Photonics Engineer - Test and Characterisation

Aegiq Ltd.; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Job summary

Aegiq Ltd in Sheffield is seeking an experienced Photonics Engineer to develop and test photonic hardware for the next generation of quantum computing systems. You will design, build and test advanced optical setups spanning free-space, fibre optics, photonic integrated circuits and cryogenic technologies.

This hands-on role covers experimental design, calibration, automation and data analysis, with collaboration across scientists and engineers to translate results into improved device

Qualifications

• Degree in Photonics, Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Master's or PhD are welcome but not essential.
• Strong practical experience with optical systems and alignment.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, align and maintain optical test systems for photonic devices.
• Plan and perform cryogenic measurements and characterization.
• Develop and run PIC testing at room and cryogenic temps.
• Create Python-based measurement routines and instrument control.
• Analyse data, assess uncertainty and report findings to team.
• Maintain lab procedures and safety practices.

Skills

Optical alignment

Fibre optics

Cryogenic testing

Experiment design

Python automation

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Photonics / Optical Engineering / Physics / Electrical Engineering

Master's degree or PhD welcome

Tools

Python

Cryogenic equipment

Measurement automation

Job description

The Role

We are looking for an experienced Photonics Engineer to join our team developing and testing the photonic hardware for Aegiq's next-generation quantum computing systems.

This is a hands-on engineering role where you will design, build and develop advanced optical test systems, working across free-space and fibre optics, photonic integrated circuits and cryogenic technologies. You will take ownership of experimental setups, from initial design and assembly through to calibration, characterisation, automation and troubleshooting.

Working alongside our scientists and engineers, you will help translate experimental results into improvements in device performance and system design. You'll have the opportunity to solve challenging technical problems, develop new measurement capabilities and contribute directly to the development of our quantum computing hardware.

What You'll Be Doing

• Optical Test Systems: Design, build, align and maintain free-space and fibre-based optical systems for testing photonic devices and components.
• Cryogenic Characterisation: Plan and carry out measurements using cryogenic systems, including sample preparation, optical and electrical interfacing, thermal cycling and troubleshooting.
• Device Characterisation: Develop and perform measurements of optical and electro-optical performance, including transmission, loss, coupling efficiency, spectra, linewidth, polarisation and timing characteristics.
• PIC Testing: Develop reliable and repeatable methods for characterising photonic integrated circuits at room and cryogenic temperatures, using appropriate optical coupling and probing techniques.
• Measurement Automation: Develop Python-based measurement routines and instrument-control systems to improve test efficiency, repeatability and data quality.
• Data Analysis: Analyse experimental results, assess measurement uncertainty, identify performance limitations and communicate findings and recommendations to the wider engineering team.
• Laboratory Development: Take responsibility for test equipment, calibration, operating procedures and safe working practices, helping improve our laboratory capabilities as the company grows.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with photonic design, fabrication, packaging, electronics and software teams to define test requirements, investigate device performance and support hardware development.

About Aegiq

Aegiq is a Sheffield-based quantum technology company developing scalable, fault-tolerant photonic quantum computers. Founded in 2019, we work across the full quantum computing stack, from semiconductor chips and photonic hardware to software and real-world applications.

In 2025, we delivered our first-generation quantum computer to the UK's National Quantum Computing Centre. We're now developing our second-generation platform and expanding our team to tackle the scientific and engineering challenges involved in building quantum computers at scale.

We're a growing team of scientists, engineers and specialists who enjoy solving difficult problems and turning new ideas into working technology. At Aegiq, you'll have the opportunity to take ownership of your work, contribute directly to the technology we're developing and help shape the future of the company.

We value different backgrounds, experiences and ways of thinking. If you're excited about the work we're doing, we'd encourage you to apply, even if your experience doesn't match every requirement listed.

What We're Looking For

• Education: A degree in Photonics, Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience. A Master's degree or PhD is welcome but not essential.
• Practical Experience: Typically four or more years of hands-on experience developing, operating and troubleshooting optical systems in industry, academia or applied research. We also welcome applicants who can demonstrate equivalent practical expertise.
• Optical Systems: Strong practical understanding of free-space and fibre optics, optical alignment and coupling, polarisation control, lasers, detectors and optical measurement techniques.
• Cryogenic Systems: Demonstrable hands-on experience independently operating and troubleshooting cryogenic optical test systems, including cryostat operation, vacuum systems, thermal cycling, temperature control and optical or electrical interfacing.
• Experimental Skills: Ability to independently design experiments, develop reliable measurement and calibration procedures, assess measurement uncertainty and troubleshoot complex technical problems.
• Software & Data: Experience using Python or a similar programming language for instrument control, measurement automation, data processing and visualisation.
• Communication & Collaboration: Ability to communicate technical findings clearly, document experimental work and collaborate effectively with colleagues from different scientific and engineering disciplines.

Nice to Have

• Experience with solid-state quantum emitters, quantum dots, spin systems or spin-photon interfaces.
• Experience with magnetic-field-dependent measurements, including electromagnets or superconducting magnet systems.
• Experience characterising photonic integrated circuits at room or cryogenic temperatures.
• Familiarity with single-photon detection, time-correlated measurements, low-noise electronics or quantum optics experiments.
• Experience developing laboratory test methods into reliable, repeatable engineering or production processes.

We know that no two people have the same experience. If you're interested in the role and meet most, but not all, of the criteria, we'd still encourage you to apply.

• Competitive salary, based on experience and skills.

• 25 days of annual leave, in addition to bank holidays and company closure days.
• A Sheffield-based workplace, with excellent transport links and a great balance of city life and affordability.
• The opportunity to join a growing company developing some of the most exciting technology in quantum computing.
• Meaningful responsibility from the outset, with opportunities to develop your skills, take on new challenges and grow your career as Aegiq expands.
• A friendly, collaborative and supportive working environment where different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives are valued, and everyone is encouraged to contribute.