At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of next-gen optical interconnect solutions and collaborate across multiple tech disciplines.
- Company: Join a pioneering tech firm at the forefront of optical communications.
- Benefits: Enjoy a pension scheme, private medical insurance, 28 days holiday, and relocation support.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for innovation and career advancement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of high-speed connectivity and work with cutting-edge technologies.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in high-speed semiconductor or optical communications; strong technical communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Optical Interconnect Architect to lead the architecture and development of next-generation optical interconnect solutions. The ideal candidate combines deep expertise in high-speed SerDes and ASIC architectures with a strong understanding of optical communications, photonics, and advanced packaging. You will work at the intersection of electrical and optical systems, defining architectures that enable higher bandwidth, lower power consumption, and greater interconnect density. This is a highly cross-functional role spanning ASIC/SoC architecture, SerDes, optical engines, photonics, packaging, signal integrity, and system-level interconnects.
Key Responsibilities
- Define system and link architectures for next-generation optical interconnects.
- Develop the electrical/optical interface architecture between ASICs, SerDes, optical engines, and photonic devices.
- Lead architecture of high-speed SerDes-based optical links.
- Evaluate and define architectures for co-packaged optics (CPO), silicon photonics, optical I/O, chip-to-chip and package-to-package interconnects.
- Develop link budgets and system-level requirements covering bandwidth, latency, optical power, insertion loss, BER, energy/bit, thermal performance, and reliability.
- Work closely with ASIC, SerDes, photonics, packaging, and system engineering teams to translate system requirements into implementable architectures.
- Evaluate emerging optical emitter and receiver technologies and their integration with high-speed electrical interfaces.
- Assess new technologies for short-reach optical interconnects, including highly parallel optical architectures and emerging emitter technologies.
- Define electrical and optical interfaces, including requirements for drivers, receivers, modulators, photodetectors, lasers/emitters, and optical coupling.
- Lead architectural trade studies between electrical copper, VCSEL, laser-based silicon photonics, CPO, and emerging optical I/O technologies.
- Develop system-level specifications and contribute to technology roadmaps and product strategy.
- Work with semiconductor and photonics partners to evaluate technology feasibility, performance, scalability, and manufacturability.
- Support prototype development, system validation, and characterization of high-speed optical links.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- 10+ years of experience in high-speed semiconductor, networking, optical communications, or related technology development.
- Deep experience with SerDes architecture and high-speed I/O.
- Strong understanding of ASIC/SoC architecture and high-speed electrical interfaces.
- Strong understanding of optical communication systems and optical link architecture.
- Experience with one or more of: Silicon photonics, Co-packaged optics (CPO), Optical transceivers, Optical engines, VCSELs / lasers, Photodetectors, Optical I/O & Chip-to-chip optical interconnects.
- Experience translating system-level requirements into detailed electrical and optical specifications.
- Strong understanding of signal integrity, power integrity, jitter, BER, equalization, and link budgets.
- Experience working across semiconductor, photonics, and packaging disciplines.
- Strong technical communication skills and ability to lead architecture discussions across multidisciplinary teams.
Advantage
- Experience with Ethernet, PCIe, CXL, UCIe, or proprietary chip-to-chip interconnects.
- Experience with 112G PAM4 or higher-speed SerDes; experience with 224G/448G architectures is highly desirable.
- Experience with advanced semiconductor packaging, chiplets, interposers, or 2.5D/3D integration.
- Experience with optical I/O at the package or die level.
- Experience with photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and/or silicon photonics.
- Understanding of laser and emitter technologies, including VCSELs, DFB/EML lasers, and emerging microLED-based optical sources.
- Experience developing technology roadmaps and evaluating emerging semiconductor/photonics technologies.
- Experience taking an interconnect technology from architecture through prototype and production.
Benefits
- Pension scheme
- Private medical & dental insurance
- 28 days’ holiday + bank holidays
- Relocation support
- Visa support available
Optical Interconnect Architect in Oxford employer: Plessey Semiconductors
Plessey Semiconductors is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant city of Oxford, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Senior FPGA Engineer, you will benefit from extensive opportunities for professional growth while working alongside talented engineers in cutting-edge technology development. The company prioritises employee well-being and provides a supportive environment that encourages creativity and excellence in high-speed digital design.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Optical Interconnect Architect in Oxford
✨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 Optical Interconnect Architect role you’re after at Plessey Semiconductors.
✨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 Plessey Semiconductors 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 Plessey Semiconductors.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Optical Interconnect Architect at Plessey Semiconductors, 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 Optical Interconnect Architect in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Optical Interconnect Architect, 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 Plessey Semiconductors 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 Plessey Semiconductors 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 Plessey Semiconductors
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Plessey Semiconductors, 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 Plessey Semiconductors 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.
