Senior Photonics PDK Design Automation Engineer
Lightmatter
| Company | Lightmatter |
| Category | Engineering |
| Location | Boston |
| Remote | On-site (inferred) |
| Employment | Not stated |
| Level | Senior |
| Salary | Not stated by the employer |
| Posted | 9 Jun 2026 |
| Last verified | 12 Aug 2026 |
| Source | The employer's own careers page (company_site) |
Description
Lightmatter is developing next-generation photonic data center infrastructure for AI and HPC workloads. This role involves architecting and maintaining an internal Process Design Kit (PDK), bridging photonics device design with system-level verification, and applying software engineering rigor to photonic hardware design automation.
What You'll Do
• Develop and maintain a library of photonic pcells using Python-based layout frameworks
• Ensure strict synchronization between physical layout, logical netlists, and behavioral models
• Develop and maintain custom photonic Layout vs Schematic (LVS) decks across multiple foundry technologies
• Design and test device and parameter extraction for innovative photonic devices
• Implement regression testing and continuous integration pipelines to ensure PDK updates maintain design integrity
• Collaborate with design, layout, modeling, and infrastructure teams on high-impact tape-outs
What You Need
• Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Photonics, or related field
• 3+ years of LVS deck development experience with Siemens Calibre, Cadence Pegasus, and/or Synopsys IC Validator
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and resolve LVS mismatches in complex circuit designs
• Python-based layout experience with object-oriented programming and scientific libraries (NumPy, SciPy)
• Experience writing scripts in Python, SVRF, Tcl, Bash, and SKILL
• In-depth knowledge of integrated photonic devices, analog devices, and parasitics
• In-depth knowledge of foundry process (SOI, etching, implants, metal stacks)
• Proficiency with Linux environments, advanced version control (Git), and software engineering best practices
Nice to Have
• Proficiency with python-based layout tools such as gdstk, GDSFactory, and KLayout
• Experience with Git setup, version control, unit testing (pytest), and CI/CD workflows
• Prior experience performing physical layout using foundry-provided process design kits adhering to design rules and constraints
• Experience with DRC deck and rule development
• Experience working on large-scale designs using Cadence Virtuoso
• Excellent communication and multidisciplinary team collaboration skills
Competitive compensation package with base salary range and total compensation that includes new hire equity grant, annual performance-based equity, comprehensive health care plan (medical, dental, vision), retirement savings matching, life insurance, generous time off, paid family leave, short and long term disability, training and development, commuter benefits, and flexible hybrid workplace model