Photonics Layout Engineer (Remote)

At Voyant Photonics, we are pushing the boundaries of silicon photonic chips that steer and switch light at high speed. Our technology powers next-generation, chip-scale FMCW LiDAR for robotics and autonomy, and optical circuit switches (OCS) for AI data centers. Based in NYC, we are a hands-on team designing, building, and deploying frontier hardware to solve critical problems, from how machines see to how AI scales.

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

• A 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.