Senior Optical Communications Engineer

This job is brought to you by OLIX, a leader in optical interconnect solutions for AI data centers.

About OLIX: AI is growing faster than any technology in history, and the industry still relies on a ten‑year‑old hardware blueprint that has reached its limit. OLIX is developing the OLIX Decode Accelerator 1 (DX‑1), the first accelerator architected specifically for decode, using rack‑scale co‑design of logic, data movement, packaging, optics, and interconnect to deliver a step change in system‑level performance.

The Role: OLIX is developing next‑generation optical interconnect architectures for AI data centers, spanning chip‑to‑chip, intra‑tray, and rack‑scale links. As an Optical Communications Engineer, you will lead the design and optimisation of high‑speed optical links and co‑packaged optics (CPO) systems. Your work will focus on system‑level architecture, link design, and electro‑optic co‑design, working across optics, ASICs, and signal processing to deliver ultra‑high‑bandwidth, low‑latency interconnects.

Responsibilities

• Optical System Architecture
  • Define optical interconnect architectures across chip‑to‑chip, intra‑tray, and rack‑to‑rack domains
  • Develop scalable link strategies across fiber, waveguides, and PLC‑based systems
  • Own system‑level link budgets (loss, BER, bandwidth, power, thermal margins)
  • Evaluate trade‑offs between reach, bandwidth density, power, and latency
• Electro‑Optic Co‑Design
  • Collaborate with ASIC, RF, DSP, and mixed‑signal teams on interface definitions
  • Co‑optimize modulation formats, equalisation, and Tx/Rx architectures
  • Model end‑to‑end electro‑optic channels including devices, packaging, and signal processing
  • Analyse system trade‑offs across optical, electrical, and algorithmic domains
• Modelling & Validation
  • Develop and maintain system‑level simulation frameworks
  • Correlate simulation results with lab measurements
  • Define validation strategies for Tbps‑class links
  • Analyse signal integrity, noise, crosstalk, and bandwidth performance
• Technology Exploration
  • Evaluate emerging technologies in CPO, integrated photonics, and high‑speed optics
  • Contribute to architectural decisions for next‑generation interconnect systems

Skills & Experience

• PhD or Master’s in Optics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
• 6–10+ years of experience in optical communications (datacom or telecom)
• Strong understanding of link budgets, BER, and high‑speed transmission systems
• Experience with modulation, equalisation, and high‑bandwidth Tx/Rx architectures
• Background in fibre optics, waveguides, and/or integrated photonics
• Strong system modelling and simulation experience
• Experience working across optics, ASIC, and DSP domains
• Experience taking optical communication systems into production

Compensation & Equity

• Competitive salary: £121,000+ commensurate with experience, skills, and location
• Meaningful equity: stock options that align your success with the company’s
• Living‑Local bonus: £24,000 annual bonus if you live within 20 minutes of the office

Health & Wellbeing

• Premium BUPA medical and dental cover (including MHD)
• 25 days of annual leave plus all UK bank holidays

The Workspace & Tech

• M4 Macs (M4 Pro upgrade available for engineering staff)
• High‑spec noise‑cancelling headphones and fully ergonomic workstation
• Access to high‑performance 3D printing lab for work and personal projects

Life at the Office

• Chef‑prepared meals for late‑hour work
• Company coffee tab at the local coffee shop

Relocation & Global Mobility

• Full UK and international visa sponsorship
• Dedicated relocation partner providing funding and concierge support

Due to U.S. export‑control regulations, eligibility to work at OLIX depends on citizenship or permanent residency status. Applicants whose most recent citizenship or permanent residency is in restricted countries (e.g., Iran, North Korea, Syria, Cuba, Russia, Belarus, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Venezuela) may be ineligible unless they later obtain a non‑restricted status.