Photonic Design Engineer (80-100%), Zürich, Switzerland

About TechBiz Global
TechBiz Global is a leading recruitment and software development company. Our diverse, globally distributed team provides IT recruitment, outstaffing, outsourcing, software development, and different consulting services with a primary focus on making our partners achieve their business goals successfully. With headquarters in Germany we have successful clients all over the world. We can understand your unique needs. Our team has hands-on experience with the challenges that come with rapid growth and the IT sector. That’s why all of our offerings are built with a tech mindset.

Position Summary

We seek a skilled Photonic Design Engineer with a strong focus on modelling, simulation, and optimising novel photonic and electro-optical systems and sub-systems based on thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN). The ideal candidate will contribute to developing our process design kit (PDK) component library and novel PIC circuits, ensuring top-tier performance and integration. This role involves close collaboration with our multidisciplinary teams, especially with experimental characterisation and process development, to bring groundbreaking photonic solutions from concept to market.

Key Responsibilities

Photonic Design: Develop and optimise various photonics PDK components, including passive, electro-optics, and active components based on TFLN using FEM or FDTD simulation methods in Lumerical or COMSOL.

PDK Development: Develop, implement, and maintain the PDK in various EDA design software, such as Nazca, Luceda, and Synopsys. This PDK encompasses both layouts and physical models of each component.

PIC Circuits Layout: Model and simulate PIC designs (including GDS layouts) at the circuit level, focusing on innovative solutions to improve performance and reliability.

Collaboration: Collaborate with the fabrication team to ensure designs are manufacturable and meet quality standards, and implement the PDK physical models based on statistical measurements.

Customer Guidance: Provide technical support and expertise to our sales and marketing teams, assisting in customer engagement and product specification.

Technical Expertise: Stay up-to-date with industry trends and advancements in PIC technology and design methodologies.

Documentation: Document and maintain comprehensive records of PDK revisions, updates, and usage guidelines.

EU Projects: Participate in and contribute to international, national, and public-funded projects (e.g., HorizonEurope), including at the technical level and in grant writing and reporting.

What you’ll bring

Educational Background: A PhD or Master degree in Photonics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

Experience: A minimum of 3 years of experience in integrated photonics and microwave photonics and a minimum of 2 years of experience in PIC design, modelling, and optimisation is required.

Technical Skills: Proficiency in FEM simulation tools for photonic and electronic design, such as Lumerical, COMSOL or similar. Good knowledge of EDA design tools like IPKISS (Luceda), Nazca, or Synopsys Opto-Designer. Expertise in Python coding is a must.

Communication skills: Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team. Ability and interest to interact with customers, understand their design needs and propose solutions.

Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills and a proactive approach to solving technical challenges.

Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment, demonstrating flexibility and resilience in the face of change.

Language Skills: Fluency in English is required; knowledge of German or French is an advantage.

What We Offer

• A unique opportunity to lead a cutting-edge manufacturing initiative in the rapidly growing field of photonics.
• A collaborative and innovative work environment where your contributions will shape the future of telecommunications, datacom, and beyond.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package, including employee stock option plan (ESOP), reflective of your experience and expertise.
• Become a key player in an early-phase startup and be part of a young, motivated, and energetic team. You will have the unique opportunity to create, grow, and develop your professional skills at a fast pace.