At a Glance
- Tasks: Design, simulate, and characterise photonic components in a dynamic team environment.
- Company: Wave Photonics is pioneering integrated photonics technologies for innovative applications.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, share options, and 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Other info: Flexible working options available in our collaborative Cambridge office.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team at the forefront of technology with opportunities for growth and impact.
- Qualifications: Masters or PhD in relevant fields; strong experience in PIC design and programming skills required.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 65000 £ per year.
About us
At Wave Photonics, we are building a platform to enable and accelerate the development, mass production and adoption of integrated photonics technologies. Integrated photonics will be crucial in enabling a host of applications ranging from energy-efficient communications, wearable healthcare sensors, rapid diagnostic tools, optical tensor processors, on-chip LiDAR, quantum computing and communication, and many more. We believe that many obstacles in developing these technologies can be removed using a combination of simulation, statistical modelling and optimisation techniques.
Founded in 2021, we have backing from great investors in Silicon Valley, the UK, and the EU, and are contributing to multiple projects funded by the UK's innovation agency, Innovate UK. We were also successful in winning a prestigious European Innovation Council Accelerator project to develop solutions for frontier applications of integrated photonics.
We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic PIC Design Engineer to join our team and contribute to our mission in accelerating the growth and adoption of integrated photonics technologies.
Role overview
This is an exciting opportunity design, simulate, tape-out and characterise photonic components and circuit designs at Wave Photonics. In this role, you will be responsible for design and optimisation of active PIC building blocks, helping to advance Wave Photonics’ component design libraires and modelling capability. You will play a crucial role in taking designs from concept to validation, informing our roadmaps and product design.
The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in integrated photonics circuit design, including modulation and detection. You will work across the full lifecycle: concept and modelling, electromagnetic and electro-optic/RF co-design, layout and verification, tapeout, and lab characterisation. Your work will directly shape Wave Photonics’ component libraries and design flows, and you’ll collaborate closely within the team to support our mission to unlock the potential of integrated photonics.
You will be a core member of our small but growing team, contributing to key deliverables and milestones that drive our product development. You will be immersed in the fast-paced environment of a start-up that has ambitions to change the integrated photonics industry. We value enthusiastic people who bring a willingness to learn new things and challenge existing ideas.
Essential
- Masters or PhD in integrated photonics, electrical engineering, physics or related discipline.
- Strong hands-on experience modelling integrated photonics devices, including active components (e.g. MZMs, ring modulators, phase shifters, photodiodes).
- Experience with PIC design, layout and tape-out on silicon/silicon nitride, TFLN, III-V or related platforms.
- Strong proficiency in Python / MATLAB / Julia (or another programming language) for analysis and automation.
- Proficiency with photonic simulation & layout tools (e.g., Ansys/Lumerical MODE/DEVICE/INTERCONNECT, Synopsys OptoDesigner, Luceda IPKISS, COMSOL, Tidy3D, GDSFactory, KLayout or equivalent).
Nice to have/ Beneficial
- Knowledge of photonics packaging, fibre coupling and thermal management
- Experience with RF electrode co-design (transmission lines, impedance/velocity matching, S-parameters).
- Experience in high-speed active device design and test.
- Understanding of foundry processes, design rules and physical verification (DRC/LVS).
If you are as excited as we are about the world-changing technologies that will be enabled by integrated photonics and you want to play a key part in it, then please get in touch!
Salary and compensation
- £45k - £65k pa., depending on experience.
- Company share options plan.
- Enhanced annual leave (25 days + bank holidays).
- In-person working with flexible working options available where possible.
Work environment
At Wave Photonics we see a brighter future. We strive towards that goal not only in the technology we develop, but as a dedicated and welcoming team who are passionate about working together to make it happen. We see the huge value in creating a team with people from all backgrounds and experiences. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are vital to our mission, and we strongly encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply.
Our office in Cambridge serves as the dynamic hub where brilliant minds converge to redefine the future of integrated photonics. Nestled in one of the world's most renowned academic and technological cities, our workspace embodies the spirit of collaboration, creativity, and cutting-edge exploration. We strive to create an environment where open communication and cross-disciplinary thinking are not just encouraged but celebrated.
How to apply
Please upload a CV and optional covering letter by clicking the “Apply for this job” button.
Any questions can also be directed to careers@wavephotonics.com – please include the tag “WP0925-PICA” in the subject line.
All applicants will be notified within 28 days of application.
NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE.
PIC Design Engineer in Cambridge employer: Wave Photonics
Wave Photonics is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant city of Cambridge, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in cutting-edge fields like quantum computing and biosensing. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, equity options, and flexible working arrangements, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and development in a supportive environment that values creativity and technical expertise.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PIC Design Engineer in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in integrated photonics. Understanding current technologies and innovations will not only help you during interviews but also show your genuine interest in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the photonics industry. Attend relevant conferences, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about Wave Photonics' work and culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your programming skills, especially in Python and MATLAB. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in these languages during discussions can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific projects or experiences related to PIC design and simulation. Having concrete examples ready will help you illustrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace PIC Design Engineer in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the PIC Design Engineer role. Understand the responsibilities and qualifications required, and think about how your skills align with them.
Tailor Your CV:Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in integrated photonics, electrical engineering, or related fields. Emphasise your hands-on experience with modelling integrated photonics devices and any specific tools mentioned in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:If you choose to include a cover letter, use it to express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your background and skills make you a great fit for Wave Photonics and their mission in integrated photonics.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wave Photonics
✨Know Your Photonics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of integrated photonics and the specific components mentioned in the job description, like MZMs and ring modulators. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your passion and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency in programming languages such as Python or MATLAB. You might be asked to solve a problem or explain how you've used these tools in past projects, so have examples ready.
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Familiarise yourself with Wave Photonics' goals and recent projects. Showing that you understand their mission to accelerate integrated photonics technologies will help you stand out as a candidate who is genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Prepare for Team Collaboration Questions
Since you'll be working in a small team, be ready to discuss your experience collaborating with others. Think of examples where you contributed to a project, resolved conflicts, or supported team members to achieve a common goal.
