Senior Research Engineer – Photonic Integrated Circuit PDK development

Vor 7 Tagen

Villach, Kärnten, Österreich Silicon Austria Labs Vollzeit € 3.963 - € 80.000 pro Jahr


Your future responsibilities

The Integrated Photonics Technologies (IPT) research unit at Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is seeking a Researcher (1–3 years post-PhD or equivalent experience after MSc) to actively contribute to the development and maintenance of Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Process Design Kits (PDKs).
The successful candidate will play a key role in SAL's contributions to the European Photonics Pilot Line – PIX Europe, as well as other ongoing and future projects focused on PIC technology development.   Your future responsibilities will include:
  • Develop and maintain PIC PDKs.
  • Collaborate with designers, process engineers, and end-users to ensure smooth and continuous PDK updates.
  • Design strategies to ensure broad compatibility of the PDK with various commercial and non-commercial platforms.
  • Author and maintain the PDK technology handbook and component library, incorporating the latest technology developments.
  • Active contribution to project management and project acquisition 
  • Participation to scientific communication and publications


Your profile
  • PhD (or MSc with equivalent work experience) in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Applied Physics, or a related field.
  • Hands-on experience in photonic component development, PIC design, layout, and characterization.
  • Strong programming skills (e.g., Python or similar languages).
  • Familiarity with PIC-related EDA tools and collaborative environments (e.g., Git).
  • Self-motivated, well-organized, and enthusiastic about working in a dynamic, multicultural team.
  • Strong team player with excellent interdisciplinary collaboration skills.
  • Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
  • Experience in project management is a plus.


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 annual, based on an All-in contract).

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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