Photonic Layout Engineer (Quantum Computing)

Location: Oxford, England, United Kingdom; hybrid workplace

Company

hirify.global, part of IonQ, develops trapped-ion quantum computing systems and photonic technologies for scalable quantum processors.

What you will do

• Design and route photonic components in complex multi-layer chips for quantum processor units.
• Integrate photonic routing with metal tracks and CMOS routing to support on-chip light delivery and scaling to thousands of qubits.
• Generate reticle-size photonic layout files with Python for commercial foundry tape-outs.
• Perform layout verification using DRC and LVS.
• Collaborate with scientists, photonic designers, test engineers, packaging engineers, and fabrication engineers to define design rules and component requirements.
• Contribute to custom IonQ and foundry-specific photonic process design kits and document layout processes and final mask files.

Requirements

• Significant experience designing and laying out Photonic Integrated Circuits.
• Understanding of photonic devices such as waveguides, beamsplitters, and grating couplers, including their design, testing, and fabrication.
• At least two years of experience with Python packages for photonic mask layout, such as Luceda IPKISS, GDSFactory, or KLayout.
• Degree in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work independently and prioritise tasks in a time-sensitive environment.

Nice to have

• Experience generating layout files for photonic or complex semiconductor devices, especially custom elements.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and techniques for photonic and semiconductor devices.
• Experience with Synopsys, Cadence, Ansys, or other commercial simulation, verification, and layout environments.
• Strong programming and software skills.

Culture & Benefits

• Work with scientists, engineers, and innovators developing scalable quantum computing systems.
• Flexible hybrid working.
• Competitive salary with IonQ stock options and an annual performance bonus.
• Generous annual leave.
• Private medical and dental insurance for employees and their families.
• Career development opportunities alongside industry leaders.