At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and optimise photonic components, taking ideas from concept to validation.
- Company: Wave Photonics, a pioneering firm in integrated photonics technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company share options, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Flexible working options in a vibrant Cambridge office.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team shaping the future of integrated photonics in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Masters or PhD in relevant fields and experience with PIC design.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
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. This is an exciting opportunity to 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 libraries 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.
- Masters or PhD in integrated photonics, electrical engineering, physics or related discipline.
- 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.
- Ansys/Lumerical MODE/DEVICE/INTERCONNECT, Synopsys OptoDesigner, Luceda IPKISS, COMSOL, Tidy3D, GDSFactory, KLayout or equivalent.
- 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).
Salary and compensation:
- ~£depending on experience.
- ~ Company share options plan.
- ~ Enhanced annual leave (25 days + bank holidays).
- ~ In-person working with flexible working options available where possible.
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.
ME Design Engineer 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 ME Design Engineer
✨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 ME Design Engineer role you’re after at Wave Photonics.
✨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 Wave Photonics 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 Wave Photonics.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like ME Design Engineer at Wave Photonics, 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 ME Design Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like ME Design Engineer, 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 Wave Photonics 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 Wave Photonics 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 Wave Photonics
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Wave Photonics, 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 Wave Photonics 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.
