Stellenticket Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Within a third-party funded research project, an AI-supported Design Rule Check (DRC) for electronic-photonic systems will be developed and integrated into the open-source EDA environment KiCad. The goal is to close the gap in open-source tools for automated layout validation that consider the specific requirements of photonic components.

The work at TU Berlin focusses on the development of:

• A rule-based DRC engine with a geometric core to check photonics-specific rules (e.g., bend radii, clearances, layer stacks).
• Standardized data interfaces (e.g., ADK data model, read-API) for importing design rules from Process and Assembly Design Kits (PDK/ADK).
• An AI-supported module for interactive, real-time feedback during the layout process, including training with synthetic data.
• Technical support for the integration of the developed modules into a KiCad plugin.
• Validation and testing of the overall system using demonstrators.

• Successfully completed university degree (Master, Diplom or equivalent) in Computer Science, Technical Informatics, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Physics or a comparable field of study.
• Knowledge and experience in at least two of the following areas:
  a) Very good programming skills, preferably in Python and/or C++ (relevant for high-performance algorithms (DRC core), data pipelines (AI), and plugin interfaces).
  b) Profound knowledge of geometric algorithms and data structures (relevant for the core of the DRC engine).
  c) Profound knowledge in Machine Learning / Artificial Intelligence (e.g., CNNs, GNNs, model training, handling synthetic data).
  d) Experience with Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools and concepts (e.g., KiCad, layout design, DRC, PDK/ADK).
• Good knowledge of German and/or English required; willingness to acquire the respective missing language skills.
• Knowledge of: Open-source software development (e.g., Git, CI/CD, publishing in repositories) desirable.
• Understanding of or experience with (integrated) photonics or electronic-photonic systems desirable.
• Experience in scientific work and publication desirable.
• Structured and independent working style desirable.
• Willingness to take responsibility for sub-tasks desirable.
• Teamwork skills, willingness to document (important in a collaborative project) desirable.

Please send your application with the reference number and the usual documents (one file max. 5 MB) only via email to personal@tmp.tu-berlin.de.

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To ensure equal opportunities between women and men, applications by women with the required qualifications are explicitly desired. Qualified individuals with disabilities will be favored. The TU Berlin values the diversity of its members and is committed to the goals of equal opportunities. Applications from people of all nationalities and with a migration background are very welcome.