Photonics Test Engineer — Flexible Hours in Quantum Lab

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

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.