Senior Photonics Engineer, Optical Interfaces in Halton
Senior Photonics Engineer, Optical Interfaces

Senior Photonics Engineer, Optical Interfaces in Halton

Halton Full-Time 64000 - 76500 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
black.ai

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 innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, and comprehensive benefits package.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
  • 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 Halton employer: black.ai

At PsiQuantum, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of photonics. Located in Daresbury, UK, our team enjoys access to cutting-edge resources and opportunities for professional growth, while contributing to groundbreaking advancements in optical interface solutions. We are committed to supporting our employees with competitive compensation, equity options, and a diverse, inclusive environment where creativity and technical expertise thrive.
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 Halton

✨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've tackled challenges in photonic device development. Confidence is key!

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your experience with optical coupling and mode conversion, as that’s what we’re all about!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Photonics Engineer, Optical Interfaces in Halton

Optical Interface Design
Photonics
Optical Coupling
Mode Conversion
BeamPROP
FDTD
Experimental Validation
Analytical Tools
Device Performance Characterisation
Troubleshooting Optical Measurements
Technical Feasibility Assessment
Collaboration with Technical Partners
Communication Skills
Manufacturability Considerations

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 we're offering.

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. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the Senior Photonics Engineer role.

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 position. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!

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 they are crucial for evaluating optical propagation and coupling performance.

✨Showcase Your Creativity

Prepare to talk about innovative device concepts you've developed. Highlight your ability to combine creativity with practical engineering judgement, especially in terms of mode conversion and optical coupling between different platforms.

✨Demonstrate Hands-On Experience

Be ready to share specific examples of experiments you've designed and executed. Discuss how you validated device performance and tackled challenges in optical measurements, showcasing your strong experimental judgement.

✨Collaborative Spirit

Emphasise your experience working with internal teams and external partners. Share examples of how you've collaborated to develop practical optical interface solutions, as teamwork is key in this role.

Senior Photonics Engineer, Optical Interfaces in Halton
black.ai
Location: Halton

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>