Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop innovative optical interface solutions and validate them through hands-on experiments.
- Company: Join PsiQuantum, a leader in photonics with a commitment to equal opportunity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge photonics technology and collaborate with experts.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and significant experience in photonic device development.
The predicted salary is between 64000 - 76500 £ per year.
We are seeking a Senior Photonics Engineer to develop ultra-low-loss optical interface solutions between dissimilar, exploratory, waveguiding platforms. This role combines device concept development, optical simulation, and hands-on experimental validation to assess and mature new approaches for mode conversion and coupling. The successful candidate will combine creativity in photonic device design with strong engineering judgement, identifying solutions that are both high-performing and practical to deploy. Working closely with internal teams and expert external partners, they will help guide the development of advanced optical interfaces.
Responsibilities
- Develop and assess novel device concepts for ultra-low-loss optical coupling and mode conversion between dissimilar optical platforms.
- Use simulation and analytical tools to study optical propagation, modal behaviour, overlap, loss mechanisms, and sensitivity to design and fabrication tolerances.
- Apply tools such as BeamPROP, FDTD, or equivalent methods to evaluate candidate device concepts and guide design decisions.
- Design and execute experiments to validate device performance, coupling efficiency, mode conversion behaviour, and optical loss.
- Correlate modelling and experimental results to refine concepts, test assumptions, and build confidence in technical feasibility.
- Evaluate candidate solutions with consideration for robustness, manufacturability, packaging, and practical implementation constraints.
- Work closely with expert external partners to review technical options, assess results, and help mature promising device approaches.
- Collaborate across photonics, systems, and experimental teams to develop practical optical interface solutions for demanding applications.
Experience/Qualifications Required
- PhD degree in photonics, optics, physics, engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
- Significant experience in photonic device development, guided-wave optics, optical coupling, or integrated optical interface design.
- Strong understanding of mode conversion, mode control, and optical coupling between dissimilar waveguiding or photonic platforms.
- Experience with simulation tools such as BeamPROP, FDTD, eigenmode, BPM, or related methods for analysing propagation, modal behaviour, and coupling performance.
- Proven ability to use simulation to guide device design choices and interpret behaviour in complex optical interfaces.
- Hands-on experience designing and executing experiments to characterise optical coupling, insertion loss, and device performance.
- Strong experimental judgement and ability to troubleshoot complex photonic or optical measurements.
- Ability to assess technical feasibility while keeping practical implementation constraints in view.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with internal teams and external technical partners.
Preferred
- Experience developing low-loss optical interface devices between fibre, waveguide, or integrated photonic platforms.
- Experience with advanced optical packaging, taper-based transitions, or coupling structures.
- Experience with optimisation methods or inverse design for photonic structures.
- Experience taking photonic device concepts from early-stage exploration through experimental proof of concept.
- Experience balancing innovation, performance, and manufacturability in photonic device development.
- Experience in advanced industrial photonics environments or high performing applied research groups.
Senior Photonics Engineer, Optical Interfaces in Daresbury employer: black.ai
Contact Detail:
black.ai Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Photonics Engineer, Optical Interfaces in Daresbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the photonics field and let them know you're on the hunt for a Senior Photonics Engineer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get hands-on! If you can, work on personal projects or collaborate with others in the field to showcase your skills in optical interface solutions. This not only boosts your portfolio but also gives you real-world experience to talk about in interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your simulation tools like BeamPROP and FDTD. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how you tackled challenges in photonic device development. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Make sure your application stands out by tailoring it to highlight your experience with optical coupling and mode conversion. Let's get you that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Photonics Engineer, Optical Interfaces in Daresbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Photonics: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for photonics shine through! Share specific examples of projects or experiences that sparked your interest in optical interfaces and how they relate to the role.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experience in photonic device development and optical coupling. Use keywords from the job description to show we’re on the same wavelength!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences without wading through unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at black.ai
✨Know Your Tools
Familiarise yourself with simulation tools like BeamPROP and FDTD before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past projects, as this will show your practical experience and understanding of optical propagation and modal behaviour.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to talk about innovative device concepts you've developed or worked on. Highlight your ability to combine creativity with engineering judgement, especially in terms of mode conversion and coupling solutions. This will demonstrate your fit for the role's focus on high-performing, practical designs.
✨Discuss Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with internal teams and external partners, be prepared to share examples of successful collaborations. Talk about how you’ve effectively communicated technical options and assessed results with others, showcasing your teamwork skills.
✨Emphasise Experimental Validation
Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with designing and executing experiments. Share specific examples where you validated device performance and correlated modelling with experimental results, as this is crucial for building confidence in technical feasibility.