Senior Photonics Engineer, Optical Interfaces

Entangled Future; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

PsiQuantum in Daresbury, England seeks a Senior Photonics Engineer to develop ultra-low-loss optical interfaces between dissimilar platforms. You will design concepts, run simulations, and perform experiments to validate coupling performance and mode conversion.

The role combines device physics with hands-on validation, working with internal teams and external partners to mature promising approaches for practical deployment.

Qualifications

• We require a PhD or equivalent experience in photonics or related field.
• Strong background in photonic device concepts and coupling.
• Proven ability to design and interpret optical experiments and simulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop novel device concepts for ultra-low-loss optical coupling between dissimilar platforms.
• Use simulation and analytical tools to study propagation, modal behaviour and losses.
• Apply BeamPROP, FDTD or equivalent to evaluate concepts and guide design.
• Design and run experiments to validate coupling efficiency and mode conversion.
• Correlate modelling with data to refine approaches and assess feasibility.
• Collaborate with external partners to mature device concepts toward deployment.

Skills

Photonics device development

Guided-wave optics

Optical coupling

Experimentation

Simulation tools

Communication skills

Education

PhD in photonics/ optics/ physics

Tools

BeamPROP

FDTD

Eigenmode analysis

BPM

Job description

Senior Photonics Engineer, Optical Interfaces at PsiQuantum, Daresbury, England. A senior-level full time position in the 4009 - Exploratory Research team, listed under hardware engineering.

Come join us.

Job Summary

We are seeking a Senior Photonics Engineer to develop ultra-low-loss optical interface solutions between dissimilar, exploratory, waveguiding platforms. This role combines device concept development, optical simulation, and hands-on experimental validation to assess and mature new approaches for mode conversion and coupling. The successful candidate will combine creativity in photonic device design with strong engineering judgement, identifying solutions that are both high-performing and practical to deploy. Working closely with internal teams and expert external partners, they will help guide the development of advanced optical interfaces. We welcome applicants from both advanced industrial photonics environments and leading research groups who combine strong physical intuition with practical experimental and engineering judgement.

Responsibilities

• Develop and assess novel device concepts for ultra-low-loss optical coupling and mode conversion between dissimilar optical platforms.
• Use simulation and analytical tools to study optical propagation, modal behaviour, overlap, loss mechanisms, and sensitivity to design and fabrication tolerances.
• Apply tools such as BeamPROP, FDTD, or equivalent methods to evaluate candidate device concepts and guide design decisions.
• Design and execute experiments to validate device performance, coupling efficiency, mode conversion behaviour, and optical loss.
• Correlate modelling and experimental results to refine concepts, test assumptions, and build confidence in technical feasibility.
• Evaluate candidate solutions with consideration for robustness, manufacturability, packaging, and practical implementation constraints.
• Work closely with expert external partners to review technical options, assess results, and help mature promising device approaches.

Requirements

• PhD degree in photonics, optics, physics, engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Significant experience in photonic device development, guided-wave optics, optical coupling, or integrated optical interface design.
• Strong understanding of mode conversion, mode control, and optical coupling between dissimilar waveguiding or photonic platforms.
• Experience with simulation tools such as BeamPROP, FDTD, eigenmode, BPM, or related methods for analysing propagation, modal behaviour, and coupling performance.
• Proven ability to use simulation to guide device design choices and interpret behaviour in complex optical interfaces.
• Hands-on experience designing and executing experiments to characterize optical coupling, insertion loss, and device performance.
• Strong experimental judgement and ability to troubleshoot complex photonic or optical measurements.
• Ability to assess technical feasibility while keeping practical implementation constraints in view.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with internal teams and external technical partners

Nice to Have

• Experience developing low-loss optical interface devices between fibre, waveguide, or integrated photonic platforms.
• Experience with advanced optical packaging, taper-based transitions, or coupling structures.
• Experience with optimisation methods or inverse design for photonic structures.
• Experience taking photonic device concepts from early-stage exploration through experimental proof of concept.
• Experience balancing innovation, performance, and manufacturability in photonic device development.
• Experience in advanced industrial photonics environments or high performing applied research groups.