Photonics Design Engineer (Layout)

Job Description

Job Title: Photonics Design Engineer (Layout). Location: Toronto, ON, Canada

Responsibilities:

• Work within the photonic integration team to develop advanced passive and active components for a fault-tolerant architecture
• Contribute to the development of the internal PDK with strong focus on achieving ultra-low insertion loss for quantum optical computing
• Lead mask design activities to improve fabrication processes and performance;
• Design advanced test structures with sub-milli-dB to micro-dB sensitivity to measure and optimize insertion losses
• Bridge simulation and experimental work by creating accurate layout structures for validation
• Generate layout files in GDSII and OAS formats for MPW and full mask sets
• Perform physical verification including DRC and LVS to ensure manufacturing compliance and netlist integrity
• Develop on-chip integrated passive photonic components such as gratings, ring and racetrack resonators, directional couplers, and MMIs
• Collaborate in a team environment using version control tools such as Git;
• Gain hands-on design experience with advanced 200mm and 300mm foundry processes

Qualifications:

• MSc or PhD in Engineering, Science, or related field
• Minimum 2 years of industrial experience
• Expert-level experience in scripted photonic mask design and layout using tools such as ipkiss3, gdsfactory, Virtuoso, OptoDesigner, or similar
• Strong expertise in physical verification using custom or foundry-provided codes;
• Proven experience generating manufacturing-ready layouts in GDSII or OAS formats
• Solid background in integrated passive photonic component development
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities

Preferred:

• Experience designing ultra-precise test structures for propagation loss extraction
• Experience identifying scattering and absorption losses in photonic waveguides
• Experience designing layouts for superconducting devices such as SNSPDs;
• Knowledge of automated routing algorithms for large-scale photonic integrated circuits
• Experience incorporating fabrication effects such as lithographic rounding, OPC or bias correction, and material non-uniformity into layout optimization

Benefits and Compensation:

• Base salary range of 110,000 to 130,000 CAD depending on location, experience, and internal benchmarks
• Eligibility for equity
• Comprehensive benefits package

Other Information:

• This is a newly created position
• Equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and a barrier-free workplace
• Accommodations are available during the recruitment process upon request;
• AI tools may be used during applicant screening, but final hiring decisions are made by humans
• Applicants must confirm authorization to work in Canada and complete required screening questions during application