Photonic Layout Engineer

About Voyant
Voyant Photonics, based in the heart of New York City, is transforming machine perception with a new class of LiDAR devices that are compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand and powerful enough to measure range, velocity, and reflectivity with unparalleled accuracy. By leveraging cutting-edge silicon photonic chips smaller than your fingertip, we deliver sensors that are not only revolutionary in performance but also affordable enough to integrate into any system.

Our technology disrupts the status quo of bulky, expensive, and power-hungry LiDAR systems, making high-precision sensing accessible for widespread adoption in robotics, autonomous vehicles, drones, industrial automation, and beyond.

Position Overview

We’re looking for a Photonic Layout Engineer to support the design and development of advanced photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for our FMCW LiDAR systems. In this role, you’ll translate schematic designs into manufacturable layouts, integrating complex passive and active photonic components alongside electrical and mechanical interfaces. You’ll work extensively with GDSII layouts and use Python scripting to automate and streamline layout and verification processes, including DRC and LVS. Experience with PIC layout is important, as you’ll contribute to high-density, high-performance photonic chips that push the limits of integration.

You’ll start by working closely with two senior silicon photonics designers. As the team grows, you’ll collaborate with additional layout engineers, photonics designers, and modeling engineers. The role offers a clear growth path—from owning small test structures to eventually managing full tapeout submissions.

Location: NYC preferred, with remote options available. If you're open to relocating, we’re happy to support you through the process.

Responsibilities:

• Own the layout of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) from concept through tapeout
  Create and maintain a library of parameterized photonic component cells (PCells)

• Integrate photonic and electronic layouts (co-layout) for heterogeneous integration

• Implement photonic design rules and ensure compliance with foundry-specific PDK constraints

• Collaborate closely with the photonics design, systems, test, and packaging teams to deliver manufacturable, testable, and high-performance PIC designs

• Implement waveguide routing, die- and reticle-level floorplanning, and integration with electronic and packaging interfaces

• Develop and maintain layout automation scripts

• Run and debug physical verification checks, including DRC, LVS, and optical connectivity (netlist-driven or netlist-free)

• Help define and shape internal layout flows, documentation standards, and review processes

• Work hands-on with foundry deliverables, including GDS generation and fab communication

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Engineering, or a related field

• 2+ years of experience in photonic layout, preferably in silicon photonics or a similar platform

• Proficiency with Python-based layout tools such as GDSFactory, IPKISS, and KLayout

• Strong scripting skills in Python

• Familiarity with photonic foundry PDKs, tapeout processes, and custom photonic components

• Strong attention to detail, excellent documentation skills, and experience working in a cross-functional engineering environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with Cadence Virtuoso and SKILL, with experience in analog and/or digital IC layout

• Experience with co-packaged optics and heterogeneously integrated PICs

• Understanding of wafer-scale testing and packaging constraints as they relate to layout

• Familiarity with electrical layout and EDA integration for optoelectronic devices

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and meaningful equity package

• Comprehensive health benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision)

• Unlimited PTO and paid company holidays

• Team events and company meetups

• Hybrid or remote work environment with monthly travel for remote employees.

• Complimentary lunch provided daily at our NYC office

Equal Opportunity Employer

Voyant Photonics is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital or partnership status, age, national origin, citizenship, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, or any other characteristic protected by law.