Photonic Design Engineer

microTECH Global LTD; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

microTECH Global Limited is seeking a Photonic Design Engineer in Suffolk, UK to join a leading photonics R&D team. You will contribute to the design, simulation, and characterization of optoelectronic devices based on III-V technologies and hybrid photonics platforms, spanning concept to experimental validation.

Responsibilities include defining work packages, leading technical decisions, performing RF/EM simulations, and developing ML-driven automation to speed up workflows.

Qualifications

• PhD in Photonics or related field with strong optoelectronic device background.
• Proven ability to conduct RF and electromagnetic simulations for III-V devices.
• Strong Python programming for data analysis and workflow automation.

Responsibilities

• Define technical work packages with customers and fellow designers.
• Take ownership of technical decisions and lead project teams.
• Collaborate with Design, Fabrication, and Test teams to plan experiments and validate results.
• Perform RF and electromagnetic simulations of III-V devices and packaging.
• Develop machine learning and automation to accelerate simulations and improve design efficiency.
• Support mask layout automation and PDK development for new processes.
• Analyze experimental and simulation data to support project delivery and technology development.
• Contribute to transferring research outcomes into manufacturing.

Skills

Python

RF design

EM simulations

Data analysis

Machine learning

Automation

Optoelectronics

Education

PhD in Photonics

Tools

Mask layout

PDK generation

Job description

Photonic Design Engineer

Location: Suffolk, UK

Our client is seeking a highly motivated Design Engineer with expertise in the design, simulation, and characterisation of optoelectronic devices to join a leading photonics research and development team. This role focuses on the development of active and passive components based on III-V semiconductor technologies and hybrid integrated photonics platforms. You will contribute to cutting-edge R&D projects involving III-V optical chips and their RF interfaces, working across the full development cycle from concept generation and modelling through to design analysis and experimental validation.

Responsibilities:

• Define technical work packages in collaboration with customers, stakeholders, and fellow designers.
• Take ownership of technical decisions and provide technical leadership within project development teams.
• Collaborate with Design, Fabrication, and Test teams to plan experiments, gather data efficiently, and ensure validation activities meet project objectives.
• Perform RF and electromagnetic simulations of semiconductor materials, III-V photonic devices, packaging carriers, and integrated systems to evaluate parameters such as loss, reflection, and crosstalk.
• Develop and implement machine learning and automation techniques to accelerate simulation workflows and improve design efficiency.
• Generate innovative concepts and technical insights through literature reviews, state-of-the-art research, and conference engagement.
• Support the automation of mask layout generation and Process Design Kit (PDK) development to enable new process technologies.
• Analyse and interpret complex experimental and simulation data to support project delivery and technology development.
• Contribute to the successful transfer of research outcomes into manufacturing and production environments.

To be considered you will have the following:

• PhD in Semiconductor Physics, Photonics, Optoelectronics, Device Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Deep understanding of optoelectronic device physics and semiconductor device operation.
• Experience using simulation tools for photonic, optoelectronic, or semiconductor device design.
• Strong Python programming skills, including data analysis and workflow automation.
• 3+ years of experience in industry or academia developing photonic or optoelectronic devices.
• Hands-on experience with mask layout design and/or Process Design Kit (PDK) generation.
• Expertise in electromagnetic simulation and high-frequency/RF design of devices, packages, or modules.
• Understanding of III-V epitaxial growth and fabrication processes for optoelectronic devices.
• Experience automating simulation environments and applying machine learning techniques to engineering challenges.
• Knowledge of optical communication systems, including data centre, metro, and long-haul transmission networks.