Photonics Design Engineer

Entangled Future; Cambridge; Remote; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Group DIS cover (4 x salary)

1 month Sabbatical after 4 years

Employee Referral Scheme

Private Medical and Dental (Vitality/B

On-site gym

Cycle scheme

28 days annual leave + shutdown

Job summary

Nu Quantum in Cambridge, UK, is seeking a Photonic Design Engineer to advance their Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) team. You will design and optimise passive and active photonic components, run simulations, and work closely with fabrication partners to ensure design-for-manufacture readiness.

The role requires postgraduate-level optics/EE and hands-on experience with photonic layout tools, Python/MATLAB, and photonic simulation environments. Collaboration across teams is essential.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate-level qualification in Photonics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Proven experience in photonic device design and simulation for common platforms.
• Proficiency with photonic simulation software (Lumerical FDTD, MODE Solutions, Multiphysics).
• Experience with photonic layout tools (GDSFactory, KLayout, Cadence) and GDSII formats.
• Strong understanding of optical waveguide theory and electro-optic device principles.
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, or similar for automation and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop passive and active photonic components (waveguides, couplers, interferometers, switches) using Lumerical and GDSFactory.
• Perform detailed simulations and modelling of integrated photonic circuits.
• Collaborate with fabrication teams to ensure design-for-manufacture compatibility and troubleshoot fabrication issues.
• Develop and maintain design libraries, PDKs, and documentation for repeatable device design.
• Analyse experimental data to validate models and improve designs iteratively.
• Work cross-functionally with test engineers, system architects, and external partners to develop a fully integrated switch network.
• Communicate progress, risks, and results clearly to stakeholders.

Skills

Photonic design

Photonic simulation

Python

MATLAB

Optical waveguide theory

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Postgraduate Photonics/Optical/Electrical Eng

Tools

Lumerical FDTD

MODE Solutions

Multiphysics

GDSFactory

KLayout

Cadence

Job description

Photonics Design Engineer at Nu Quantum, Cambridge, England, United Kingdom. A mid-level full time position in the Photonics team, listed under hardware engineering.

About the role

As a Photonic Design Engineer within Nu Quantum’s Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) team, you will work towards advancing our quantum networking technology by designing and optimising integrated photonic components critical to our scalable quantum systems. You will work with cutting-edge quantum photonics and advanced photonic integration technologies to develop innovative PIC designs that meet the stringent performance, reliability, and manufacturability requirements of quantum hardware. You will collaborate closely with our quantum photonics scientists, fabrication partners, packaging engineers, and test teams to drive the development of robust photonic building blocks such as waveguides, couplers, modulators, and switch networks. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a pioneering company at the forefront of quantum photonics innovation.

Essential

• Postgraduate-level qualification in Photonics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Proven experience in photonic device design and simulation, preferably for silicon and silicon nitride, lithium niobate, or III-V platforms.
• Proficiency with photonic simulation software such as Lumerical FDTD, MODE Solutions, Multiphysics, or similar.
• Experience with photonic layout tools (GDSFactory, KLayout, Cadence, or equivalent) and GDSII file formats.
• Strong understanding of optical waveguide theory, integrated optics, and electro-optic device principles.
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, or similar programming/scripting languages for automation and data analysis.
• Excellent problem solving skills with a 'can do' attitude and ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Good team player with good communication skills (verbal and written).

Responsibilities

• Design and develop passive and active photonic components such as waveguides, couplers, interferometers and switches using design & simulation tools such as Lumerical and GDSFactory and any other existing state-of-the-art tools to complement them.
• Perform detailed simulations and modelling of integrated photonic circuits.
• Collaborate closely with fabrication teams and foundries to ensure design-for-manufacture compatibility and to troubleshoot fabrication issues.
• Develop and maintain design libraries, PDKs (Process Design Kits), and documentation for repeatable and scalable device design.
• Analyse experimental data from device testing to validate models and improve designs iteratively.
• Work-cross functionally with test engineers, system architects and external partners to develop a fully integrated switch network.
• Communicate technical progress, risks, and results clearly to internal and external stakeholders.

Nice to Have

• Experience with quantum photonics or nonlinear optical devices.
• Knowledge of photonic packaging, fiber coupling, and test methodology.
• Familiarity with Design for Test (DfT) and Design for Manufacturing (DfM) principles.
• Understanding of foundry processes and design rules for photonic integration.
• Familiarisation with PIC characterisation.

Benefits

• Flexible working options
• Group DIS cover (4 x salary)
• 1 month paid Sabbatical after 4 years of service
• Generous Employee Referral Scheme
• Private Medical and Dental Cover (With Vitality and Bupa)
• On-site gym membership
• Cycle scheme
• Refreshments, including fruit and beverages, are available in the office
• 28 days annual leave, inclusive of a 3-day company shutdown period + Bank Holidays in England and Wales
• Option to purchase up to 5 days holiday per year