Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Terra Quantum AG is at the forefront of quantum technology, developing solutions that combine classical and quantum computing. The Lead Photonics Integrated Circuit Engineer will drive the technical strategy and execution of photonic integration, overseeing the design and verification of cutting-edge photonic integrated circuits while collaborating with various teams to ensure manufacturable designs.
Responsibilities
- Lead the Photonics technology roadmap aligned with the programme’s overall progression
- Define go/no-go decision criteria, risk registers, and cost models for photonic integration at each process node, consistent with the programme’s existing MPW and pilot-line budgeting methodology
- Conduct technology horizon scanning and competitive landscape analysis across silicon photonics, photonic quantum computing, and optical interconnect for AI accelerators
- Lead the design, simulation, and characterisation of photonic components (waveguides, modulators, photodetectors, single-photon sources) compatible with the programme’s FEOL + X + BEOL process flow
- Lead complex, full-loop manual and automated layout designs and mixed-signal functions (high-speed/general I/Os, ESD structures)
- Drive the full tape-out process, including floor planning, waveguide routing, and mask data preparation
- Design and simulate photonic integrated circuits for communication, sensing, or compute-related applications
- Work with fabrication partners to develop layouts and ensure manufacturable designs
- Collaborate with electronics, packaging, and test teams to integrate PICs into larger hardware systems
- Execute rigorous post-layout verification (DRC, LVS, fill, density) across multiple stepping versions
- Trace defect sources, mitigate layout-dependent issues, and ensure DRC/LVS cleanliness prior to tape-out
- Evaluate and specify co-integration pathways for photonic elements with the existing HZO ferroelectric and metal-oxide layers, identifying shared ALD and BEOL metal-stack process steps
- Develop optical test and characterisation methodologies from wafer-level through to packaged sub-assembly, defining pass/fail metrics for manufacturing readiness
- Establish and own the photonics simulation workflow, interfacing with the programme’s existing layered tool chain
- Develop compact models and Verilog-A behavioural descriptions for photonic devices to enable system-level co-simulation with the NC-FET/memristor fabric
- Model optical interconnect power, latency, and bandwidth budgets for hybrid electronic–photonic accelerator architectures
- In time build and lead a small specialist team as the photonics workstream scales through programme phases
- Manage relationships with foundry partners, MPW brokers, and academic collaborators for photonic process access and IP development
- Represent the programme at conferences, review panels, and in publications; contribute to grant and funding applications
- Participate in programme-wide design reviews, providing photonics perspective on hybrid systolic/crossbar architecture decisions, precision formats, and KV-cache strategies
- Contribute to the programme’s future framework, specifically on optical compute and interconnect as an enabling pillar
Skills
- PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline with a focus on photonics, quantum optics, or integrated photonic devices
- Demonstrated track record in experimental quantum photonics R&D, including design, fabrication liaison, and characterisation of photonic devices or circuits
- Deep knowledge of semiconductor process flows (CMOS front-end and back-end) and an understanding of how photonic elements integrate within or alongside electronic process modules
- Understanding of analog circuit layout, Silicon Photonic constraints, and device physics within advanced sub-micron CMOS and SiPh technologies
- Experience translating research-stage photonic technologies toward manufacturable, scalable hardware — ideally within a commercial or national-lab R&D environment
- Strong publication record and the ability to communicate complex photonic and quantum concepts to cross-disciplinary engineering teams
- Proficiency in physical modelling and data analysis (C++, Python, SKILL, TCL, HDL, MATLAB, or equivalent); familiarity with photonic simulation tools (Lumerical, COMSOL, MEEP, or similar)
- Experience with Cadence Virtuoso (Custom Layout, SDL) and industry-standard verification suites (Calibre, Hercules, ICV, Dracula, or Primeyield)
- Experience developing or contributing to multi-year technology roadmaps, including milestone definition, risk assessment, and cost estimation
Benefits
- We have a high degree of freedom working remotely or joining one of our office spaces.
- A personal development plan with clear goals for advancement
- Flexible working arrangements
- A competitive salary
- Welcoming, friendly, and professional colleagues
- A diverse and supportive atmosphere, where innovation and initiative are encouraged
- An opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the pioneering field of Quantum Technologies as well as an experienced and progressive Leadership team
- Gain knowledge of some of the most cutting-edge technology developments in science & engineering
- A chance to be part of one of Europe’s leading technology firms of the upcoming decades
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