At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop innovative packaging solutions for cutting-edge optical technologies.
- Company: Join Microsoft Research, a leader in AI infrastructure and technology innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic, multidisciplinary team with a focus on impactful research.
- Why this job: Work hands-on with advanced tech and collaborate with world-class researchers.
- Qualifications: Master’s or PhD in relevant fields and experience in optical packaging.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 121300 £ per year.
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 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.
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:
- CPO Architecture & Packaging Co-Design: 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).
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Senior Optical Packaging Engineer in Cambridge employer: Microsoft
At Microsoft Research, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our focus on cutting-edge technologies and multidisciplinary teamwork, providing opportunities to work alongside world-class researchers and industry partners. Located in the heart of the tech industry, we celebrate diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that every employee can thrive while contributing to meaningful advancements in AI infrastructure.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Optical Packaging Engineer in Cambridge
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Senior Optical Packaging Engineer role you’re after at Microsoft.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Microsoft a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Microsoft.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Senior Optical Packaging Engineer at Microsoft, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Optical Packaging Engineer in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Senior Optical Packaging Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Microsoft a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Microsoft specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Microsoft
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Microsoft, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Microsoft want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
