Photonics Design Engineer

EDWATEC SA is a high-tech startup and a spin-off from EPFL. We develop advanced photonic integrated circuits for on-chip optical amplification and lasing, enabling compact, high-performance, and scalable solutions for optical communications, AI datacenters, space applications, quantum technologies, sensing, and metrology.

We are looking for a motivated Photonics Design Engineer to join our team and develop our erbium-doped photonic integrated circuit platform. You will turn device concepts into optimized components, reusable design libraries, and fabrication-ready masks, bridging simulation and manufacturing while supporting customer projects and internal R&D.

Your tasks:

• Simulate, design, and optimize PIC components and circuits, including couplers, resonators, and gain sections

• Develop our erbium-doped PIC process design kit (PDK): parametric cells, compact models, rules, and documentation

• Create fabrication-ready GDSII masks; verify layer mapping, connectivity, and design-rule compliance

• Automate simulation, layout, and verification in Python; maintain version-controlled design libraries

• Evaluate fabrication tolerances and validate simulations against measurements with our process and testing teams

• Deliver customer and R&D designs, test structures, and reports in collaboration with packaging teams

• Support commercial activities; represent EDWATEC at customer meetings, conferences, and exhibitions

Your profile:

• Master’s degree or PhD in physics, electrical engineering, photonics, or a related field

• Experience in photonic integrated circuit design, from component simulation to mask layout

• Strong Python programming skills and hands-on experience with tools such as gdspy, Luceda IPKISS, or GDSFactory

• Experience with finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) and finite element method (FEM) simulations of photonic devices

• Experience with silicon photonics and the design of active photonic elements is a plus

• Excellent English, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively

We offer:

• The opportunity to contribute to a fast-moving high-tech startup advancing integrated photonics

• Close collaboration with fabrication and testing teams

• A collaborative, creative, and international team environment

• An inspiring workplace in Lausanne, on the shores of Lake Geneva

• Start date: As soon as possible

Application:

To apply for this exciting opportunity, you must submit your application through Linkedin. We look forward to receiving your application and exploring how your skills can contribute to the EDWATEC team.