Voyant Photonics
About Voyant
Voyant Photonics, based in the heart of New York City, is transforming machine perception with a new class of LiDAR devices that are compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand and powerful enough to measure range, velocity, and reflectivity with unparalleled accuracy. By leveraging cutting-edge silicon photonic chips smaller than your fingertip, we deliver sensors that are not only revolutionary in performance but also affordable enough to integrate into any system.
Our technology disrupts the status quo of bulky, expensive, and power-hungry LiDAR systems, making high-precision sensing accessible for widespread adoption in robotics, autonomous vehicles, drones, industrial automation, and beyond.
Position Overview Voyant Photonics is seeking a highly motivated early-career engineer with exceptional Python scripting skills to train into a Photonic Layout Engineer role. Unlike traditional layout engineering roles that rely heavily on manual tools, this role is built around Python-driven layout automation using modern tools like GDSFactory, KLayout, and custom scripting. You'll work closely with senior photonic designers and be fully trained in the design and layout of advanced photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for our FMCW LiDAR systems.
This is an ideal opportunity for someone who loves coding, wants to see their work make it to silicon, and is excited to grow into a highly specialized engineering role at the cutting edge of photonics.
Location:
NYC preferred, with remote options possibly available. If you're open to relocating, we're happy to support you through the process.
What you will do: Learn how to design and implement layout for photonic integrated circuits (PICs) Build and maintain Python-based layout libraries and parameterized cells (PCells) Write custom Python scripts to automate layout generation and verification flows Support schematic-to-layout workflows and layout verification (DRC, LVS, connectivity checks) Collaborate with senior designers, test engineers, and packaging experts to develop manufacturable and testable designs Contribute to internal layout infrastructure, documentation, and design best practices Work hands-on with GDS data and foundry deliverables Qualifications
B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related technical field Strong proficiency in Python (this is the most critical requirement) Excitement to learn photonic layout and work closely with senior engineers Clear, well-structured coding style and familiarity with object-oriented scripting Excellent problem-solving and communication skills Attention to detail and a desire to build clean, maintainable tools and designs Preferred Qualifications, not required
Exposure to layout tools like GDSFactory, KLayout, or any GDSII-based scripting environment Interest in photonics, silicon chips, or LiDAR systems Familiarity with Git, Linux, or collaborative software development Experience with physical design, CAD tools, or electronic/optical circuit simulation What We Offer
Competitive salary and meaningful equity package Comprehensive health benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision) Unlimited PTO and paid company holidays Team events and company meetups Hybrid or remote work environment with monthly travel for remote employees. Complimentary lunch provided daily at our NYC office
Equal Opportunity Employer
Voyant Photonics is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital or partnership status, age, national origin, citizenship, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Our technology disrupts the status quo of bulky, expensive, and power-hungry LiDAR systems, making high-precision sensing accessible for widespread adoption in robotics, autonomous vehicles, drones, industrial automation, and beyond.
Position Overview Voyant Photonics is seeking a highly motivated early-career engineer with exceptional Python scripting skills to train into a Photonic Layout Engineer role. Unlike traditional layout engineering roles that rely heavily on manual tools, this role is built around Python-driven layout automation using modern tools like GDSFactory, KLayout, and custom scripting. You'll work closely with senior photonic designers and be fully trained in the design and layout of advanced photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for our FMCW LiDAR systems.
This is an ideal opportunity for someone who loves coding, wants to see their work make it to silicon, and is excited to grow into a highly specialized engineering role at the cutting edge of photonics.
Location:
NYC preferred, with remote options possibly available. If you're open to relocating, we're happy to support you through the process.
What you will do: Learn how to design and implement layout for photonic integrated circuits (PICs) Build and maintain Python-based layout libraries and parameterized cells (PCells) Write custom Python scripts to automate layout generation and verification flows Support schematic-to-layout workflows and layout verification (DRC, LVS, connectivity checks) Collaborate with senior designers, test engineers, and packaging experts to develop manufacturable and testable designs Contribute to internal layout infrastructure, documentation, and design best practices Work hands-on with GDS data and foundry deliverables Qualifications
B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related technical field Strong proficiency in Python (this is the most critical requirement) Excitement to learn photonic layout and work closely with senior engineers Clear, well-structured coding style and familiarity with object-oriented scripting Excellent problem-solving and communication skills Attention to detail and a desire to build clean, maintainable tools and designs Preferred Qualifications, not required
Exposure to layout tools like GDSFactory, KLayout, or any GDSII-based scripting environment Interest in photonics, silicon chips, or LiDAR systems Familiarity with Git, Linux, or collaborative software development Experience with physical design, CAD tools, or electronic/optical circuit simulation What We Offer
Competitive salary and meaningful equity package Comprehensive health benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision) Unlimited PTO and paid company holidays Team events and company meetups Hybrid or remote work environment with monthly travel for remote employees. Complimentary lunch provided daily at our NYC office
Equal Opportunity Employer
Voyant Photonics is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital or partnership status, age, national origin, citizenship, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, or any other characteristic protected by law.