Senior Photonic Engineer

Senior Photonic Engineer – Integrated Photonics

Milan, Italy (On-site) | Full-time | Start: As soon as possible

PhotonPath is growing, and we’re looking for a Senior Photonic Engineer to join our team and contribute to the development of next-generation integrated photonic systems.

If you’re passionate about photonics, eager to work across the full product lifecycle, and want to be part of a collaborative environment, let’s talk.

What you’ll do

Design, develop, and test advanced photonic components and systems as a key contributor.

Work across the full development cycle, from concept and simulation to validation and production, collaborating closely with electronics, software, and manufacturing teams.

Participate in an Agile environment, contributing at every stage from idea definition to prototype testing and product industrialization.

This role is suited for those who enjoy teamwork, shared knowledge, and continuous iteration, rather than focusing solely on a single phase of development.

Your responsibilities

• Design and simulate photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and optical modules
• Set up and perform optical testing, calibration, and measurement
• Automate experiments and analyze data with Python
• Support the transition from R&D to production, ensuring performance and scalability
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve complex technical challenges

What you bring

Must-haves

• Ph.D. or Master’s in Optics, Integrated Photonics, Physics, or related fields
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in optical systems
• Proficiency with PIC simulation tools (e.g., Lumerical, VPIphotonics)
• Experience with optical lab equipment (OSA, power meters, tunable lasers, etc.)
• Solid Python scripting skills
• Familiarity with fiber optics (alignment, splicing, coupling)
• Fluency in English (spoken and written)

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of optical amplifiers (EDFA, Raman, SOA)
• Experience in optical communication systems or sensors
• Understanding of photonic packaging (thermal/mechanical)
• Familiarity with Git and Agile workflows

Why join PhotonPath?

We’re a young, fast-moving, highly competent team working on impactful technologies.

You’ll be surrounded by passionate, knowledgeable people who love exchanging ideas and growing together.

We value hard work balanced with well-being. Enjoy free drinks and snacks, not just for appearances, but because we care about our people.

We promote a healthy environment for focus, learning, and well-being, with in-person collaboration prioritized, and occasional remote work based on tasks.

What we offer

Our benefits package supports your well-being, growth, and daily life:

• Competitive salary ensuring passion is sustainable
• Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP) — grow with us and share in our success
• Meal vouchers (€8/day), even when working remotely
• Health insurance for physical and mental health
• Welfare plan with a yearly budget for activities you enjoy
• Training budget for continuous learning

The selection process

Our clear, respectful process includes:

• Applying via LinkedIn
• Receiving detailed email instructions
• Completing two short questionnaires (technical and personal)
• Technical assessment with our CTO
• People interview to understand your background, motivation, and expectations

We provide personalized feedback at each step within one week, emphasizing transparency.

Applications

Click the "Apply" button on LinkedIn to send your resume.

For questions or technical issues, contact us at [contact email].

We look forward to meeting you!