Photonic Test Engineer

Trades Workforce Solutions; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering quantum computing company is searching for a skilled Photonic Engineer to design and implement a new photonic testing setup. This role involves extensive testing and characterisation of photonic integrated circuits. The ideal candidate will possess 2–3+ years of industry experience, hands-on skills in PIC testing, proficiency in FDTD simulation tools, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative environment. The position offers competitive salary, share options, and full relocation support.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Share options

Full relocation/visa support

Qualifications

• 2–3+ years of industry experience in silicon photonics or integrated photonics.
• Strong hands-on experience in PIC/device testing and characterisation.
• Proficiency with FDTD simulation tools like Lumerical or MEEP.
• Experience with PIC layout design tools, ideally KLayout.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and commission a photonic device and PIC testing environment.
• Perform device and PIC testing and characterisation at both wafer-level and chip-level.
• Conduct FDTD simulations using tools like Lumerical or MEEP.
• Create and refine PIC layouts using KLayout.

Skills

Industry experience in silicon photonics or integrated photonics

Hands-on experience in PIC/device testing

Proficiency with FDTD simulation tools

Experience with PIC layout design tools

Familiarity with optical alignment and automation

Education

Advanced degree in Photonics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Physics or related field

Tools

Lumerical

MEEP

KLayout

Job description

About the Role

We are partnering with a pioneering quantum computing company to recruit a skilled Photonic Engineer. This role offers the opportunity to design and build a new photonic testing setup from the ground up, working on state-of-the-art integrated photonic technologies. You will play a key part in testing, characterising, and refining photonic integrated circuits (PICs) to support the company’s cutting‑edge research and product development.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and commission a photonic device and PIC testing environment, from concept to operational readiness.
• Perform device and PIC testing and characterisation at both wafer‑level and chip‑level.
• Conduct FDTD simulations using tools such as Lumerical or MEEP to model and optimise photonic components.
• Create and refine PIC layouts using KLayout or similar software.
• Analyse test data, identify performance issues, and propose engineering solutions.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including R&D and systems engineers, to align design and testing activities with project goals.
• Document processes, results, and best practices to support repeatable and scalable workflows.

Essential Skills & Experience

• 2–3+ years of industry experience in silicon photonics or integrated photonics.
• Strong hands‑on experience in PIC/device testing and characterisation, including the use of optical test and measurement equipment (e.g., OSAs, tunable lasers, polarisation controllers, wafer probers).
• Proficiency with FDTD simulation tools (Lumerical, MEEP, or similar).
• Experience with PIC layout design tools, ideally KLayout.
• Familiarity with optical alignment, coupling techniques, and automation (Python, LabVIEW, or similar).
• Proven ability to work effectively in a small, collaborative, and fast‑paced environment.

Desirable

• Experience in setting up new optical or photonic test laboratories.
• Knowledge of PDK‑based PIC design workflows.
• Exposure to quantum photonics or other emerging photonic technologies.
• Advanced degree (MSc, PhD) in Photonics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.

Why Join

• Be part of a small, expert engineering team shaping the future of quantum computing technology.
• Work with advanced integrated photonics and test systems on a daily basis.
• Opportunity to have a direct and visible impact on laboratory capability and product development.
• Competitive salary, share options, and full relocation/visa support.

Following your application Chris Green, a specialist recruiter will discuss the opportunity with you in detail. Chris will be more than happy to answer any questions relating to the industry and the potential for your career growth. The conversation can also progress further to discussing other opportunities, which are also available right now or will be imminently becoming available.

This position has been highly popular, and is likely that it will close shortly. We recommend applying as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Please click 'apply' or contact Chris Green for any further information.

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