About the Job
We are looking for a highly skilled Photonics Design Engineer (f/m/d) to join the Semiconductor R&D team at our company in our Ecosystem. In this role, you will be responsible for designing and developing passive photonic components that power our graphene-based, high-speed optical transceiver platform.
As part of the team, you’ll help shape the chip-to-chip photonic connectivity roadmap. Working across fabrication, characterization, and process teams, you’ll deliver scalable, low-loss photonic solutions for next-generation semiconductor performance.
Join our Ecosystem company: A German hardware startup focused on designing and manufacturing groundbreaking microchips. The company develops energy-efficient, high-performance components with the potential to redefine global semiconductor connectivity through graphene photonics.
In this role, you’ll:
- Design passive photonic components in silicon nitride, including multiplexers and fiber-to-chip couplers
- Create, maintain, and update PDK building blocks in line with evolving requirements
- Develop test structures and support model validation through statistical data
- Explore and apply inverse design techniques and benchmark them against conventional methods
- Collaborate closely with the characterization team to improve yield, reduce optical loss, and support design iteration
- Work with process integration teams to ensure manufacturability, scalability, and performance
Your Profile:
- PhD or at least 3 years of professional experience in integrated photonics design
- Experience using Lumerical tools (e.g., MODE, FDTD, Multiphysics)
- Proficiency in Python and familiarity with Git workflows
- Strong layout design experience using gdsfactory, Nazca, or OptoDesigner
- Experience with inverse design techniques is a plus
- Hands-on experience with optical lab characterization is a plus
- Knowledge of Zemax is a plus
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a structured, data-driven approach
- Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken). German is a plus
Please note that this position is based in NRW region.
Benefits and Perks
- Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package with excellent insurance and pension benefits as well as virtual stock options at the ecosystem company
- Benefit from an inspiring, creative and diverse environment with professional and motivated colleagues from all over the world
- A transparent and open culture in which everyone is valued and respected
- Take on challenging tasks and develop yourself by taking on responsibility from day 1 - a steep learning curve is guaranteed
- A supportive environment where work-life balance is paramount
- Become part of the A11 Family Network and get access to regular events, knowledge sharing and meetups
If you’re eager to join the A11 Ecosystem and shape what’s next, we want to hear from you!
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
A11 is committed to diverse and equal opportunities hiring for all – applicants, candidates, and employees alike. We value humans – with all our glorious multifaceted backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences – and look forward to your application.