Photonics Test Engineer

Nu Quantum; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Private Medical and Dental Cover (With

28 days annual leave

Job summary

Nu Quantum is recruiting a Photonics Test Engineer to support characterisation of integrated photonic devices for quantum applications. The role spans development, automation, analysis, and close collaboration with researchers and engineers to ensure reliable, scalable photonic subsystems.

The successful candidate will contribute to a fast-paced PIC team, applying scripting and data-analysis skills to build robust test workflows and assist with MPW fabrication cycles.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree (or equivalent) in Photonics, Optical/Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Hands-on experience characterising integrated photonic devices.
• Strong understanding of waveguide theory, optical interference, coupling, and EO device operation.
• Proficiency in designing and operating optical/electrical test setups using lasers, detectors, signal/spectrum analysers, etc.
• Scripting in Python, LabVIEW or MATLAB for instrumentation control and automation.
• Experience with data acquisition systems and signal processing.
• Strong analytical skills and meticulous documentation.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Characterise integrated photonic devices across classical and quantum regimes.
• Develop, maintain, and automate test setups involving lasers, detectors, fibre stages, signal generators, high-speed electronics, and data acquisition tools.
• Analyse test results and extract device performance metrics.
• Support the design and optimisation of characterization protocols for new device types and MPW fabrication runs.
• Document procedures, setups, and results to support reproducibility and feedback.
• Collaborate with design engineers, quantum optics researchers, and electronics engineers to improve performance.
• Support lab infrastructure, equipment procurement, and health & safety compliance.
• Contribute to engineering workflow improvements for scalable photonic systems.
• Communicate progress, risks, and results to stakeholders.

Skills

Photonic device testing

Data analysis

Python scripting

Team collaboration

Independent work

Education

Postgraduate degree in Photonics

Tools

Lasers & detectors

Test setups & automation

Oscilloscopes & spectrum analysers

LabVIEW/MATLAB

Job description

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Location: Cambridge, UK

Closing date for applications: Monday 17th August 2026 at 1pm (UK time).

Visa Sponsorship available

Join Nu Quantum - Shaping the Future of Technology

Nu Quantum is at the forefront of quantum computing and advanced technology, driven by innovation, diversity, and a commitment to excellence. We’re creating an environment where brilliant minds from all backgrounds collaborate to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Founded to commercialise research generated over the last decade at the Cavendish Laboratory, Nu Quantum is on a mission to shape the future of quantum information systems.

We’re working on exciting technology that will improve the utility and accelerate the time-to-market of quantum computing systems. We integrate novel quantum photonic technology to form an efficient and scalable quantum networking infrastructure in partnership with world-leading companies and academic groups.

About The Role

As a Photonics Test Engineer (either Associate or Mid-level, depending on experience) within Nu Quantum’s Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) team, you will support the development and execution of characterisation methodologies for our integrated photonic components and quantum devices. Your work will ensure the performance, reliability, and scalability of photonic subsystems forming the backbone of our quantum networking infrastructure.

You will collaborate closely with our quantum photonics scientists, design engineers, fabrication partners and packaging engineers, electronic and control engineers to support the development of robust photonic circuits for quantum applications. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a pioneering company at the forefront of quantum photonics innovation.

Responsibilities - What You'll Be Doing

• Perform characterisation of integrated photonic devices, including passive and active components, across classical and quantum regimes.
• Support the development, maintenance, and automation of test setups involving lasers, detectors, fibre alignment stages, signal generators, high-speed electronics, and data acquisition tools.
• Analyse and interpret test results, performing statistical analysis to extract device performance metrics and yield insights.
• Support the design and optimise the characterisation protocols for new device types and Multi-Project Wafer (MPW) fabrication runs.
• Document test procedures, setups, and results with clarity and rigour to support reproducibility and design feedback.
• Collaborate closely with design engineers, quantum optics researchers, and electronics engineers to improve device performance and resolve issues.
• Support lab infrastructure and operations, including equipment procurement, maintenance, and compliance with health and safety standards.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of engineering workflows for scalable and manufacturable photonic systems.
• Communicate technical progress, risks, and results clearly to internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

Your skills, qualifications and experience

Essential

• Postgraduate degree (or equivalent industry experience) in Photonics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong hands-on experience characterising integrated photonic devices (such as waveguides, modulators and detectors).
• Solid understanding of waveguide theory, optical interference, coupling, and electro-optic device operation.
• Proven ability to design and operate optical/electrical test setups using lasers, detectors, signal/spectrum analysers, etc.
• Proficiency in scripting languages (such as Python, LabVIEW or MATLAB) for instrumentation control and automation.
• Experience with data acquisition systems and signal processing techniques.
• Strong analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail in documenting and troubleshooting experiments.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as a team in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Desirable (nice To Have But Not Required)

• Experience working with silicon and silicon nitride, lithium niobate, or III-V or other photonic integration platforms.
• Experience with single-photon sources, detectors, and quantum optics setups.
• Knowledge of photonic packaging, fibre coupling, alignment techniques, and DfT (Design for Test) considerations.
• Familiarity with characterisation of high-speed analogue electronics (GHz range).
• Understanding of photonic foundry processes, design rules, and manufacturing variability.
• Background in testing photonic communication systems or quantum photonic circuits.
• Experience developing scalable or automated test frameworks.
• Integrated photonics fabrication and processing including clean room chip handling and inspection.

Benefits

Why work with us?

At Nu Quantum, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where people of all identities, orientations, backgrounds, and experiences are empowered. We value diverse perspectives as a source of creativity and innovation and encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented and marginalised communities. Joining Nu Quantum means joining a team where you can grow professionally and be part of an inspiring mission to shape the future of technology.

• 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, including a 3-day company shutdown period + Public Holidays in England and Wales
• Option to purchase up to 5 days holiday per year
• Enhanced paid family leave policies
• Access to the Cambridge Botanical Gardens