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- Tasks: Develop and execute test plans for photonic and optoelectronic devices in a hands-on lab role.
- Company: Join a leading tech firm focused on next-gen photonic technologies.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by improving device performance and reliability through innovative testing.
- Qualifications: BSc/MSc in relevant fields and hands-on experience in optical testing required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong focus on safety and best practices.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a Test Characterization Engineer to support the development, validation, and qualification of photonic and optoelectronic devices. This is a hands-on lab role combining optical/electrical measurements, test system development, data analysis, and close collaboration with engineering teams from early prototypes through to qualification and release readiness. You’ll join an established engineering group working on next-generation device platforms, helping translate measurement results into clear, actionable feedback that improves performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
What you’ll be doing:
- Develop and execute test & characterization plans for photonic/optoelectronic devices
- Perform optical, electrical, and opto-electrical measurements across a range of lab setups
- Design, build, and maintain measurement systems including probe stations, optical benches, free-space optics setups, and optomechanical assemblies
- Integrate optical components using optomechanical alignment techniques (stages, mounts, alignment systems) to enable stable, repeatable measurements
- Work closely with cross-functional engineers to define test requirements, review results, and support iteration cycles
- Analyse data, document outcomes, and provide recommendations to support design decisions and qualification evidence
- Create and improve test procedures using existing infrastructure, and develop new setups where required
- Maintain equipment, ensure repeatability, and follow lab safety and best practices
What we’re looking for:
- Strong experience with free-space optics, optical alignment, and optomechanical integration
- Exposure to optical and high-speed electrical measurement techniques
- Excellent practical lab capability: building, troubleshooting, refining measurement setups
- Data analysis and test automation skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB, C; instrument control/scripting)
- High attention to measurement quality, repeatability, and detail
- Clear technical documentation and communication skills
Qualifications:
- BSc or MSc in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or a related discipline
- Hands-on experience in photonic/optoelectronic device testing
- Strong background in optical testing including fiber characterization and optical coupling techniques
PAYE contract Up to 18 months Hybrid — Cambridge area Please apply for immediate consideration.
Test Characterization Engineer (Photonics & Optoelectronics) in Cambridge employer: Experis UK
Contact Detail:
Experis UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Test Characterization Engineer (Photonics & Optoelectronics) in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the photonics and optoelectronics field on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, attend webinars, and don’t be shy to ask for informational interviews. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Get hands-on! If you can, try to get some practical experience in a lab setting. Whether it's through internships, projects, or even personal experiments, showing that you can handle optical and electrical measurements will make you stand out. We love seeing candidates who are proactive!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your data analysis skills. Make sure you’re comfortable with Python, MATLAB, or C, as these are key in our field. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to practice your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we often have exclusive roles listed there. So, keep an eye out and get your application in for that Test Characterization Engineer role!
We think you need these skills to ace Test Characterization Engineer (Photonics & Optoelectronics) in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with photonic and optoelectronic devices. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects or lab work!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear understanding of what we do.
Show Off Your Technical Skills: When detailing your experience, focus on your hands-on lab capabilities and any specific measurement techniques you’ve used. Mention tools like Python or MATLAB if you’ve got them in your toolkit – we’re all about data analysis!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it lands in the right hands.
How to prepare for a job interview at Experis UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of photonics and optoelectronics. Be ready to discuss specific optical and electrical measurement techniques you've used in the past. This shows you're not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Show Off Your Lab Skills
Since this role is hands-on, be prepared to talk about your experience in building and troubleshooting measurement setups. Bring examples of how you've designed or improved test systems in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your practical lab capabilities.
✨Data Analysis is Key
Highlight your data analysis skills, especially if you’ve used Python, MATLAB, or C for test automation. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to inform design decisions and improve measurement quality in your past projects.
✨Collaboration is Crucial
This role involves working closely with cross-functional teams, so be prepared to share examples of how you've collaborated with engineers in the past. Discuss how you’ve defined test requirements and supported iteration cycles to show you can work well in a team environment.
