Staff/Senior IC Layout Engineer

About The Role and Team

Quantum Motion is a fast-growing quantum computing start-up based in London. We are developing quantum processors based on industrial-grade silicon chips, with the potential to radically transform computing power in areas such as materials modelling, medicine, artificial intelligence and more. We have recently moved into a new office in Islington with state of the art cryogenic facilities and have an outstanding interdisciplinary team spanning quantum physics to IC design.

Since 2021 our team has been listed every year in the “Top 100 Startups worth watching” in the EE Times, and our technology breakthroughs have been featured in The Telegraph, BBC and the New Statesman. Our founders are internationally renowned researchers from UCL and Oxford University who have pioneered the development of qubits and quantum computing architectures. Our chairman is the co-founder of Cadence and Synopsys, the two leading companies in the area of Electronic Design Automation. We’re backed by a team of top-tier investors including Bosch Ventures, Porsche SE, Sony Innovation Fund, Oxford Sciences Innovations, INKEF Capital and Octopus Ventures, and we have so far raised over £62 million in equity and grant funding.

We bring together the brightest quantum engineers, integrated circuit (IC) engineers, quantum computing theoreticians and software engineers to create a unique, world-leading team, working together closely to maximise our combined expertise. Our collaborative and interdisciplinary culture is an ideal fit for anyone who thrives in a cutting-edge research and development environment focused on tackling big challenges and contributing to the development of scalable quantum computers based on silicon technology.

Our team of 100+ is based in Oxford and London, with a centre of mass in our Islington lab.

Our Team

The IC Team is responsible for the design and test of the integrated circuits which operate at deep-cryogenic temperatures and interact with the qubits. This role is a unique chance to work at the bleeding edge of technology development, developing new innovative circuits to tackle the engineering challenge of implementing a large scale quantum computer in silicon. You will be a key part of a multidisciplinary team, and will be involved in all the aspects of IC design cycle from initial concept to volume production.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to be an early employee at a start-up shaping the future of quantum computing, and in particular to form a new team within the company. There are vast opportunities for professional growth and to make an impact within the company.

As a Senior IC Layout Engineer, the position will suit a multidisciplinary profile with expertise in Analog IC Layout primarily and CAD management secondarily. No quantum experience required, but curiosity and a strong desire to learn and input into a brand-new technology area are critical.

Functions of the Role

• Hands-on block-level layout design and verification

• Parasitic extraction and optimization of layouts in close collaboration with the design team.

• Top-level floor-planning, routing and signoff

• Provide tool/flow support for analogue and layout design teams

• Document own work and perform layout reviews with other team members

Experience - Essentials

• Industry degree qualification and at least 5 years of experience in Analog IC Layout in the Cadence environment

• Proficiency in Cadence Virtuoso Layout Suite (X)L including PCell Designer

• Proficiency in DRC, LVS, & Parasitic Extraction with Mentor Calibre or Cadence PVS/QRC

• Demonstrated experience in deep sub-micron processes

• Team player with a collaborative mindset

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Experience - Desirable

• Experience with 40nm processes and below, including familiarity with layout-dependent effects (LOD, WPE, OSE, etc.)

• Solid understanding of the Linux OS

• Experience in PDK installation and setup

• SKILL scripting capabilities for work automation and productivity enhancement

• Familiarity with the development of PCells using SKILL

• IC package design and wire bonding

• Experience with AWS System Administration

Benefits

• Be part of a creative, world-leading team

• Competitive salary and share options scheme

• Contributory pension scheme

• Life Assurance