Lightmatter · 12 hours ago
Staff Photonics PDK Modeling Engineer
Mountain View, CA
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$189K/yr - $209K/yr
5+ years expLightmatter is leading the revolution in AI data center infrastructure with its innovative 3D-stacked photonics engine, Passage™, designed for advanced AI and HPC workloads. They are seeking a Staff Photonics PDK Modeling Engineer to lead the development of their internal Process Design Kit (PDK), ensuring accurate simulation of physical layouts and device behavior through robust modeling and automation workflows.
AI InfrastructureArtificial Intelligence (AI)Data CenterMachine LearningSemiconductorSoftware
Responsibilities
Develop and maintain a library of pcells using Python-based layout frameworks. Ensure strict synchronization between physical layout, logical netlists, and behavioral models
Create and verify behavioral compact models for passive and active devices
Simulation Infrastructure: Build automated workflows that extract parameters from electromagnetic solvers (FDTD/FEM) and package them into the PDK for circuit-level simulation
Model-Hardware Correlation: Validate simulation models against lab measurements. Perform data fitting and statistical analysis to align model parameters with real-world silicon performance
Automated Verification: Implement regression testing and Continuous Integration (CI) pipelines to ensure PDK updates do not break legacy designs or connectivity logic
Netlist & Connectivity: Own the logic for netlist extraction, ensuring that the connectivity graph generated by the code perfectly matches the physical intent
Qualification
Required
Master's +5 years experience or PhD +3 years experience in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or related field
Deep understanding of photonic device physics and experience in device simulation
Experience building behavioral models for circuit simulators (e.g., Lumerical INTERCONNECT, Cadence, Synopsys OptSim, or custom Python solvers)
Experienced in Python for modeling, automation, and data analysis. Comfortable with object-oriented programming and scientific libraries (NumPy, SciPy)
Python based layout experience
Preferred
Familiarity with GDSFactory, OptoCompiler or KLayout Python scripting
Experience with Python-native circuit simulation ecosystems (e.g., SAX, Photontorch, Simphony)
Experience with Git version control, unit testing (pytest), and CI/CD workflows
Prior experience in performing physical layout using foundry-provided process design kits (PDKs), adhering to specific design rules and constraints
Experience in taping out and testing large-scale photonic integrated circuits, including familiarity with relevant testing equipment and methodologies
Experience doing inverse design
Possess strong project execution skills, demonstrating the ability to effectively manage multiple design priorities, adhere to project timelines, and meet critical milestones
Benefits
Comprehensive Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
Retirement Savings Matching Program
Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
Generous Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
Paid Family Leave
Short Term & Long Term Disability
Training & Development
Commuter Benefits
Flexible, hybrid workplace model
Equity grants (applicable to full-time employees)
Company
Lightmatter
Lightmatter develops photonic chips that enable data processing and communication using light instead of electricity.
201-500 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Lightmatter has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (21)
2024 (12)
2023 (5)
2022 (4)
2021 (4)
2020 (4)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$822MKey Investors
T. Rowe PriceViking Global InvestorsGoogle Ventures
2024-10-16Series D· $400M
2023-12-19Series C· $155M
2023-05-31Series C· $154M
Leadership Team
Nicholas Harris
Founder, CEO
B
Bob Turner
Sr. VP Sales & Solution Architecture
Recent News
2025-11-23
2025-10-09
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