Layouting Software Development - Working Student

About us

We see the semiconductor industry as a realm of possibility. We see opportunity. We see the profound impact that our graphene solutions will have in transforming the industry. We invite you to join us in driving change with our fundamentally human-centered approach, uniting bright minds around a shared vision. The vision is: Prove to everybody that you can make a fundamental change. Prove with your knowledge and skills how things can be done differently. Together, we can change the paradigm of how the world connects.

About our technology

The semiconductor industry’s growing demand for more powerful chips with higher bandwidth and lower power finds its solution in our technology. We connect chips to high-throughput, low-delay computing networks. The key lies in harnessing the physical properties of graphene to combine electronic computing with photonic communication, allowing countless chips to interact almost as if they were one. Our graphene photonic innovation increases computing power and efficiency to a new order of magnitude.

In short, we connect chips to create powerful and energy-efficient networks, overcoming connectivity limitations in the semiconductor industry. We deliver the graphene solution.

The Role

We are looking for a Working Student – Layouting Software Development (m/f/d) to join our Electronic, Photonic & Architecture Design team.

In this role, you will support the development of software tools for semiconductor layout generation and contribute to scaling our design infrastructure from research prototypes to production-ready systems by applying modern development and DevOps practices. You will work at the intersection of software engineering and photonics design in a collaborative R&D environment.

To join our team, you should be excited to:

• Develop Python scripts to generate semiconductor mask layouts and expand our layouting repository

• Support the transition of our design tools from academic prototypes to production-ready software

• Implement new layout components and features

• Containerize workflows

• Contributing to our design automation pipeline

Your Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, or a related field

• Strong Python development skills, knowledge of additional programming languages is a plus

• Experience with Git, ideally in a collaborative environment (e.g. CI/CD pipelines)

• Comfortable working in Linux/Unix environments

• Experience with debugging and writing clean, maintainable code (e.g. PEP 8, linting)

• Basic understanding of software testing concepts is a plus

• Experience with containerization (e.g. Docker) is a plus

• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a structured working style

• Curious and eager to learn

• Good communication skills in English

• Based in Aachen and willing to work partly on-site

Our work culture

People Over Processes. At Black Semiconductor, flexibility is key—we ensure work adapts to life, not the other way around. We champion work-life harmony, where careers are meaningful and enriching. Our processes are human-centric, allowing you to focus on what matters

Let’s grow together. Your potential is our priority. We provide the autonomy to make a lasting impact and nurture your growth through a culture of continuous learning. We invest in your journey for professional and personal development

Your Health and Future Matter. Your well-being is paramount. We offer a comprehensive benefits package with outstanding insurance, pension and virtual stock options for your mental, physical, and financial health. Your peace of mind is our priority - in the present and future

We Live Openness. Collaboration and inclusivity are the cornerstones of our culture. We practice openness, fostering trust and respect. Individuality is our collective strength, fueling innovation and driving us forward

We connect chips – and people. We encourage qualified individuals from any background to apply. We foster an inclusive and supportive work environment that values collaboration, innovation, and growth. Join our team and be part of an organization dedicated to making a difference in the industry

Can you picture yourself in this Role and our Company? Let’s connect!