Lead Photonics Design Engineer – PICs & Optical ICs

Salience Labs Ltd; Abingdon; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Salience Labs Ltd is seeking a senior photonics specialist to lead the design and optimization of integrated photonic components for silicon PIC platforms. You will perform electromagnetic simulations, validate results with measurements, and push innovative designs into tape-out pipelines.

You will collaborate across photonics designers, layout, fabrication, and testing teams to improve device performance and scalability, while guiding junior engineers and staying at the forefront of photonics

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in Photonics, Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Typically 5+ years of integrated photonics device design experience, including tape-out and measurement.
• Strong theoretical understanding of guided optics and photonic device physics.
• Hands-on experience designing and simulating integrated photonic components.
• Experience with silicon photonics or InP platforms.
• Strong analytical and mathematical problem solving.
• Track record of publications, patents, or shipped technology.
• Experience using photonic simulation tools and modelling workflows.
• Python programming for simulation, analysis, or automation.
• Deep understanding of Photonic IC design and fabrication flows.
• Knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing processes.
• Experience in commercial R&D or product development environments.
• Experience mentoring or guiding other engineers.
• Strong communication skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and optimisation of integrated photonic components for silicon photonics and related PIC platforms.
• Perform electromagnetic simulations, modelling, and theoretical analysis to improve device performance.
• Validate simulation results against experimental measurement data.
• Develop innovative component designs informed by current research and emerging techniques.
• Collaborate with layout engineers to integrate components into PDK libraries and tape-out flows.
• Work closely with fabrication and testing teams to iterate on device performance.
• Lead the development roadmap for future photonic components and architectures.
• Drive long term improvements in PIC loss, manufacturability, and scalability.
• Lead technical discussions, design reviews, and cross functional problem solving.
• Mentor and guide other engineers in photonic design and simulation practice.
• Stay current with advances in integrated photonics through research literature and conferences.

Skills

Photonic design & simulation

Python programming

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Problem solving & analytical thinking

Communication skills

Mentoring or guiding engineers

Education

PhD or equivalent in Photonics/Physics/Optical/Electrical Engineering

5+ years in integrated photonics device design

Tools

Photonic simulation tools

Job description

Salience Labs Ltd is seeking a senior photonics specialist to lead the design and optimization of integrated photonic components for silicon PIC platforms. You will perform electromagnetic simulations, validate results with measurements, and push innovative designs into tape-out pipelines.

You will collaborate across photonics designers, layout, fabrication, and testing teams to improve device performance and scalability, while guiding junior engineers and staying at the forefront of photonics