Photonics Research Engineer / Optical Engineer / Research Scientist / Senior Research Scientist

PhoQtek labs; Hyderabad; On-site; INR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

PhoQtek Labs in Hyderabad is hiring a hands-on Photonics Research Engineer to design, test and characterize fiber-optic sensing systems for precision applications.

You will work with electronics, embedded systems and software, plan experiments, document results and contribute to prototype reviews in a collaborative, lab-based environment.

Masters or PhD preferred; strong optics background and practical exposure in fiber optics essential; industry experience not mandatory for all levels.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD preferred in relevant field.
• Strong foundation in fiber optics and photonics essential.
• Knowledge of optical interference, polarization, fiber propagation, optical loss and photodetection.
• Industry experience not required for all levels.

Responsibilities

• Build and test optical setups using fiber, optical sources, couplers, polarization-sensitive components, phase modulators and photodetectors.
• Characterize optical power, polarization, interference signals, noise, drift and system stability.
• Support the development and characterization of photonics-based sensing and inertial sensing systems.
• Plan experiments, analyze measurements and investigate unexpected results.
• Identify whether performance issues originate in optics, photodetection electronics, instrumentation or data processing.
• Develop measurement, calibration and verification procedures.
• Document experimental configurations, results and engineering decisions.
• Contribute to prototype integration and design reviews.

Skills

Fiber optics

Photonic sensing

Inertial sensing

Optical testing

Data analysis

Education

Master's or Doctoral degree in Photonics/ Fiber Optics/ Physics/ Optoelectronics

Tools

Superluminescent diode (SLED)

PM fiber

Fiber couplers

Interferometric setups

Electro-optic phase modulators

Photodetectors

Optical power meters

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analysers

Job description

Photonics Research Engineer / Optical Engineer / Research Scientist / Senior Research Scientist

Location: Hyderabad

Employment Type: Full-time

Work Mode: On-site

Nature of Work: Laboratory based

PhoQtek Labs is an early-stage deep-tech company developing advanced sensing technologies for high-performance engineering applications.

We are hiring at multiple experience levels for a hands-on role in photonics, optical sensing and inertial sensing. The designation and scope of responsibility will reflect the candidate’s education, skills and experience.

The selected candidate will contribute to the design, development and characterization of fiber-optic and photonic sensing systems for precision and inertial sensing applications, while working closely with teams in electronics, embedded systems, signal processing, mechanical engineering and software.

What You Will Do

• Build and test optical setups using fiber, optical sources, couplers, polarization-sensitive components, phase modulators and photodetectors.
• Characterize optical power, polarization, interference signals, noise, drift and system stability.
• Support the development and characterization of photonics-based sensing and inertial sensing systems.
• Plan experiments, analyze measurements and investigate unexpected results.
• Identify whether performance issues originate in optics, photodetection electronics, instrumentation or data processing.
• Develop measurement, calibration and verification procedures.
• Document experimental configurations, results and engineering decisions.
• Contribute to prototype integration and design reviews.

Essential Background & Education

A master’s or doctoral degree in Photonics, Fiber Optics, Physics, Optoelectronics or a closely related field is preferred.

Candidates from other educational backgrounds may also be considered if they can demonstrate a strong foundation and practical exposure in fiber optics and photonics.

Knowledge and practical exposure to fiber optics and photonics for sensing applications is essential. This experience may come from academic study, laboratory projects, research, internships or professional work.

Prior industry experience and a PhD are not required for all levels.

Candidates should have a good understanding of optical interference, polarization, fiber propagation, optical loss and photodetection, along with an interest in applying these principles to precision optical and inertial sensing systems through hands-on laboratory work.

Skills Especially Relevant to This Work

• Superluminescent diode (SLED) sources, including optical power, spectral characteristics and stability.
• Polarization-maintaining (PM) fiber, axis alignment, fiber handling, splicing and polarization measurements.
• Fiber couplers and interferometric optical setups.
• Electro-optic phase modulators and their optical characterization.
• Photodetectors, optical power meters, oscilloscopes, spectrum analysers and other laboratory instruments.
• Fiber-optic sensors, interferometric sensors or inertial sensing systems.
• Experimental data analysis, noise characterization and systematic troubleshooting.

Experience with electronics, analog circuits, embedded systems, DSP, FPGA instrumentation, control systems or inertial sensor integration is desirable but not mandatory. These skills complement the photonics focus of the role.