Senior Research Engineer – Quantum Photonic Integrated Circuit Design and PDK development (all genders) // Job-ID: 203-1

Festanstellung, Vollzeit · GRAZ / VILLACH

Your future responsibilities

As part of the European Chips Act, Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is driving innovation in quantum and semiconductor technologies through its Quantum Pilot Lines.

Join our interdisciplinary teams at the interface of design and fabrication and enjoy Villach’s exceptional quality of life in the heart of the Austrian Alps. Be part of something bigger. Be part of Silicon Austria Labs.

The Integrated Photonics Technologies (IPT) research unit focuses on emerging photonic device approaches, including integrated photonics for quantum applications. We are seeking an experienced and motivated researcher to contribute to design and PDK development for aluminum nitride (AlN)-based quantum photonic integrated circuits (PICs) in SAL’s R&D cleanroom. The role bridges research and fabrication pilot line, supporting the development of next-generation PIC for quantum communication, sensing, and metrology.

You will contribute to the design workflow for PDK development of AlN quantum PICs, while supporting the process development and fabrication readiness toward high technology readiness levels (TRL). You will support design, device performance optimization, yield improvement, and quality assurance.

Your future responsibilities will include:

Designing photonic integrated circuits (passive components and modulators) for quantum applications based on AlN.
Contributing to the development and validation of PDK components, including layout, simulation, and documentation.
Generating layout from design and performing design rule checks
Characterizing fabricated devices in the lab (optical/electrical testing) and analyzing measurement data
Designing improvements based on characterization results to enhance device performance and yield
Collaborating closely with process and fabrication teams to ensure high design-to-fab fidelity
Contributing to reporting, documentation, publication, IP generation, and patent application
Supporting industry and academic collaborations within multidisciplinary projects

Your profile

PhD (or MSc with equivalent work experience) in electrical engineering, applied physics, or a related field, ideally with focus on integrated photonics
Proficiency in microelectronics design, preferably in R&D or pilot line environments, ideally related to Photonic Integrated Circuits.
Solid scripting skills, ideally in Python
Strong organizational and documentation skills for technical reporting and IP generation
Ability to work collaboratively across teams, e.g. with fabrication, packaging, testing…
Autonomous, passionate, well organized, enjoying work in a dynamic and multicultural team
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, German is a plus

Important Facts about SAL

Diverse research activities with many technical challenges
State-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment
Location in the heart of Europe in Austria – relocation support for non-European nationalities
Internal and external training opportunities for career development
Family & children friendly - actively shaping the compatibility of family and career
“Vital4SAL” to promote a healthy workplace (e.g. SAL coaching pool, trainings on mental health, physical activities, healthy snacks, 24/7 accident insurance)
€ 4 per day meal allowance in restaurants or € 2 per working day in supermarkets
Public transport initiative (subsidy for the “Klimaticket”)
Our values:
- Open door policy, flexibility in working hours, casual dress code, diverse teams, working with people of different nationalities, informal communication, lifelong learning,compatibility of family and career, sustainability, personal growth, and collective advancement

This position is subject to the Collective Agreement for employees in non-university research (Research CA) starting in occupational group E (E1 salary = EUR 3.963, paid 14 times a year) based on 38,5 hours per week. For this position we offer competitive salaries and additional benefits based on your experience and qualifications, starting with a minimum gross salary of EUR 61.000 (annual, based on an All-in contract).

Become part of Silicon Austria Labs

This is a unique chance to accelerate your scientific career at the forefront of Europe’s quantum and semiconductor research.

If you're looking for a place to grow, collaborate, and make an impact, we’d love to hear from you.

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About us

Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is a top research center for Electronics and Software Based Systems (ESBS). At three locations (Graz, Villach, Linz), SAL is conducting research along the entire ESBS value chain in the areas of sensor systems, power electronics, intelligent wireless systems, microsystems and embedded systems to develop future-oriented solutions for industrial production, health, energy, mobility, safety and more. SAL brings together key players from industry, science and research and thus valuable expertise and know-how and conducts cooperative, application-oriented research along the value chain. Cooperative projects are co-financed by SAL and enable a fast and unbureaucratic project start. SAL is thus shaping the high-tech location Austria and Europe and developing the future

Innovation is our top priority and so are our employees. We are a family-friendly company and support the compatibility of work and family as much as possible. That is why we have been awarded the Work and Family Certificate until 2026. But we are constantly working on new measures to offer our employees an environment where they feel good, healthy and motivated.

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