IonQ is developing the world's most powerful full-stack quantum computer based on trapped-ion technology. We are pushing past the limits of classical physics and current supercomputing technology to unlock a new era of computing. Quantum computing has the potential to impact every area of human society for the better. IonQ’s computers will soon redefine industries like medicine, materials science, finance, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cryptography, and more. IonQ is at the forefront of this technological revolution.
We are looking for a Senior Photonic Layout Engineer. As a Senior Photonic Layout Engineer, you’ll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its journey to build the world’s best quantum computers to solve the world’s most complex problems.
In this role, you will be the owner of full-reticle tapeouts of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) that will be directly integrated into trapped-ion quantum computers. In addition, you will help develop and maintain the internal component PCell and circuit layout libraries, as well as write scripts to automate the layout of masks for tapeouts. You will also have the opportunity to work closely with the PIC and ion trap design and testing teams to help develop new and game-changing quantum technology to enable scalable quantum computing, memory, and networking.
The PIC Design Team is a remote-friendly team and this role can be performed remotely or in-person at IonQ’s College Park, MD campus.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct Python-based layout for full-reticle tapeouts of PICs with commercial foundries
- Develop and maintain internal component PCell and automated circuit layout libraries
- Interface with photonic designers, test engineers, packaging engineers, and foundry team to define layout rules and component designs
- Build custom layout PDKs for IonQ-specific photonic platforms
- Implement physical verification checks of layouts, including DRC and LVS
- Develop detailed documentation of tapeouts and lead layout reviews with other team members
- Work with broader PIC team and cross-functional teams to understand photonic circuit requirements and make recommendations to improve design, layout, and test workflows
You’d be a good fit with:
- Bachelor’s degree in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field, or equivalent practical experience
- Familiarity with photonics device principles (waveguides, beamsplitters, grating couplers, etc…) including design, test, and fabrication
- 2+ years experience with Python-based mask layout software packages developed for photonics: Luceda IPKISS, GDSFactory, or Klayout
You’d be a great fit with:
- M.S. or Ph.D. in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field
- 5+ years experience in generating layout files for photonic devices or complex semiconductor flows with custom elements, with proven development of novel PCells
- Excellent programming and software skills, including development in an IDE, proficiency with version control software, shell scripting, and code documentation
- Experience with commercial simulation, verification, and layout environments such as Synopsys, Cadence, and Ansys
- Knowledge of semiconductor and photonic manufacturing processes and techniques
- Proficiency in physical verification including DRC, LVS, and ERC
- Experience with semiconductor and/or photonic workflows for tapeout with commercial foundries
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- A meticulous attention to detail and excellent track record of documenting requirements, implementation plan, and tracking progress
- Ability to work independently, prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively in a deadline-oriented environment
Location: College Park, MD remote within United States of America
Travel: 5%
Compensation will vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. Beyond base salary, total compensation includes a variable bonus and equity component and a range of benefit options found on our career site at ionq.co/jobs. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment. Our US benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401K, unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, a home internet stipend, and pet insurance!
IonQ's HQ is located in College Park, Maryland, just outside of Washington DC. We are actively building out our recently opened manufacturing and production facility in Bothell, WA (near Seattle). Depending on the position, you may be required to be near one of our offices in College Park, Seattle, Toronto, Canada, and Basel, Switzerland. However, IonQ will expand into additional domestic and international geographies, so don’t let this stop you from applying!
At IonQ, we believe in fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all while striving to identify and eliminate barriers. We empower employees to thrive by fostering a culture of autonomy, productivity, and respect. We are dedicated to creating an environment where individuals can feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued.
We are committed to equity and justice. We welcome different voices and viewpoints and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
US Technical Jobs. The position you are applying for will require access to technology that is subject to U.S. export control and government contract restrictions. Employment with IonQ is contingent on either verifying “U.S. Person” (e.g., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum) status for export controls and government contracts work, obtaining any necessary license, and/or confirming the availability of a license exception under U.S. export controls. Please note that in the absence of confirming you are a U.S. Person for export control and government contracts work purposes, IonQ may choose not to apply for a license or decline to use a license exception (if available) for you to access export-controlled technology that may require authorization, and similarly, you may not qualify for government contracts work that requires U.S. Persons, and IonQ may decline to proceed with your application on those bases alone. Accordingly, we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control and compliance purposes, and the answers will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law.
US Non-Technical Jobs. Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. Accordingly, we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control and compliance purposes, and the answers will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law.
If you are interested in being a part of our team and mission, we encourage you to apply!
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