Photonics Design Engineer - Flexible Work & PIC Innovation

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

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.