At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and verify advanced photonic layouts while collaborating with a dynamic engineering team.
- Company: Join a leading company in integrated photonics with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to influence design processes and methodologies.
- Why this job: Tackle exciting challenges in photonics and semiconductor design while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and experience in photonic or semiconductor layout required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Photonic Layout Engineer to join our Photonics team and contribute to the physical design, verification and development of advanced integrated photonic devices. You will work closely with engineers across photonic design, layout and testing, helping translate device and circuit requirements into robust, fabrication‑ready layouts. The role will involve a combination of physical layout, design verification, programming and continuous improvement of our internal design workflows. This is a hands‑on engineering role for someone who enjoys working at the intersection of integrated photonics, semiconductor design and software. You should be comfortable working through complex layout challenges, interpreting design requirements and using programming to improve the speed, quality and repeatability of engineering work. Depending on your experience, you may join at Mid or Senior level. We are particularly interested in people who have worked on integrated photonics or semiconductor IC layout, whether in industry, research or a strong academic environment.
What you'll be doing:
- Develop physical layouts for integrated photonic components, structures and larger photonic designs
- Translate photonic device and circuit requirements into fabrication‑ready layouts
- Perform design verification, including DRC and LVS
- Support designs through the full layout and verification process
- Develop and improve software‑based workflows for photonic layout and design automation
- Use Python and relevant semiconductor or photonic design tools to create, manipulate and verify layouts
- Maintain and contribute to internal component and design libraries
- Support the development of appropriate test and characterisation structures
- Review layouts for design integrity, fabrication constraints and potential sources of failure
- Collaborate closely with photonic design, testing and wider engineering teams
- Contribute to improvements in layout methodology, tooling and verification processes
- Help make photonic design workflows increasingly repeatable, reliable and efficient
Over time, you will take ownership of increasingly complex layout work, progressing from individual components and structures through to larger integrated photonic designs and full design verification.
What we're looking for:
- A Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Physics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or another closely related technical discipline
- Relevant experience in integrated photonics, photonic IC layout, semiconductor IC layout or design verification
- Hands‑on experience creating physical IC or photonic layouts using Python or other layout and EDA software
- Strong programming capability, ideally with experience in Python or another relevant programming language
- The ability to explain and discuss software or coding projects you have worked on in detail
- A good understanding of integrated photonics or the broader semiconductor IC industry
- Working knowledge of photonic IC design and fabrication flows
- An understanding of how physical layout decisions interact with device design, fabrication and performance
- A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams
- Strong critical thinking and attention to detail, particularly when reviewing layouts and resolving verification issues
- Clear communication skills and the ability to explain technical decisions and trade‑offs
For more experienced candidates, we would typically expect around two or more years of relevant work in integrated photonics or IC layout and verification. Candidates with particularly strong academic, research or project experience may also be considered where they can demonstrate the required practical capability.
Even better if you:
- A Master's degree or PhD in integrated photonics, photonics, electrical engineering, physics or a related discipline
- Hands‑on experience with Python-based layout automation
- Experience with photonic or semiconductor EDA tools
- Familiarity with common integrated photonic devices and structures
- Knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing processes and fabrication technologies
- Experience developing or maintaining component or PDK libraries
- Previous involvement in photonic or semiconductor design cycles
- Experience working with DRC and LVS verification
- Experience working within a commercial product development environment
- A background in photonic device design or semiconductor process development
Relevant backgrounds could include integrated photonics design and layout teams, silicon photonics research groups, university or research institute environments, or semiconductor IC layout and verification teams. This is an opportunity to work on genuinely challenging problems across photonics, semiconductor engineering and software, with meaningful ownership over the quality and effectiveness of physical design. You will join a highly collaborative engineering environment where you can influence not just individual designs, but also the methods, tools and processes used to develop advanced photonic hardware. The role is based in the UK on a hybrid basis, with three days per week on site.
Photonic Layout Engineer in Abingdon employer: Salience Labs
Salience Labs is an excellent employer for those looking to thrive in a dynamic and innovative environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to enhance your skills while contributing to the finance operations of a fast-growing tech team. Our collaborative work culture fosters creativity and teamwork, making it a rewarding place to build your career in the deep tech sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Photonic Layout Engineer in Abingdon
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Photonic Layout Engineer role you’re after at Salience Labs.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Salience Labs a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Salience Labs.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Photonic Layout Engineer at Salience Labs, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Photonic Layout Engineer in Abingdon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Photonic Layout Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Salience Labs a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Salience Labs specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Salience Labs
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Salience Labs, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Salience Labs want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
