Characterisation Engineer – Photonics R&D in Ipswich

About Huawei Research and Development UK Limited

Founded in 1987, Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. We have 207,000 employees and operate in over 170 countries and regions, serving more than three billion people around the world. Our vision and mission is to bring digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world.

Huawei Research and Development UK Limited Overview

Huawei’s vision is a fully connected, intelligent world. To achieve this, we work to inspire passion for basic research around the world. Our combined passion drives development across the global innovation value chain. Huawei has the largest Research and Development organization in the world with 96,000+ employees in research centers around the globe. In the UK, we already have design centers in Cambridge, London, Edinburgh and Ipswich.

Job Summary

We are excited to offer an opportunity for a senior Characterisation Engineer to join our cutting‑edge Photonics R&D centre. In this role, you will be central to defining, developing, and implementing advanced testing protocols and characterisation methods for next‑generation photonic devices. You will design and execute complex laboratory setups, perform high‑precision measurements, and support iterative design verification cycles. Working closely with device designers, process and test integration engineers, you will generate accurate, reliable data that directly drives improvements in designs, fabrications and overall device performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute complex optical & electrical test setups including automating measurements
• Define effective DoE’s and perform advanced measurements to characterise product to support iterative design cycles
• Develop and implement modular characterisation protocols & methods for project(s) requirements
• Analyse and interpret device performance data to extract key metrics and identify failure modes
• Provide technical reports with analysis, summarising verification results and make recommendations
• Collaborate with design, process, test and reliability engineering teams
• Contribute to defining test strategies for emerging technologies and new device platforms
• Support continuous improvement of lab workflows, engineering, automation and best practices

Person Specification

• Minimum degree in Physics, master or PhD preferable in optoelectronics
• Experience designing and running laboratory test setups, photonics device testing from DC to RF
• Knowledge of III‑V optoelectronic device physics
• Strong data analysis skills using tools such as Python, MATLAB, databases, etc.
• Strong hands‑on experience with optical characterisation, including: Optical power measurements, Spectral analysis, Coupling and alignment techniques, Laser and fibre‑optic instrumentation
• Proficiency with electrical measurements (Pulsed, DC IV, high‑speed modulation, RF probing)
• Ability to interpret complex datasets, write reports and communicate findings clearly
• Excellent and methodical approach to problem‑solving skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary R&D environment
• Willingness to travel as required on occasion.

• Knowledge of cleanroom processes, wafer‑level testing, or device fabrication
• Familiarity with automated test systems, LabVIEW, NI test‑stand or instrument control frameworks
• Experience with high‑speed photonics (GHz‑range modulation, eye diagrams, s‑parameters)
• Understanding of photonics packaging, integration, or reliability testing
• Ability to mentor junior engineers or lead small technical workstreams
• Coding experiences in LabVIEW, C++ or C#

Personal Attributes

• Able to work calmly under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Proactive and innovative team player capable of working independently and to provide leadership and guidelines to other team members.
• Displays a positive approach to working and actively seeks to share ideas and information with colleagues.
• Able to demonstrate attention to detail.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to ensure prioritisation of workloads dovetails with the needs of the business.

What we offer

• 33 days annual leave entitlement per year (including UK public holidays)
• Group Personal Pension
• Life insurance
• Private medical insurance
• Medical expense claim scheme
• Employee Assistance Program
• Cycle to work scheme
• Company sports club and social events
• Additional time off for learning and development