Design Engineer and Project Lead
About us
We're a multicultural team of experts pushing the boundaries of what's possible in integrated optics. Our mission is to make photonic integration accessible and industrially scalable. We deliver best-in-class PIC platforms, design enablement, and integrated solutions that empower our customers to innovate faster and bring light-based technologies from concept to production.
About the role
As an Integrated Photonics Design & Project Lead, you will drive the creation and industrialization of cutting-edge photonic integrated circuits (PICs) from initial concept to scalable manufacturing. Bridging the gap between hands-on optical design, semiconductor process engineering, and strategic project management, you will own the building blocks that power our next-generation platform. In this high-impact position, you will lead interdisciplinary initiatives, collaborate with world-class foundry and test teams, and directly shape how light-based technologies transform deep-tech industries.
Role and Responsibilities
PCM Building Block Development: Design, simulation, layout, metrology planning, and data analysis of integrated photonic components.
Design for Testability (DFT): Collaborate with the characterization team to gather capabilities, design necessary test structures, support test planning and develop and analyse extracted data.
Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Interface with the 200mm process team and yield engineering to collect requirements and capabilities, design appropriate test structures, and assist with test planning, data processing, and analysis.
Technical Project Planning and Reporting: Take responsibility for project feasibility analysis and ensure clear, concise, and thorough documentation and technical reporting.
Technical project management: Follow project execution, ensure projects are on time, scope and budget; lead technical discussions with internal and external stakeholders; be the bridge between the engineering teams and the admin & finance department; ensure deliverables’ quality and contribute to problem solving and risk management.
What you bring
MSc or PhD in photonics or related fields.
Minimum of 5 years hands-on experience in integrated optics design, preferably industrial.
Solid understanding of different photonic material platforms.
Proven track record in technical project management, coupled with a deep understanding of various PIC technologies and their diverse applications.
Photonic layout experience (e.g. IPKISS, GDSFactory) and design experience (e.g. Lumerical).
Expert proficiency in:
Designing passive photonic components and circuits.
Python programming and tools such as numpy, scipy, and related libraries
Code versioning.
Photonic layouting (IPKISS tool knowledge is a plus).
Familiarity with:
How PIC manufacturing affects design and layout (DFT/DFM).
Active components design (heterogeneous integration is a plus).
Experience with data visualization tools (matplotlib, plotly, or similar).
A solutions-oriented mindset, critical thinking abilities, and the capacity to thrive in a dynamic, shifting environment.
Excellent communication and reporting.
Experience in leading technical discussions and interacting with large and interdisciplinary teams and consortia
What we offer
A dynamic role at the heart of the deep-tech revolution where your technical expertise directly impacts product adoption. You will join an international team of specialists, gain deep exposure to market-leading photonic applications, and shape how photonic integration is deployed worldwide.
Practicalities
Location: Paris, France.
Work percentage: 100%.
Languages: English is our working language, other languages are a plus.
Home office: up to two days per week.
Start date: As soon as possible.
We are an equal-opportunity employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Please submit your application through our career page.
For other questions, contact Manal Mohamed, HR Business Partner at manal.mohamed@ligentec.com