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

Temporary, Full-time · 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.

This opportunity is a temporary PostDoc position with an expected duration of 3 years, aligned with the timeframe of the pilot line project. Continuation in a permanent role may be considered thereafter, subject to strong performance and future funding opportunities.

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.

The successful candidate 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). The candidate 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 PIC platform
Contributing to the development and validation of PDK components, including layout, simulation, and basic documentation
Performing layout design using tools such as KLayout and assisting with design rule checks and GDS generation
Performing layout manipulation to ensure compatibility with developed process flow
Characterizing fabricated devices in the lab (optical/electrical testing) and analyzing measurement data
Suggesting design improvements based on characterization results to enhance device performance and yield
Supporting the integration of experimental feedback into updated designs and compact models
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 in electrical engineering, applied physics, or a related field, ideally with focus on integrated photonics (or MSc with equivalent work experience)
Proficiency in PIC design and characterization, preferably in R&D or pilot line environments
Experience with layout design tools (e.g. KLayout)
Solid programming skills in Python or similar (e.g. for layout, data analysis)
Strong understanding of cleanroom-based micro- and nanofabrication processes for photonics
Knowledge and understanding of electron beam lithography processes.
Strong organizational and documentation skills for technical reporting and IP generation
Ability to work collaboratively across teams, including fabrication, packaging, and testing
Autonomous, passionate, well organized, enjoy working in a dynamic and multicultural team
Knowledge of photonics market trends and technology roadmap is a plus
Project management experience is an asset
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English

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.

The application window opens early July, with reviews continuing through mid-August.
1st Interviews begin in August/September, followed by a short technical task (two weeks deadline) for shortlisted candidates.
After positive assessment, final candidates will be invited to a second round to present their solution in October.
Final decisions are expected by late October or November, with most positions starting around January/February 2026.

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

Apply for this job

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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