Quantum PDK Engineer

Introduction

A career at Anderon provides the rare opportunity to help define a new industry. We’re a wafer foundry that’s commercializing semiconductor manufacturing for quantum chips. You’ll partner with innovative clients and leading researchers to develop the technology needed to build the coming quantum economy.

*Please note: Anderon uses IBM's recruitment platform for candidate applications and hiring workflows. While this role is with Anderon, all applications will be submitted and processed through IBM's careers system.

Your role and responsibilities

The Quantum PDK Development Engineer helps build, test, and maintain the Process Design Kit for superconducting quantum circuits. They work under the guidance of senior engineers on well-defined tasks. They learn the PDK, process, and EDA flows while contributing to layout, verification, and release work.

Core responsibilities

• Layout and design rules. Implement and update layer definitions, technology file entries, and design rules as specified by senior engineers and process integration.
• Parameterized cells (PCells). Build, test, and maintain PCells for devices such as resonators, couplers, and junction structures. Fix bugs and add features to existing cells.
• Verification flows. Run and maintain DRC, LVS, and extraction decks. Debug rule-deck failures and escalate complex issues.
• Model integration support. Help package compact models and extracted parameters into the PDK. Run basic checks that they work in circuit simulation.
• Validation and regression testing. Build and run regression suites and reference designs. Log defects and verify fixes.
• Test structure support. Help prepare layouts for test structures defined in the measurement plan. Compile measured data for review by senior engineers.
• Designer support. Answer first-line questions from PDK users, collect feedback, and escalate issues that need senior input.
• Automation. Write and maintain scripts (Python or similar) for packaging, testing, and release tasks. Follow version control and change-control practices.
• Documentation. Update PDK manuals, design guides, and release notes. Document own work clearly and completely.
• Learning and growth. Build working knowledge of superconducting devices, fabrication flow, and the EDA toolchain.

Required technical and professional expertise

• BS, MS, or PhD in electrical engineering, physics, computer engineering, or a related field.
• Exposure to layout or EDA tools (e.g., Cadence Virtuoso, KLayout, or similar), through coursework, research, or internships.
• Scripting skills in Python or a similar language, and familiarity with version control (e.g., Git).
• Basic understanding of microfabrication or semiconductor process concepts.
• Ability to follow specifications, work with guidance, and communicate clearly.

Preferred technical and professional experience

• Experience with PDK development, DRC/LVS, or PCell creation (SKILL, TCL).
• Familiarity with superconducting circuits, circuit QED, or Josephson junctions.
• Experience with EM simulation tools (e.g., Ansys HFSS/Q3D, Sonnet, COMSOL).
• Experience with TCAD tools (e.g., Synopsys Sentaurus or similar).
• Familiarity with cryogenic measurement and device characterization.
• Exposure to CI/CD or software quality practices.

IBM is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.