Lab-Based Photonics Characterisation Engineer (Wafer‑Level)

Salience Labs; Abingdon; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Salience Labs in the United Kingdom is seeking a Photonic Characterisation Engineer to lead experimental characterisation of advanced integrated photonic devices. This hands-on role designs and runs experiments, operates optical test equipment and analyzes data to deliver engineering insight for design, manufacturing and testing teams.

You will work across die-level and wafer-level testing, using Python for data analysis and automation, and will progressively own characterisation activities,

Qualifications

• MSc, PhD or equivalent practical experience in Physics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Strong understanding of optics and photonics fundamentals.
• Hands-on experience designing and running experiments.
• Experience working in an optics/photonics laboratory environment.
• Experience analysing real-world experimental data using Python.
• Familiarity with NumPy, SciPy or pandas.
• Practical understanding of experimental uncertainty and data quality.
• Strong fault-finding and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating within a multidisciplinary engineering team.
• Strong attention to detail and critical thinking.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills; ability to present results to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to characterise integrated photonic devices and structures.
• Operate optical and photonic laboratory equipment across varied measurement setups.
• Carry out die-level and wafer-level testing and data analysis using Python.
• Develop scripts and workflows to automate data collection and analysis.
• Translate experimental requirements into repeatable test methodologies.
• Identify measurement issues and troubleshoot experimental setups.
• Validate data quality before sharing with wider engineering teams.
• Produce technical reports and summaries from experimental work.
• Collaborate with photonic design, manufacturing and system testing teams.
• Support development and improvement of laboratory processes and automation.
• Take ownership of characterisation tasks with realistic delivery timelines.

Education

MSc/PhD or equivalent practical experience in Physics/Photonics/EE/Optical Engineering

Tools

Python

NumPy/SciPy/Pandas

Job description

Salience Labs in the United Kingdom is seeking a Photonic Characterisation Engineer to lead experimental characterisation of advanced integrated photonic devices. This hands-on role designs and runs experiments, operates optical test equipment and analyzes data to deliver engineering insight for design, manufacturing and testing teams.

You will work across die-level and wafer-level testing, using Python for data analysis and automation, and will progressively own characterisation activities,