workflows that reduce manual effort and improve design consistency.
Lead the integration of generative AI, machine learning, and intelligent workflow technologies into engineering processes where measurable productivity gains can be demonstrated.
Partner with layout engineers and design teams to capture best practices and institutional knowledge and translate them into reusable automated solutions.
Establish data pipelines and performance dashboards to measure engineering efficiency and quantify automation impact.
Drive adoption of new tools and processes through training, coaching, and technical leadership.
Collaborate with EDA vendors and internal software teams to evaluate and deploy new capabilities.
Serve as the technical leader for design automation initiatives across multiple programs and technology platforms.
Mentor engineers and influence organizational strategy regarding future investments in automation, AI, and digital engineering capabilities.
Minimum of a bachelor’s degree
Minimum 8+ years of experience in IC, MEMS, photonics, advanced packaging, or physical design and layout environments.
Due to Contractual requirements, must be a U.S. Person defined as, U.S. citizen permanent resident or green card holder, workers granted asylum or refugee status.
Due to national security requirements imposed by the U.S. Government, candidates for this position must not be a People's Republic of China national or Russian national unless the candidate is also a U.S. citizen.
Demonstrated experience developing automation solutions using scripting or software development languages such as Python, SKILL, Tcl, C++, or similar.
Experience improving engineering workflows through automation, process optimization, or digital transformation initiatives.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional technical efforts from concept through deployment.
Strong communication skills and the ability to influence engineering organizations without direct authority.
Experience with Cadence Virtuoso, Allegro, Synopsis, Siemens EDA, KLayout, or comparable design platforms.
Experience building automation for layout generation, verification, DRC/LVS closure, PDK integration, or tape-out preparation.

Nice-to-haves

Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or related discipline preferred

Application prep

Use the role’s language and application details while tailoring your materials.

Keywords to mirror

aimachine learningpython

Platform: lever
Effort: quick

Benefits

Benefits detected in the listing.

Dental

Vision

401(K)

Paid Time Off

Parental Leave