Integrated Photonic Design Engineer

Integrated Photonic Design Engineer for Quantum Systems

Location: Chicago, IL (Option for Hybrid, Remote work)

Company: memQ

About memQ: memQ is a Chicago-based venture-backed startup building the hardware foundation for quantum connectivity. We are developing an extensible quantum network architecture (xQNA) to enable distributed quantum computing. By combining solid-state quantum memories and other qubit modalities with the latest developments in integrated photonics, we are solving the critical challenge of connecting quantum processors on a network.

We are a team of scientists and engineers spinning out of the University of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory, driven by the mission to make quantum networking a reality.

The Role: We are seeking a highly motivated Integrated Photonic Design Engineer to lead the design, simulation, and validation of our next-generation photonic integrated circuits (PICs). In this role, you will bridge the gap between quantum physics and scalable semiconductor manufacturing. You will design the optical interfaces that control and read out different qubit modalities, working closely with our materials, quantum engineering, and test/measurement teams to push the boundaries of what is possible in quantum networking.

Responsibilities 

• Design & Simulation: Lead the design and simulation of passive and active nanophotonic devices (e.g., high-Q photonic crystal cavities, waveguides, couplers, modulators) using tools such as Ansys Lumerical, Tidy3D, or similar FDTD/FEM solvers
• Foundry Tape-out: Manage the full lifecycle of PIC tape-outs, including layout (GDSII), design rule checking (DRC), and collaboration with commercial foundry partners (e.g., AIM Photonics) to ensure successful fabrication
• System Integration: Work with the quantum hardware team to integrate photonic circuits with multiple optically active qubit platforms, ensuring optimal light-matter interaction and efficient qubit control/readout
• Characterization: Collaborate with experimentalists to characterize fabricated devices in our optical labs, analyzing performance data to validate designs and drive iterative improvements
• Tooling & Automation: Develop and maintain internal software tools (Python) for automated design generation, simulation sweeps, and data analysis

Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Photonics, or a related field
• Experience: 3+ years of hands-on experience in the design, simulation, and layout of active photonic integrated circuits (PICs)
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with electromagnetic simulation software (Lumerical FDTD/MODE, COMSOL, Tidy3D, or similar).
  • Experience with layout tools (KLayout, Cadence, GDSFactory or similar) and scripting for P-cells
  • Strong programming skills in Python for data analysis and design automation.
• Knowledge: Solid understanding of waveguide optics, modulator design, nonlinear optics, and limitations/behavior of photonic material platforms

Bonus Points: Experience with quantum photonic devices or solid-state qubits (NV centers, rare-earth ions, etc.).

• Previous experience coordinating multi-project wafer (MPW) or dedicated runs with commercial foundries.
• Experience with photonic design on thin film lithium niobate (TFLN) or silicon nitride (SiN) platforms
• Experience developing integrated photonic components at non-telecom (visible) wavelengths
• Background in cryogenic experiments or low-temperature photonics
• Solid understanding of cavity quantum electrodynamics (cQED) and light-matter interaction

Why Join Us?

• Impact: innovative work that directly contributes to addressing the scaling challenges in quantum computing
• Culture: A collaborative, fast-paced startup environment where your contributions are immediately visible
• Growth: Opportunity to grow with the company and take on leadership responsibilities in the photonic engineering division
• Benefits: Competitive salary, equity package, and health benefits

To Apply: Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter highlighting your experience with PIC design and your interest in quantum technologies: info@memq.tech