Hybrid Layout Engineer

at Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC)

• Job title: Layout Engineer
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Mid level, Senior
• Salary: Not specified
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Tech skills: Python
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Reading, United Kingdom

About the role

• Layout Engineer developing GDS layouts for quantum circuits in a hybrid environment. Collaborating with cross-functional teams to maintain layout methodologies and ensure manufacturability.

Responsibilities

• Own: Generate fabrication-ready GDS mask layouts for lithographic patterning of quantum circuits, ensuring precision, clarity and alignment with process capabilities.
• Standardise: Develop and maintain internal layout methodologies and design processes that drive consistency, reliability and traceability across projects and mask generations.
• Collaborate: Work cross-functionally with quantum, nanofabrication, RF and mechanical engineers to translate component concepts into manufacturable layouts, contributing actively to feasibility and design discussions.
• Build: Create and curate a scalable, reusable component library, consolidating existing assets into a unified, evolving PDK-like framework.
• Validate: Define, expand and maintain robust DRC and LVS sign-off flows, including custom rule development for non-standard devices and research-oriented fabrication processes.
• Automate: Develop and refine layout workflows using tools such as KLayout, L-Edit, Cadence, Synopsys or Qiskit Metal, leveraging Python scripting to streamline layout generation, integration and validation.
• Improve: Identify opportunities to enhance layout robustness, efficiency and scalability, recommending new tools, methodologies and automation strategies.

Requirements

• Design Experience: Experience with EDA and mask layout tools (e.g. KLayout, L-Edit or equivalent) to produce high-quality lithographic mask layouts for device fabrication.
• Translate requirements: Experience of converting device and component design concepts into fabrication-ready GDS outputs, ensuring accuracy, clarity and manufacturability.
• Validation: Able to apply design rules and execute robust DRC and LVS checks to ensure layouts meet process and integration requirements.
• Automation: Demonstrable background in streamlining layout generation, verification and validation workflows.
• Develop: Introduce and develop reusable component libraries or PDK-like frameworks.
• Collaborative: Worked effectively across multidisciplinary teams to align design intent with physical implementation.
• Documentation: Maintained clear documentation, version control and traceability of layout assets to support sign-off, reproducibility and process tracking.
• Qualifications: Bring a BSc in a relevant STEM subject. or equivalent practical experience, demonstrating strong foundational technical knowledge.