RF Engineer Paignton Office

About Oriole Networks

Oriole Networks is building next‑generation photonic networking systems to power the future of AI and high‑performance computing. By moving data with light instead of electrons, we enable dramatically higher bandwidth, lower latency, and reduced energy consumption. We are taking optical circuit switching from cutting‑edge research to real‑world deployment, enabling the next generation of scalable AI infrastructure. Backed by strong funding and deep academic roots, we are building a world‑class team to turn breakthrough science into production systems.

The Role

We are seeking a PhD-level RF / High‑Speed Electronics Engineer with a strong foundation in applied mathematics, electromagnetic theory, and measurement science. You will work at the intersection of RF engineering, signal integrity, and electro‑optics, developing high‑frequency systems that interface closely with advanced photonic components operating at multi‑tens of GHz and beyond. This role is ideal for candidates who think from first principles, are rigorous in experimentation, and are motivated to bridge theory, simulation, and real‑world measurements.

What You'll Do

• High-speed circuit design: Contribute to high-speed interconnects and transceiver electronics, including drivers, TIAs, and front-end circuits for modulators and photodetectors.
• 3D EM modelling & simulation: Develop and apply full-wave 3D electromagnetic models of RF structures, interconnects, and packaging (e.g. using HFSS, CST), alongside analytical models (transmission lines, S-parameters, noise, linearity, SI/PI), and correlate predictions with measured data.
• Measurement & characterisation: Design and execute calibrated RF measurements (VNA SOLT/TRL, de-embedding, time- and frequency-domain analysis) using >50 GHz instrumentation.
• Electro-optic integration: Co‑design electronic interfaces for integrated photonic switches and transceivers, working closely with photonics and systems teams.
• Prototype bring-up & debugging: Support schematic and PCB reviews, lab debugging, and performance optimisation.
• Data analysis & automation: Use Python or MATLAB for data analysis, modelling, and lab automation.
• Documentation & communication: Clearly document results and communicate insights across multidisciplinary teams.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• PhD in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or a closely related field.
• Deep understanding of electromagnetics, RF/microwave engineering, and high-frequency circuit theory.
• Experience with 3D electromagnetic simulation tools (e.g., HFSS, CST, or similar full-wave solvers).
• Strong applied mathematics background (linear algebra, signal processing, numerical methods, optimisation).
• Hands‑on experience with RF measurement techniques and instrumentation (VNAs, oscilloscopes, spectrum analysers, BERTs).
• Programming skills for modelling and data analysis (Python, MATLAB, or similar).
• Ability to apply theory to real systems and extract insight from experimental data.
• Clear communication and effective collaboration in multidisciplinary teams.

Desirable

• High-speed digital systems (e.g. 112G+ SerDes, PAM4).
• Signal integrity / power integrity for high-speed interconnects.
• Silicon photonics, co-packaged optics, or optical communications.
• Strong experimental expertise (calibration, de-embedding, fixture design, noise/linearity/BER measurement).
• PCB design and EDA tools (e.g. Cadence, PADS).
• Exposure to FPGA development (Verilog/VHDL).
• Thermal considerations in high-density electronic systems.
• Publications in relevant journals or conferences.