Integrated Photonics Simulation & Layout Engineer

Job Description

Job Title: Lead Integrated Photonics Simulation and Layout Engineer. Location: Boston, MA, USA

Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid

Responsibilities:

• Lead component design and layout for PDK development with commercial photonic foundries.
• Build and maintain parameterized component cell (PCell) libraries with EPDA support and automated layout workflows.
• Design and develop layouts for quantum photonic technologies, including diamond photonics, thin-film lithium niobate, and ion trap photonics.
• Own complete reticle tapeouts from floorplanning through GDS generation;
• Perform physical verification, including DRC and LVS, and lead layout reviews.
• Work with internal fabrication and test teams to validate PDK components against measured device performance.
• Contribute to system-level designs driven by ambitious specifications and advanced device-performance requirements.
• Collaborate across design, fabrication, and test teams to develop quantum photonic platforms.
• Support quantum computing, sensing, and networking technologies through advanced photonic design and simulation.

Qualifications:

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience designing devices using diamond photonics, thin-film lithium niobate, or ion trap photonics platforms.
• Proficiency with photonic simulation tools such as Lumerical, Tidy3D, or COMSOL.
• Extensive hands-on experience generating layouts for integrated photonic circuits;
• Experience owning full-reticle tapeouts with commercial photonic foundries.
• Deep expertise with Python-based photonic layout tools, such as KLayout, gdsfactory, or Luceda IPKISS.
• Experience with PDK development workflows.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across design, fabrication, and test teams.

Preferred:

• Experience developing or supporting PDKs for commercial photonic foundries.
• Experience using agentic AI workflows, such as Claude Code, to accelerate design and layout work.
• Strong software engineering skills, including Python layout automation, version control, and physical verification such as DRC, LVS, and ERC.
• Familiarity with architectures for distributed quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum networking.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Base salary range: $145,920 to $209,241 USD.
• Total compensation includes base salary, bonus, equity, and benefits.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Matching 401(k).
• Unlimited paid time off.
• Paid holidays.
• Parental and adoption leave.
• Legal insurance.
• Home technology stipend.
• Compensation may vary based on education, qualifications, experience, location, market data, and internal equity.

Other Information:

• Travel: Less than 10%.
• The position is based in Boston, Massachusetts, with hybrid work options available.
• The role may involve access to technology subject to U.S. export control and government contract restrictions.
• Employment may require verification of U.S. Person status, obtaining an applicable license, or confirming a license exception for access to controlled technology.
• IonQ conducts pre-employment background and risk screening in accordance with applicable laws;
• IonQ is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace.
• Candidates are encouraged to apply if they are interested in contributing to IonQ's quantum computing, networking, sensing, and security mission.