R&D Scientist - Optical Design Engineer

Seagate Technology; Derry/Londonderry; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading data storage company is seeking an Optical Design Engineer in Derry/Londonderry. This role involves developing next-generation optical components for hard disk drives. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in semiconductor lasers and a PhD in a relevant field. The position offers a dynamic and innovative work environment with various employee benefits, emphasizing inclusion and career growth.

Benefits

Private healthcare

Annual leave

Enhanced maternity/paternity pay

On-site gym

Career development programs

Qualifications

• Effective communicator with strong presentation skills.
• Collaborative team player in cross-functional environments.
• Proactive and confident in decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Perform computational modeling of photonic components.
• Simulate laser performance in hard drive systems.
• Collaborate on experimental builds and validations.

Skills

Semiconductor laser and waveguide physics

Computational modeling techniques

Analytical and problem-solving

Programming (Python, MATLAB, SQL)

Education

PhD in Lasers, Photonics, Optics or related fields

Tools

LaserMOD

Lumerical

COMSOL

Job description

R&D Scientist - Optical Design Engineer

Location: Derry/Londonderry, GB

Posting Date: Sep 23, 2025

Job ID: 12638

About our group:

Seagate is a global leader in data storage solutions. We strive to create precision-engineered data storage technologies that deliver superior capacity, speed, safety, and performance. Seagate is where the future is read and written, with continuous innovation proving that a hard drive is not “just” a hard drive. Find out how we are shaping a new era of storage as we craft the datasphere.

As an industry leader, Seagate provides unique career opportunities to be part of today’s major technology shifts. They can be found around the globe and on our website.

As a global technology leader in data storage applications, Seagate offers exceptional career opportunities at the forefront of innovation. We’re excited to invite applications for the role of Optical Design Engineer, an opportunity to help shape the future of data storage through next-generation technologies.

About the role - you will:

As an Optical Design Engineer, you’ll be part of the Advanced Technology Development team within Recording Head Operations. Collaborating closely with global wafer development and test/characterization teams, our mission is to design and develop cutting-edge recording heads for future generations of hard disk drives.

Our Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) technology is at the forefront of data storage innovation, designed to meet the growing demands of the cloud storage market. In this role, you’ll leverage advanced design tools and high-tech manufacturing processes to develop next-generation optical components. Your work will be grounded in the physics of emerging technologies, ensuring our products meet stringent performance and reliability standards.

We’re looking for someone who thrives on innovation, brings creative energy to problem-solving, and is passionate about turning ideas into reality.

In this role, you may contribute to one or more of the following areas:

• Perform computational modeling of semiconductor lasers/waveguides/photonic components for integration into next-generation read-write heads.
• Simulate laser and light path performance within hard drive photonic systems using tools such as LaserMOD, FDTD, and Lumerical Interconnect.
• Integrate emerging technologies, including 2D photonic materials, into the design and development of advanced hard drive systems.
• Analyze component data to validate models and support model-to-measure correlation and refinement.
• Enhance existing modeling capabilities and develop new methodologies to improve simulation accuracy and efficiency.
• Design optical components with improved robustness and enhanced reliability.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to plan experimental builds and validate proposed designs through testing.
• Collaborate with external research partners to translate cutting-edge academic insights into practical applications.
• Stay current with advancements in semiconductor laser technologies, 2D photonics and related fields.

About you:

• An effective communicator with strong presentation and writing skills.
• A collaborative team player who thrives in cross-functional environments.
• Proactive and confident in setting direction and making timely decisions.
• Passionate about technology and driven by the challenge of pushing boundaries.
• Innovative, with a willingness to contribute ideas and solutions that advance our technology roadmap.

Your experience includes:

• Solid understanding of semiconductor laser and waveguide physics and design principles.
• Expertise in designing semiconductor lasers, waveguides, photonic components for high-temperature stability and reliability.
• Demonstrated capability in 2D photonic physics and design principles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proven ability to interpret complex data.
• Familiarity with computational modeling techniques and packages (e.g. LaserMOD, Lumerical, COMSOL).
• Familiarity with programming (e.g. Python, MATLAB, SQL).

You may also have:

• PhD qualification in relevant area (e.g. Lasers, Photonics, Optics, Opto-electronics, Physics).
• Academic research or industrial experience in a relevant area would be considered a distinct advantage.

Completed applications should be submitted no later than midnight on Wednesday, 24th September 2025

This is a Full-Time position working 39 hours per week.

Please demonstrate on your Cover Letter or CV how you meet the criteria set out in the job description identified above.

Testing may be used as part of the selection process.

At Seagate we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace. To see all vacancies that Seagate has available, please sign up - Register your interest for career updates with our Talent Network and to be considered for future opportunities: Seagate Careers

Seagate Technology is committed to equal opportunity in employment and welcomes applications from all sections of the community irrespective of sex, marital status, religious affiliation, age, disability or ethnic origin. The Company specifically welcomes applications from the protestant community who are currently underrepresented in this job category. All applications will be considered strictly on the basis of merit.

Location:

Springtown, Derry / Londonderry, Northern Ireland

Our Springtown site is Derry/Londonderry’s largest manufacturer. We’re proud that Seagate is a flexible and inclusive place to work. We have more than 1,400 employees spanning research and development, manufacturing, and many other functions.

Here at work, you can grab breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks at our subsidized on-site cafe.

Looking for an active break from your workday? We’ve got you covered. Take a group or individual exercise class during lunch or after work at our on-site gym.

Network with your colleagues through the Young Professionals Network, Women’s Leadership Group, the Carers Café (for caregivers of individuals with disabilities), Volunteer in the community with our support! Join our creative network, which includes a choir, foreign language classes and even a cookery class!

Join our Employee Resource Groups (ERG), a voluntary, employee-led community built on a shared diversity identity and/or an appreciation of that identity, open to ALL current employees at Seagate!

See list below of many of our Springtown Company Benefits:

• Health – Private healthcare, for employees and dependents, Company sick pay and medical leave, Occupational healthcare service, Employee assistance programmes, Group income protection and On-site gym/ exercise classes / personal trainer.
• Work Life Balance – Annual leave, Part-time working, Enhanced maternity pay, Enhanced paternity pay, Bereavement leave. Onsite gym
• Finance – Pension – employer contributory scheme, Life assurance, Employee stock purchase plan, Competitive base pay, Company bonus scheme, Reward and recognition, Perks at work discount programmes, Pay for civil / jury duty.
• Career – Degree / non degree assistance Externally accredited training and development opportunities, Service awards, LinkedIn learning, Learning & development programmes

Location: Springtown, United Kingdom
Travel: None

About Us

With more than four decades of storage innovation, Seagate empowers humanity to thrive in the data age and helps people and businesses navigate the ever-expanding data landscape.

We craft precision-engineered, cutting-edge solutions that help the world store and manage exponential data growth.

Seagate is powered by our talented and passionate workforce of 29,000 employees across the globe who embody our core values: integrity, innovation, and inclusion. Striving towards excellence every single day, we show up with these values for our customers, business partners, shareholders, and communities alike.

Join us and get inspired to make a difference in the datasphere!

Seagate is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, military and veteran status, or other status protected by applicable law. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. EEO Know Your Rights Poster

Seagate will provide reasonable accommodations with the application process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail].

All Seagate jobs will remain open for a minimum of seven days.

For information on how Seagate collects and uses your personal information during the application process, please review the Applicant Privacy Statement.