Are you ready to lead the charge in the next generation of photonic integrated circuits (PIC)? Lightium, a pioneering force in the photonic industry, is on the hunt for a skilled PIC Design Expert to turn our visionary technology into a tangible solution for our customers. Join us on our journey to transform information and communication technologies, making advanced photonics more accessible and efficient for everyone. 

Position Summary 

We seek a skilled PIC Design expert with a strong focus on modeling, simulation, and optimization of novel photonic and electro-optical building blocks and systems based on thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN). The ideal candidate will contribute to developing our process design kit (PDK) component library and novel PIC circuits, ensuring top-tier performance and integration. This role involves close collaboration with our multidisciplinary teams, especially with experimental characterization and process development, to bring groundbreaking photonic solutions from concept to market. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Develop and optimize various photonics PDK components, including passive, electro-optics, and active components based on TFLN using FEM or FDTD simulation methods in COMSOL and Lumerical. 
• Develop, implement, and maintain the PDK in various EDA design software, such as Nazca, Luceda, and Synopsys. This PDK encompasses both layouts and physical models of each component. 
• Model and simulate PIC designs (including GDS layouts) at the circuit-level, focusing on innovative solutions to improve performance and reliability. 
• Model new photonic components using state-of-the-art simulation tools and methodologies. 
• Collaborate with the fabrication team to ensure designs are manufacturable and meet quality standards, and implement the PDK physical models based on statistical measurements. 
• Provide technical support and expertise to our sales and marketing teams, assisting in customer engagement and product specification. 
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and advancements in PIC technology and design methodologies. 
• Document and maintain comprehensive records of PDK revisions, updates, and usage guidelines. 
• Participate in and contribute to international, national, and public-funded projects (e.g., HorizonEurope), including at the technical level and in grant writing and reporting. 

What you’ll Bring 

• A PhD in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or a related field. 
• Minimum 5 years of experience in the field of integrated photonics and microwave photonics.
• minimum 3 years of experience in TFLN-based PIC design, modeling, and optimization. 
• Strong knowledge of FEM simulation tools for photonic and electronic design, such as Luceda, Lumerical, or similar. 
• Strong knowledge of EDA design tools such as IPKISS (Luceda), Nazca, or Synopsys Opto-Designer 
• Strong expertise in Python coding is a must. 
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team. 
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, concise language for a variety of audiences. 
• Strong reporting and documentation skills and the ability to supervise large projects with multiple team members over a long period. 
• Fluency in English (in verbal or written communication) is a must – German and French are a plus. 

What We Offer 

• A unique opportunity to lead a cutting-edge manufacturing initiative in the rapidly growing field of photonics. 
• A collaborative and innovative work environment where your contributions will shape the future of telecommunications, datacom, and beyond. 
• Competitive compensation and benefits package reflective of your experience and expertise. 
• Become a key player in an early-phase startup and join a young, motivated, and energetic team. You will have the unique opportunity to create, grow, and be involved in leadership decisions. 

We'd love to hear from you if you're passionate about building new tech from the ground up and thrive in a collaborative and innovative environment. We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 

Lightium is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.