Quantum Photonics PIC Design Engineer (Flexible)

Nu Quantum Ltd; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Private Medical and Dental Cover

On-site gym membership

Cycle scheme

28 days annual leave

Job summary

Nu Quantum Ltd in Cambridge is seeking a Photonic Design Engineer to advance our quantum networking technology by designing and optimizing integrated photonic components for scalable quantum systems. You will work with cutting-edge photonics and integration technologies to meet performance, reliability, and manufacturability requirements.

Collaborating with scientists, fabrication partners and test teams, you will develop waveguides, couplers, modulators and switch networks, build design

Qualifications

• 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.

Skills

Photonics design

Simulation experience

Python/MATLAB for automation

Team collaboration

Education

Postgraduate-level qualification in Photonics/Optical/Electrical Engineering

Tools

Lumerical FDTD

MODE Solutions

Multiphysics

GDSFactory

KLayout

Cadence

Job description

Nu Quantum Ltd in Cambridge is seeking a Photonic Design Engineer to advance our quantum networking technology by designing and optimizing integrated photonic components for scalable quantum systems. You will work with cutting-edge photonics and integration technologies to meet performance, reliability, and manufacturability requirements.

Collaborating with scientists, fabrication partners and test teams, you will develop waveguides, couplers, modulators and switch networks, build design