Location: Boston, MA (Hybrid options available)
Travel: Less than 10% travel
Job ID: 1801
The Role:We are looking for a Lead Integrated Photonic Simulation & Layout Engineer. In this role, you'll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its journey to build the world's best quantum computers to solve the world's most complex problems.
In this role, you will lead the layout of state-of-the-art photonic integrated devices and circuits, with a primary focus on supporting PDK development with commercial foundries. You will also contribute to design and layout for quantum photonic platforms, including diamond photonics, thin-film lithium niobate, and ion trap photonics. As part of our research organization, your work will be driven by ambitious system-level specifications, pushing the boundaries of current design capabilities to achieve unprecedented device performance.
Responsibilities:
- Lead component design and layout in support of PDK development with commercial photonic foundries, building and maintaining parameterized component cell (PCell) libraries with EPDA support, and automated layout workflows.
- Support design and layout for quantum photonic technologies, including diamond photonics, thin-film lithium niobate, and ion trap photonics.
- Own full-reticle tapeouts from floorplanning through GDS generation, including physical verification (DRC, LVS) and leading layout reviews.
- Partner with internal fabrication and test teams to validate PDK components against measured device performance.
Requirements:- A PhD in electrical engineering, physics, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- Experience designing devices in diamond photonics, thin-film lithium niobate, or ion trap photonics platforms, and proficiency with photonic simulation tools (e.g., Lumerical, Tidy3D, or COMSOL).
- Extensive hands-on experience generating layout for integrated photonic circuits, including ownership of full-reticle tapeouts with commercial foundries.
- Deep expertise with Python-based photonic layout tools (e.g., KLayout, gdsfactory, or Luceda IPKISS) and PDK development workflows.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a track record of collaborating effectively across design, fabrication, and test teams.
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience developing or supporting PDKs for commercial photonic foundries.
- Proficiency with agentic AI workflows (e.g., Claude Code) to accelerate design and layout work.
- Strong software engineering skills, including Python layout automation, version control, and physical verification (DRC, LVS, ERC).
- Familiarity with architectures for distributed quantum computing, sensing, and networking.
The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity, and a range of benefit options found on our career site.
If this role has a commission structure, the compensation range below just reflects the base compensation range.
Wage Transparency:
$145,920-$209,241 USD
Compensation will vary based on individual factors such as education, qualifications, and experience of the final candidate(s), specific office location, and calibration against relevant market data and internal team equity. Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. Our benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401(k), unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, and a home technology stipend. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment.
