Photonics Characterisation Engineer - Lab-Driven, Python

Salience Labs; Oxford; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Salience Labs Limited in the UK is seeking a Photonic Characterisation Engineer to lead experimental characterisation of advanced integrated photonic devices. The role blends laboratory work with Python-based data analysis to deliver clear engineering insights.

You will design and run tests across die-level and wafer-level profiles, operate optical test equipment and produce concise reports for colleagues in design, manufacturing and system testing. This is a hands-on lab role based in Oxford.

Qualifications

• An MSc, PhD or equivalent practical experience in Physics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong understanding of optics and photonics fundamentals.
• Hands-on experience designing and running experiments.
• Experience analysing real-world experimental data using Python.
• Familiarity with NumPy, SciPy or pandas.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to characterise integrated photonic devices and structures.
• Operate optical and photonic laboratory equipment across a range of measurement setups.
• Carry out die-level and wafer-level testing.
• Analyse experimental data using Python and relevant scientific computing tools.
• Develop scripts and workflows to automate data collection and analysis.
• Translate experimental requirements into practical, repeatable test methodologies.
• Identify measurement issues, investigate unexpected results and troubleshoot experimental setups.
• Validate data quality before results are used by wider engineering teams.
• Produce clear technical reports, analysis and summaries from experimental work.
• Collaborate closely with photonic design, manufacturing and system testing teams.
• Support the development and improvement of laboratory processes, test methods and automation.
• Take ownership of characterisation tasks and provide realistic timelines for delivery.

Skills

Optics fundamentals

Photonics fundamentals

Experiment design

Laboratory automation

Python data analysis

NumPy/SciPy/Pandas

Troubleshooting

Independent work

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

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

Tools

Optical test equipment

Photonic wafer-level test systems

Measurement equipment control

Job description

Salience Labs Limited in the UK is seeking a Photonic Characterisation Engineer to lead experimental characterisation of advanced integrated photonic devices. The role blends laboratory work with Python-based data analysis to deliver clear engineering insights.

You will design and run tests across die-level and wafer-level profiles, operate optical test equipment and produce concise reports for colleagues in design, manufacturing and system testing. This is a hands-on lab role based in Oxford.