At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and production of cutting-edge VCSEL devices for innovative optical systems.
- Company: Join OLIX, a pioneering company in Optical Tensor Processing Units.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, stock options, generous time off, and a proximity bonus.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in high-performance laser technology and collaborate with top experts.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in semiconductor laser development, especially VCSELs, and a relevant degree.
The predicted salary is between 126000 - 154000 € per year.
About OLIX
OLIX is developing the next generation Optical Tensor Processing Unit (OTPU) with high performance and energy efficiency.
The Role
Senior Laser Engineer – responsible for leading the design and production of VCSEL devices for integration into OTPU systems. The role focuses on III‑V semiconductor lasers from epitaxial design to reliability.
Responsibilities
- Own the design and development of VCSEL devices and arrays for high-density optical systems
- Define and optimise epitaxial layer structures including quantum wells, DBRs, oxidation layers, and current confinement schemes
- Work with external epitaxy suppliers and foundries to specify, review, and iterate wafer growth runs
- Drive device simulation across optical, electrical, and thermal domains
- Characterise fabricated devices including LIV, spectral behaviour, modulation bandwidth, efficiency, thermal rollover, and reliability
- Develop strategies for current confinement, high-speed modulation, and array uniformity
- Collaborate with electronics teams on driver integration and impedance considerations
- Interface with packaging and optics teams to ensure coupling efficiency, mechanical tolerance robustness, and thermal performance
- Establish reliability methodologies including accelerated life testing and failure analysis
- Contribute to multi-generation device roadmaps aligned with system architecture requirements
- Support transfer from R&D to pilot and volume manufacturing
Required Skills & Experience
- 7+ years of experience in semiconductor laser development, with strong emphasis on VCSELs
- Degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or related discipline
- Deep understanding of III‑V materials systems such as GaAs/AlGaAs or InP-based structures
- Understanding of epitaxial techniques such as MBE or MOCVD
- Deep familiarity with high-speed modulation and bandwidth limitations
- Understanding of thermal management in dense laser arrays
- Experience working with external foundries or epitaxy houses
- Ability to interpret SEM, AFM, and other device-level characterisation data
- Strong cross‑functional collaboration skills
Nice‑to‑have Skills
- Experience with large VCSEL arrays
- Knowledge of reliability standards for datacom applications
- Experience integrating lasers with custom driver ASICs
- Background in yield optimisation and statistical process control
- Python skills
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive Salary: £126,000 – £154,000 annual salary commensurate with experience, skills, and location.
- Equity & Ownership: Meaningful stock options.
- Proximity Bonus: £24,000 annual Living‑Local Bonus if residence is within 20 minutes of the office.
- Time off: 25 days of annual leave, plus all UK bank holidays.
Legal
Due to U.S. export control regulations, candidates’ eligibility to work at OLIX depends on their most recent citizenship or permanent residency status. The company is generally unable to consider applicants whose most recent citizenship or permanent residence is in certain restricted countries (currently including Iran, North Korea, Syria, Cuba, Russia, Belarus, China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Venezuela). Applicants who have subsequently obtained citizenship or permanent residency in another country not subject to these restrictions may still be eligible.
Senior Laser Engineer employer: PassFort
At OLIX, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through competitive salaries, meaningful stock options, and a generous living-local bonus for those residing nearby. With a focus on cutting-edge technology and a culture that values cross-functional teamwork, OLIX provides a unique opportunity for Senior Laser Engineers to thrive in their careers while contributing to the development of next-generation optical systems.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Laser Engineer
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at OLIX. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to showcase your expertise in VCSEL devices and semiconductor lasers. Bring along a portfolio or examples of your work to demonstrate your experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interview by brushing up on technical questions related to III-V materials and epitaxial techniques. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how they relate to OLIX’s goals. Confidence is key, so practice makes perfect!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the OLIX team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Laser Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Laser Engineer role. Highlight your experience with VCSEL devices and III-V semiconductor lasers, as well as any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about optical systems and how your background makes you a perfect fit for OLIX. Don’t forget to mention any specific achievements that demonstrate your expertise in semiconductor laser development.
Showcase Your Collaboration Skills:Since this role involves working with various teams, make sure to highlight your cross-functional collaboration skills in your application. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with electronics or optics teams in the past – we love a team player!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining the OLIX team!
How to prepare for a job interview at PassFort
✨Know Your VCSELs Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of VCSEL devices and arrays. Be ready to discuss your experience with III-V semiconductor lasers, epitaxial techniques, and any specific projects you've worked on that relate to high-density optical systems.
✨Show Off Your Collaboration Skills
This role requires strong cross-functional collaboration. Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked with electronics, packaging, and optics teams in the past. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to talk about how you've tackled issues related to thermal management, current confinement, or reliability methodologies. Use specific examples to illustrate your thought process and the strategies you implemented.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Industry Standards
Understanding reliability standards for datacom applications is a plus. Research these standards and be prepared to discuss how they apply to your work with VCSELs. This will show your commitment to quality and performance in your designs.
