Graduate PHD Photonic Scientist

Seagate Technology; Derry/Londonderry; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Derry/Londonderry is seeking a Graduate PHD Photonic Scientist to develop and optimize wafer fabrication processes for photonic integrated devices. This role involves conducting process characterization and working with a team on innovative projects in photonics. Candidates should possess a PhD in a relevant field and have strong analytical skills. This full-time position offers a dynamic work environment and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Private healthcare

On-site gym

Annual leave

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Final year or recently graduated from a PhD program.
• Strong background in photonic or semiconductor device fabrication.
• Experience with laser integration and semiconductor process development is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop & optimize wafer fabrication processes for photonic integrated devices.
• Conduct process characterization and troubleshooting.
• Implement and maintain process control methodologies.

Skills

Familiar with Si, III-V semiconductor processing technologies and equipment

Knowledgeable in thin film materials characterization

Familiar with opto-electronics

Good communicator

Strong analytical skills

Education

PhD degree in materials science, physics, optoelectronics

Tools

6 Sigma tools

Job description

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Graduate PHD Photonic Scientist

Location: Derry/Londonderry, GB

Posting Date: Aug 27, 2025

Job ID: 11482

About our group:

Seagate is a global leader in data storage solutions. We strive to create precision-engineered data storage technologies that deliver superior capacity, speed, safety, and performance. Seagate is where the future is read and written, with continuous innovation proving that a hard drive is not "just a hard drive". Find out how we are "shaping a new era of storage" as we craft the datasphere.

As an industry leader, Seagate provides unique career opportunities to be part of today’s major technology shifts. They can be found around the globe and on our website.

We are excited to announce that we are recruiting photonic scientists to fill roles in the areas of photonics integration, materials technology, plasmonics and test development to help deliver our next generation photonic technologies. You will work as part of an established team reporting to the R&D Manager defining and delivering future photonic technologies and products. If you’re excited by new technologies, are naturally creative and passionate about seeing ideas come to life then this is the ideal research role for you.

About the role - you will:

Working as a process engineer, leveraging our high-tech clean room fabrication facility using the most advanced manufacturing processes and design tools you’ll be responsible for the development of new and improved processes in the areas of plasmonics, photonics integration, optical test & thin-film wafer processing. You will collaborate with an established team, driving groundbreaking projects and leveraging Seagate’s unique materials and HAMR technologies to push the boundaries of photonics technology.

You will:

• Develop & optimize wafer fabrication processes for photonic integrated devices, structures & systems.
• Conduct process characterization, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement activities.
• Develop process methods in the area of photolithography, deposition, dry and wet etch techniques.
• Implement and maintain process control methodologies to ensure high yield and reliability.
• Project plan and collaborate with adjacent teams and internal customers.
• Stay current with advancements in wafer processing technologies and industry best practices.
• Document and present process development results and findings.

About you:

If you have already applied for this role within the past 6 months, there is no requirement for you to apply again.

• Familiar with Si, III-V semiconductor processing technologies and equipment
• Knowledgeable in thin film materials characterization, test methods and techniques.
• Familiar with opto-electronics, plasmonics and integrated photonic devices and systems.
• Familiar with electrical test methods and instrumentation.
• A good communicator with excellent presentation and written skills.
• A dedicated team player who works effectively in a cross-functional team environment.

Your experience includes:

• In the final year or recently graduated from a PhD degree program.
• Relevant degree in materials science, physics, optoelectronics.
• Strong background in photonic, semiconductor or laser device fabrication.
• Strong analytical skills, knowledge in 6 Sigma tools; R, JMP or similar statistical analysis software.
• Experience with laser integration and semiconductor process development is a plus.

Completed applications should be submitted no later than midnight on Wednesday, 24th September 2025

This is a Full-Time position working 39 hours per week.

Please demonstrate on your Cover Letter or CV how you meet the criteria set out in the job description identified above.

Testing may be used as part of the selection process.

At Seagate we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace. To see all vacancies that Seagate has available, please sign up - Register your interest for career updates with our Talent Network and to be considered for future opportunities: Seagate Careers

Seagate Technology is committed to equal opportunity in employment and welcomes applications from all sections of the community irrespective of sex, marital status, religious affiliation, age, disability or ethnic origin. All applications will be considered strictly on the basis of merit.

Seagate will provide reasonable accommodation with the application process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail].

All Seagate jobs will remain open for a minimum of seven days.

For information on how Seagate collects and uses your personal information during the application process, please review the Applicant Privacy Statement.

Location:

Springtown, Derry / Londonderry, Northern Ireland

Our Springtown site is Derry/Londonderry’s largest manufacturer, we’re proud that Seagate is a flexible and inclusive place to work. We have more than 1,400 employees spanning research and development, manufacturing, and many other functions.

Here at work, you can grab breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks at our subsidized on-site cafe.

Looking for an active break from your workday? We’ve got you covered. Take a group or individual exercise class during lunch or after work at our on-site gym.

Network with your colleagues through the Young Professionals Network, Women’s Leadership Group, the Carers Café (for caregivers of individuals with disabilities), Volunteer in the community with our support! Join our creative network, which includes a choir, foreign language classes and even a cookery class!

Join our Employee Resource Groups (ERG), a voluntary, employee-led community built on a shared diversity identity and/or an appreciation of that identity, open to ALL current employees at Seagate!

See list below of many of our Springtown Company Benefits:

• Health – Private healthcare, for employees and dependents, Company sick pay and medical leave, Occupational healthcare service, Employee assistance programmes, Group income protection and On-site gym/ exercise classes / personal trainer.
• Work Life Balance – Annual leave, Part-time working, Enhanced maternity pay, Enhanced paternity pay, Bereavement leave. Onsite gym
• Finance – Pension – employer contributory scheme, Life assurance, Employee stock purchase plan, Competitive base pay, Company bonus scheme, Reward and recognition, Perks at work discount programmes, Pay for civil / jury duty.
• Career – Degree / non degree assistance Externally accredited training and development opportunities, Service awards, LinkedIn learning, Learning & development programmes

Location: Springtown, United Kingdom
Travel: None

About Us

With more than four decades of storage innovation, Seagate empowers humanity to thrive in the data age and helps people and businesses navigate the ever-expanding data landscape.

We craft precision-engineered, cutting-edge solutions that help the world store and manage exponential data growth.

Seagate is powered by our talented and passionate workforce of 29,000 employees across the globe who embody our core values: integrity, innovation, and inclusion. Striving towards excellence every single day, we show up with these values for our customers, business partners, shareholders, and communities alike.

Join us and get inspired to make a difference in the datasphere!

Seagate is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, military and veteran status, or other status protected by applicable law. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. EEO Know Your Rights Poster

Seagate will provide reasonable accommodation with the application process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail].

All Seagate jobs will remain open for a minimum of seven days.

For information on how Seagate collects and uses your personal information during the application process, please review the Applicant Privacy Statement.