At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and optimise cutting-edge photonic components for next-gen integrated circuits.
- Company: Join a pioneering deep-tech company at the forefront of AI and photonics.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, collaborative culture, and opportunities for impactful work.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with significant career growth potential.
- Why this job: Tackle challenging engineering problems and shape the future of AI infrastructure.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in Photonics or related fields; strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
This role will focus on the design, optimisation, and development of high performance photonic components for next generation Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), contributing directly to our future tape‑outs and core IP roadmap. You will work closely with photonics designers, layout engineers, and testing teams to improve the performance of integrated photonic devices through theoretical analysis, simulation, modelling, and design innovation. This is a highly technical role suited to someone who enjoys solving difficult physics and engineering problems in a collaborative deep‑tech environment. You will contribute to the development of key building blocks within our optical switching and photonic systems roadmap, and other integrated photonic components critical to future high port‑count architectures.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Design and optimise integrated photonic components for silicon photonics and related PIC platforms
- Perform electromagnetic simulations, modelling, and theoretical analysis to improve device performance
- Validate simulation results against experimental measurement data
- Develop innovative component designs informed by current research and emerging techniques
- Collaborate with layout engineers to integrate components into PDK libraries and tape‑out flows
- Work closely with fabrication and testing teams to iterate on device performance
- Contribute to the development roadmap for future photonic components and architectures
- Support long‑term improvements in PIC loss, manufacturability, and scalability
- Participate in technical discussions, design reviews, and cross‑functional problem solving
- Stay current with advances in integrated photonics through research literature and conferences
What We’re Looking For:
- PhD, or equivalent industry experience, in Photonics, Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field
- Strong theoretical understanding of guided optics and photonic device physics
- Hands‑on experience designing and simulating integrated photonic components
- Experience working with silicon photonics or InP photonic platforms
- Strong analytical and mathematical problem‑solving capability
- A track record of meaningful technical contributions, whether through publications, patents, or shipped technology
- Experience using photonic simulation tools and modelling workflows
- Python programming experience for simulation, analysis, or automation
Even Better If You Have:
- Deep understanding of Photonic IC design and fabrication flows
- Knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing processes
- Experience working in commercial R&D or product development environments
- Strong communication skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams
You will join a highly ambitious deep‑tech company operating at the intersection of AI infrastructure, semiconductors, and photonics. We are building foundational technology with the potential to reshape the performance envelope of future AI systems. Alongside a collaborative and research‑driven environment, you will have the opportunity to work on genuinely difficult engineering problems with direct impact on product direction and company growth. If you’re excited by integrated photonics, advanced device design, and solving hard engineering problems at the frontier of AI infrastructure, we’d love to hear from you.
Salience Labs Limited is a leader in photonic solutions targeting connectivity for AI datacentre infrastructure. Backed by over a decade of research from the University of Oxford in the UK and the University of Münster in Germany, Salience’s innovative developments in photonic switching technology enable high‑speed, ultra‑low latency networking fabrics that remove infrastructure bottlenecks for AI workloads.
Photonics Design Engineer in Oxford employer: Salience Labs
Salience Labs Limited is an exceptional employer for Photonics Design Engineers, offering a dynamic and collaborative deep-tech environment where innovation thrives. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to tackle challenging engineering problems that directly influence product development and company success, all while being part of a team that values research-driven solutions. Located at the forefront of AI infrastructure technology, our commitment to cutting-edge photonic solutions ensures that your contributions will be meaningful and impactful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Photonics Design Engineer in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the photonics field on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, simulations, and any innovative designs you've worked on. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the role of a Photonics Design Engineer.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love hearing from passionate candidates who are excited about integrated photonics.
We think you need these skills to ace Photonics Design Engineer in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in photonics and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about integrated photonics and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this is a highly technical role, make sure to mention your hands-on experience with photonic simulation tools and any programming skills you have, especially in Python. We’re keen to know how you’ve applied these skills in real-world scenarios.
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 you’re proactive and eager to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Salience Labs
✨Know Your Photonics Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of photonic device physics and integrated photonics. Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with silicon photonics or InP platforms, as well as any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can also apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Since this role involves tackling complex engineering problems, be ready to share specific examples of challenges you've faced in previous projects. Highlight your analytical and mathematical problem-solving capabilities, and how you've used them to improve device performance or innovate designs.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Simulation Tools
Get comfortable discussing the photonic simulation tools and modelling workflows you've used in the past. If you have experience with Python for simulation or automation, make sure to mention it! Being able to demonstrate your technical skills in this area will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Engage in Technical Discussions
Prepare to participate actively in technical discussions during the interview. This could involve design reviews or cross-functional problem-solving scenarios. Show your enthusiasm for collaboration and your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, as this is crucial in a multidisciplinary engineering team.
