Senior VCSEL & 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

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.