Job description

Photonics Layout Engineer (Onsite/Hybrid) About us: Voyant Photonics is bushing the boundaries of silicon photonic chips that steer and switch light at high speed. They power next generation, chip-scale FMCW LiDAR for robotics and autonomy, and optical circuit switches (OCS) for AI data centers. Based in NYC, we’re a hands-on team designing, building, and deploying frontier hardware to solve problems that matter, from how machines see to how AI scales. Why Join Us? At Voyant, you'll help develop some of the most sophisticated silicon photonic chips, spanning two applications: optical circuit switching for AI data centers and chip-scale LiDAR sensing. You'll tackle challenging problems in large-scale photonic integration, including dense waveguide routing, multilayer photonic layouts, and complex die- and reticle-level floorplanning. Our PICs integrate hundreds to thousands of optical components, requiring innovative layout approaches that balance optical performance, chip dimensions, and manufacturability. As a Photonic Layout Engineer, you'll take ownership of PIC layouts from initial floorplanning through tapeout. You'll have the opportunity to develop automated layout methodologies, solve complex routing challenges, and work closely with photonic designers and other engineering teams in a fast-paced startup environment. What You'll Do: - Develop and implement layouts for complex photonic integrated circuits, from component-level test structures to large-scale system PICs. - Translate photonic schematics and design requirements into efficient, manufacturable GDSII layouts. - Implement dense waveguide routing, multilayer optical interconnects, and die- and reticle-level floorplanning. - Develop and maintain parameterized photonic component cells (PCells) and reusable layout libraries. - Create Python-based scripts and automation tools for layout generation, routing, and design verification. - Integrate photonic and electrical layouts, including electrical routing, contact pads, and packaging interfaces. - Perform and debug physical verification, including DRC, LVS, and optical connectivity checks. - Collaborate with photonic designers, packaging engineers, and foundry partners to optimize layouts and support tapeout submissions. What We're Looking For - B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Optical Engineering, or a related field. - 2+ years of experience in photonic integrated circuit layout, preferably in silicon photonics or a similar platform. - Proficiency with photonic layout tools such as GDSFactory, IPKISS, KLayout, or equivalent. - Strong Python scripting skills, including experience with layout automation or parameterized designs. - Experience with photonic waveguide routing, component placement, and chip-level layout integration. - Familiarity with silicon photonics foundry PDKs, design rules, and tapeout processes. - Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary team. Nice to Have - Experience with large-scale PIC layout, optical switching networks, or complex photonic routing architectures. - Experience with multilayer silicon/silicon nitride photonic platforms and interlayer optical transitions. - Experience developing automated routing, placement optimization, or layout generation algorithms. - Familiarity with Cadence Virtuoso, SKILL, or electrical layout and EDA integration. - Experience with photonic-electronic co-layout, packaging interfaces, or commercial silicon photonics foundry tapeouts. Life at Voyant We build frontier hardware & systems from our lab and office in Midtown Manhattan, where optical tables, lab benches and electronics sit alongside traditional office space. Our work is hands-on and primarily in person, but we don’t run on a rigid 9-to-5. We partner with customers across time zones, so some calls start early or run late, and we adjust schedules around them. We run a high-trust, high-accountability environment: you’ll own meaningful work, move quickly and often wear more than one hat. Voyant provides catered lunch every day at HQ, and we’re a diverse group of food lovers from around the world who enjoy sharing food, culture and technical ideas around the lunch table. Equal Opportunity Employer Voyant Photonics is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital or partnership status, age, national origin, citizenship, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Requirements

Must-haves

Photonics Layout Engineer (Onsite/Hybrid)
Develop and implement layouts for complex photonic integrated circuits, from component-level test structures to large-scale system PICs.
Translate photonic schematics and design requirements into efficient, manufacturable GDSII layouts.
Implement dense waveguide routing, multilayer optical interconnects, and die- and reticle-level floorplanning.
Develop and maintain parameterized photonic component cells (PCells) and reusable layout libraries.
Create Python-based scripts and automation tools for layout generation, routing, and design verification.
Integrate photonic and electrical layouts, including electrical routing, contact pads, and packaging interfaces.
Perform and debug physical verification, including DRC, LVS, and optical connectivity checks.
Collaborate with photonic designers, packaging engineers, and foundry partners to optimize layouts and support tapeout submissions.
B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
2+ years of experience in photonic integrated circuit layout, preferably in silicon photonics or a similar platform.
Proficiency with photonic layout tools such as GDSFactory, IPKISS, KLayout, or equivalent.
Strong Python scripting skills, including experience with layout automation or parameterized designs.
Experience with photonic waveguide routing, component placement, and chip-level layout integration.
Familiarity with silicon photonics foundry PDKs, design rules, and tapeout processes.
Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary team.

Nice-to-haves

Experience with large-scale PIC layout, optical switching networks, or complex photonic routing architectures.
Experience with multilayer silicon/silicon nitride photonic platforms and interlayer optical transitions.
Experience developing automated routing, placement optimization, or layout generation algorithms.
Familiarity with Cadence Virtuoso, SKILL, or electrical layout and EDA integration.
Experience with photonic-electronic co-layout, packaging interfaces, or commercial silicon photonics foundry tapeouts.

Application prep

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