Senior R&D Scientist

SMART Photonics; Eindhoven; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fitness discounts

Fresh fruit

Chair massages

Lunch Walks

Job summary

SMART Photonics in Eindhoven is seeking a Senior R&D Scientist to develop and industrialize advanced photonic technologies, from concept through device development and integration on the SMART Photonics platform.

You will lead heterogeneous integration efforts, apply device modelling and DoE, and collaborate with universities, industry partners and EU projects, while mentoring junior scientists.

Qualifications

• PhD in a related field is required.
• 5+ years of industrial experience after PhD.
• Strong expertise in integrated photonics and device technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and industrialization of integrated photonic devices.
• Develop device models, simulations, and DoE to qualify devices and processes.
• Translate requirements into manufacturable device solutions.
• Serve as senior technical interface with customers, universities, and partners.
• Independently lead complex R&D projects and mentor junior staff.
• Contribute to publications, patents, and EU project deliverables.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Creative problem solving

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Mentoring

Education

PhD in Integrated Photonics / Photonics / Physics / Electrical Engineering

Job description

You will play a key role in developing and industrializing advanced photonic technologies.

SMART Photonics is at the forefront of integrated photonics, bringing together scientists, engineers, and industry experts to develop next-generation photonic technologies.

Our R&D team contributes to more than 30 EU-funded projects and works closely with leading universities, research institutes, industry partners, and customers.

As a Senior R&D Scientist, you will play a key role in developing and industrializing advanced photonic technologies, from scientific concept through device development, qualification, and integration into the SMART Photonics platform.

Your Role and Tasks

Lead the development and improvement of integrated photonic devices, building blocks, and technologies, including heterogeneous integration solutions.

Develop and apply device models, simulations, and Design of Experiments (DoE) to optimize and qualify photonic devices and processes.

Translate scientific and customer requirements into innovative, manufacturable, and high-quality device solutions suitable for the SMART Photonics platform and PDK.

Act as a senior technical interface for customers, universities, research institutes, and industry partners, challenging requirements and assessing technical feasibility.

Independently lead complex R&D projects, defining technical objectives, research plans, milestones, and deliverables.

Guide and mentor junior scientists and engineers and contribute to the technical direction of the R&D team.

Contribute to publications, patents, EU project deliverables, and continuous improvement activities such as 8D and FMEA.

Job requirements

PhD in Integrated Photonics, Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.

At least +5 years of relevant industrial experience after completing your PhD, preferably in a semiconductor, photonics, or technology-development environment.

Strong expertise in integrated photonics, device physics, optical devices, and semiconductor technologies.

Experience with device modelling, simulation, experimental development, and/or device qualification.

Strong affinity with semiconductor fabrication and III-V technologies, particularly InP, GaAs, or related materials.

Excellent analytical, creative, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to represent SMART Photonics externally.

A strong growth mindset, independent drive, and sense of ownership, combined with the ability to collaborate and guide others in a dynamic environment.

What We Offer

A challenging senior position with significant technical and scientific impact.

The opportunity to work on state-of-the-art integrated photonics and heterogeneous integration technologies.

Direct exposure to advanced InP semiconductor technology and its industrial application.

Collaboration with leading international research institutes, universities, industry partners, and customers through EU-funded projects.

A talented, diverse, and international R&D team within a growing and innovative company.

Personalized career development, including training and coaching.

A collaborative open culture with additional benefits including fitness discounts, fresh fruit, chair massages, and Lunch Walks.