Principal Opto-Electronics Device 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 looking for an Optoelectronics Device Engineer who will play a critical role in the design, simulation, and characterization of high-speed electro-optic devices. As an Optoelectronics Device Engineer, you will lead the design and optimization of optical and photonic devices, e.g., lasers, microLEDs, modulators, and photodetectors. You will leverage your deep understanding of semiconductor physics and your expertise with optical/device simulation tools to develop novel device designs, drive tape-outs, and validate device performance through hands-on lab characterization. You will work closely with both Microsoft R&D teams and Azure engineering teams to bring innovations from prototype to production. This role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of advanced semiconductor technology and photonic integration, collaborating with cross-functional teams including optical and electronics designers, packaging engineers, and system architects. 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.

Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize photonics devices structures for high-speed optical communication applications.
• Perform optical, electrical, and thermal device simulations using industry-standard tools to predict device performance, optimize designs, and guide layout and fabrication.
• Collaborate with supplier partners and internal teams to execute tape-outs.
• Conduct hands-on device characterization in the lab, including DC and high-frequency measurements (S-parameter measurements, eye diagrams), optical power measurements, spectral analysis, and reliability testing.
• Develop and apply equivalent circuit models and compact models for electro-optic devices to enable co-simulation with electronic driver and transimpedance amplifier (TIA) circuits.
• Analyze experimental data, correlate with simulation results, and drive iterative design improvements to meet performance targets specifications.
• Serve as a technical expert in optoelectronic device physics, advising cross-functional teams on device-level trade-offs and their impact on system-level performance.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation and patent filings.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong foundation in semiconductor physics, including carrier transport, p-n junctions, and photon-matter interactions.
• Demonstrated experience designing high-speed electro-optic devices operating at GHz frequencies.
• Proficiency with one or more optical/device simulation packages such as COMSOL Multiphysics, Tidy3D, Ansys Lumerical FDTD/MODE/CHARGE, HFSS, or Sentaurus/Silvaco TCAD.
• Hands-on experience with optoelectronic device characterization in a lab environment, including high-speed RF measurements and optical test setups.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with microLEDs, laser or photodetector device design and characterization.
• Track record of tape-outs in photonic or optoelectronic foundry processes, including PDK development and design-for-manufacturability.
• Experience with III-V optoelectronic device fabrication and/or silicon photonics platforms.
• Knowledge of optical packaging, co-packaged optics, optical transceiver architectures, or datacentre interconnect requirements.
• Experience with driving device concepts from concept to production.

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.