Principal Optical Packaging Engineer in Cambridge

Overview At Microsoft Research, we are shaping the future of AI infrastructure by pursuing high-risk and high-reward programs that will define the next generation of AI platforms. Our work spans the full stack, models, systems, software, and hardware, and we partner with product teams across Microsoft to turn research breakthroughs into impact at scale. Through close collaboration with industry partners, the team bridges research and production, translating hardware innovation into working prototypes and manufacturable solutions for next-generation AI infrastructure. You will join a multidisciplinary team working at the intersection of optics, electronics, photonics, packaging, networking, and AI system design. We are seeking an experienced Optical Packaging Engineer with deep expertise in co-packaged optics and advanced packaging technologies. The successful candidate will play a critical role in bridging photonic devices, electronic ICs, and system-level integration through scalable, manufacturable packaging solutions. You will work closely with both Microsoft R&D teams and Azure engineering teams to bring innovations from prototype to production. This role offers a unique opportunity to work hands-on with cutting-edge technologies while collaborating with world-class researchers, internal product teams, and Tier-1 partners to translate research into deployable systems. This role is primarily based in the United Kingdom. Remote working may be considered in exceptional circumstances, at the organisation’s discretion and in accordance with business requirements and employment policies.

Responsibilities

• CPO Architecture & Packaging Co-Design - Lead the design and development of packaging architectures for co-packaged optics, including integration of photonic devices, ASICs, and interposers.
• Advanced Packaging Development - Define and prototype packaging solutions leveraging technologies such as 2.5D/3D integration (e.g., FOWL, CoWoS, EMIB, SOIC/HB etc), fiber attach, optical coupling, and thermal management.
• Optical Assembly & Alignment Strategy - Develop scalable optical assembly processes, including alignment tolerances, passive/active alignment strategies, and manufacturability trade-offs.
• Cross-Disciplinary Co-Design - Work closely with photonics, electronics, and system teams to co-optimize packaging, signal integrity, power delivery, and thermal performance.
• Partner Engagement & Technology Transfer - Collaborate with Tier-1 suppliers and ecosystem partners to realize packaging solutions and drive technology towards production readiness.
• Prototyping, Validation & Iteration - Build and evaluate prototypes, identify key failure modes, and iterate designs based on measurement data and system-level constraints.

Qualifications

• Required/Minimum Qualifications
• Master’s or PhD’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Proven industry experience in wafer/panel level and advanced packaging with a strong focus on optical packaging, Co-packaged optics (CPO) or closely related technologies.
• Hands-on experience with: Optical module or CPO packaging design, Fiber attach / optical coupling techniques, High-speed interconnect packaging and signal integrity considerations.
• Strong understanding of system-level trade-offs (electrical, optical, thermal, mechanical).
• Ability to operate effectively in a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken, including the skill to clearly communicate technical results and justify assumptions to diverse technical audiences.
• Additional or Preferred Qualifications
• Experience in advanced semiconductor packaging (e.g., FCBGA, 2.5D/3D integration).
• Familiarity with hyperscale data center interconnect requirements.
• Experience working with external manufacturing partners or Tier-1 suppliers.
• Track record of delivering packaging solutions from concept to prototype or production.
• Background aligned with leading CPO practitioners (e.g., industry or research experience similar to co-packaged optics leaders).

Candidate Profile (What Success Looks Like)

The ideal candidate is someone who:

• Has deep, practical experience in co-packaged optics, not just electronic packaging.
• Can operate at the interface between research and productization.
• Understands real-world constraints: yield, assembly, cost, reliability.
• Brings a systems mindset, connecting packaging decisions to overall architecture.
• Thrives in a highly collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment.

Candidate Value Proposition

This role provides the opportunity to:

• Shape the future of optical I/O for AI infrastructure.
• Work at the intersection of photonics, electronics, and advanced packaging.
• Collaborate with leading experts across Microsoft and industry.
• Translate cutting-edge research into real-world deployment.

As part of Microsoft Research, you will be in a unique position to influence both long-term innovation and near-term product directions. This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.