Senior Photonics Simulation Engineer

Plessey; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Private medical & dental insurance

28 days’ holiday + bank holidays

Free onsite meals

Onsite gym

Relocation support

Visa support available

Job summary

Plessey in Plymouth seeks a Senior Photonics Simulation Engineer to own VCSEL design and simulation for next‑gen optical links. You will model VCSEL optical, electrical and thermal behavior from epitaxial structure to packaging, using FDTD as the primary tool.

You will drive epi design decisions, device layout, and process choices while pursuing high‑speed, energy‑efficient light sources for advanced optical interconnects.

Qualifications

• Degree in Physics or Electronic Engineering; MSc/PhD a plus.
• Proven VCSEL/semiconductor laser design and simulation.
• FDTD simulation experience with major tools (e.g., Lumerical).
• Strong grounding in laser physics; understand theory behind simulations.

Responsibilities

• Build VCSEL models: DBR mirrors, active region, oxide aperture, optical cavity.
• Run FDTD simulations: optical modes, cavity resonance, wavelength, far-field, beam profile.
• Model current spreading and self-heating; use COMSOL or similar tools.
• Simulate high-speed modulation and small-signal response for interconnects.
• Run parametric studies to guide epi design and device layout.
• Validate models against LIV, spectral and high-speed data; derive design rules.

Skills

VCSEL design

FDTD simulation

Semiconductor laser physics

Model validation with data

Clear technical communication

Education

Physics or Electronic Engineering degree

Tools

Ansys Lumerical FDTD

Crosslight PICS3D

RSoft

COMSOL

Job description

Senior Photonics Simulation Engineer

Department: R&D

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Plymouth

Description

Join our photonics team and work at the forefront of microLED and optical interconnect technology. As our Senior Photonics Simulation Engineer you will own the design and simulation of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers for next-generation optical links, using FDTD as the primary tool.

You will model VCSEL optical, electrical and thermal behaviour, from epitaxial structure to packaged device. Your results will directly shape epi design, device layout and process choices. You will also help drive new research into high-speed, energy-efficient light sources that push what optical interconnect can do.

Key Responsibilities

• Build VCSEL models covering DBR mirrors, active region, oxide aperture and optical cavity.
• Run FDTD simulations of optical modes, cavity resonance, wavelength, far-field and beam profile.
• Model current spreading, self-heating and thermal rollover, using COMSOL or equivalent tools.
• Simulate high-speed modulation and small-signal response for optical interconnect links.
• Run parametric studies to guide epi design, aperture size, mirror design and device layout.
• Validate models against measured LIV, spectral and high-speed data and turn results into clear design rules.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Degree in Physics or Electronic Engineering. A PhD or MSc is an advantage.
• Proven hands‑on VCSEL or semiconductor laser design and simulation.
• Proven FDTD simulation experience, for example Ansys Lumerical FDTD or similar. Wider tools such as Crosslight PICS3D, RSoft or COMSOL are a plus
• Strong grounding in semiconductor laser physics, including optical cavities, gain and carrier dynamics. You understand the theory behind the simulations, not just the tools.
• Track record of validating models against experimental data.
• Clear communication of technical results.

Benefits

• Pension scheme
• Private medical & dental insurance
• 28 days’ holiday + bank holidays
• Free onsite meals
• Onsite gym
• Relocation support
• Visa support available