Lead VCSEL Simulation Engineer – High-Speed Optical Links

Plessey Semiconductors Ltd; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Private medical & dental insurance

28 days’ holiday + bank holidays

Free onsite meals

Onsite gym

Relocation support

Visa support available

Job summary

Plessey Semiconductors Ltd in Plymouth is seeking a Senior Photonics Simulation Engineer to own the design and simulation of VCSELs for next‑gen optical links. You will lead FDTD analyses of optical modes, resonance and beam profiles, and drive epi design decisions.

The role requires deep knowledge of laser physics, device modelling and validation against experimental data, with a focus on high-speed, energy-efficient light sources for interconnect applications.

Qualifications

• Degree in Physics or Electronic Engineering.
• PhD or MSc is an advantage.
• Proven hands-on VCSEL or semiconductor laser design and simulation.
• Proven FDTD simulation experience with tools like Lumerical or equivalent.
• Strong grounding in semiconductor laser physics and device concepts.
• Track record of validating models against experimental data.

Responsibilities

• Build VCSEL models covering DBR mirrors, active region, oxide aperture and optical cavity.
• Run FDTD simulations of optical modes, cavity resonance, wavelength, far-field and beam profile.
• Model current spreading and self-heating using COMSOL or equivalent tools.
• Simulate high-speed modulation and small-signal response for optical interconnect links.
• Run parametric studies to guide epi design and device layout.
• Validate models against LIV, spectral and high-speed data and derive design rules.

Skills

VCSEL design

FDTD simulation

Semiconductor lasers

Laser physics

Model validation

Technical communication

Education

Physics or Electronic Engineering degree

PhD or MSc advantageous

Tools

Ansys Lumerical FDTD

Crosslight PICS3D

RSoft

COMSOL

Job description

Plessey Semiconductors Ltd in Plymouth is seeking a Senior Photonics Simulation Engineer to own the design and simulation of VCSELs for next‑gen optical links. You will lead FDTD analyses of optical modes, resonance and beam profiles, and drive epi design decisions.

The role requires deep knowledge of laser physics, device modelling and validation against experimental data, with a focus on high-speed, energy-efficient light sources for interconnect applications.