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- Tasks: Design, build, and maintain APIs and platform features across backend and frontend systems.
- Company: Join Wave Photonics, a pioneering tech company shaping the future of integrated photonics.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, share options, 25 days annual leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Collaborative environment in Cambridge, promoting diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking technology that impacts energy-efficient communications and healthcare.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in software development, strong Python skills, and experience with JavaScript frameworks.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 ÂŁ 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 leading/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 Full‑Stack Web Developer to join our team and contribute to our aim of accelerating the growth and adoption of integrated photonics technologies.
Role overview
We are looking for a proactive Software Engineer with a strong sense of ownership to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, building, and maintaining APIs and platform features across our backend and frontend systems. You will work primarily with Python‑based services while also contributing to a modern JavaScript frontend, ensuring seamless integration between systems and external services. You will take full responsibility for features from concept to production. This includes analysing requirements, proposing solutions through structured documentation (RFCs), implementing functionality, and validating it through testing and team demos. The role requires someone who is comfortable working across the full development lifecycle and collaborating with cross‑functional teams. As part of a small, highly collaborative engineering team, you will be expected to take initiative, work independently when needed, and actively contribute ideas. A proactive mindset and the ability to self‑manage and drive work forward are essential to success in this role. As part of a growing architecture, you will also contribute to shaping the future of our systems. Your input will be valuable in improving performance, scalability, and overall system design.
Desired Skills & Experience
We are looking for a candidate with at least 4 years of experience in software development, with a strong focus on Python and API development. You should have hands‑on experience with frameworks such as Flask and SQLAlchemy, and be comfortable learning or working with alternatives like FastAPI. A solid understanding of SQL and NoSQL databases is essential, particularly in writing efficient queries and identifying performance issues. On the frontend side, experience with JavaScript frameworks is important. While we use SolidJS, familiarity with React, Angular, or similar frameworks is sufficient. You should also be comfortable working with modern UI tools such as Tailwind CSS and component libraries. Given the small size of the engineering team, you will work closely with an existing full‑stack engineer who contributes across frontend, backend, infrastructure, and product decisions. We are looking for someone who can complement this breadth, with a particular emphasis on strengthening our frontend and user experience. Experience or interest in UX, UI consistency, and building intuitive interfaces will be highly valuable. You should be comfortable working with evolving or sometimes ambiguous requirements, helping to refine them and turning them into clear, maintainable solutions. A proactive approach to identifying gaps, suggesting improvements, and aligning technical implementation with product goals is essential.
Nice to Have /Beneficial
Experience with microservices architecture and distributed systems is highly beneficial, especially if you have contributed to designing. Familiarity with Kubernetes and cloud platforms such as AWS or Digital Ocean would also be valuable, particularly in understanding deployment strategies and infrastructure. An interest in testing practices and improving quality standards is a plus. Experience with tools like Playwright for end‑to‑end testing, as well as a proactive approach to manual and integration testing, will help strengthen our development processes. Finally, any exposure to UX/design principles or experience collaborating on product improvements is a bonus. We value engineers who not only implement solutions but also contribute ideas, identify improvements, and actively participate in technical discussions and code reviews.
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
£50k - £60k 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 crucial, 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 button. Any questions can also be directed to careers@wavephotonics.com – please include the tag “WP0626-SE” in the subject line. All applicants will be notified within 31 days of application. NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE.
Full-Stack Web Developer in Cambridge employer: Wavephotonics
Contact Detail:
Wavephotonics Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Full-Stack Web Developer in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those that highlight your experience with Python, APIs, and frontend frameworks. This will give employers a taste of what you can do before they even meet you.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common technical questions and coding challenges. Brush up on your knowledge of SQL, NoSQL, and the frameworks mentioned in the job description. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining Wave Photonics and contributing to our mission in integrated photonics.
We think you need these skills to ace Full-Stack Web Developer in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Full-Stack Web Developer role. Highlight your experience with Python, API development, and any relevant frameworks like Flask or SolidJS. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Projects: Include examples of projects you've worked on that demonstrate your full-stack capabilities. Whether it's a personal project or something from a previous job, we love seeing how you've tackled challenges and built solutions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: If you choose to include a cover letter, make it count! Share your passion for integrated photonics and how you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to show us your personality and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the easiest way for us to receive your application. Plus, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at careers@wavephotonics.com with the tag 'WP0626-SE' in the subject line.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wavephotonics
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, especially Python, Flask, and JavaScript frameworks. Brush up on your SQL and NoSQL skills too, as you'll want to demonstrate your ability to write efficient queries and tackle performance issues.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've tackled ambiguous requirements in the past. Think of examples where you’ve turned unclear needs into clear, maintainable solutions. This will show that you can think critically and adapt to evolving project demands.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with a small team, highlight your experience in collaborative environments. Share examples of how you’ve contributed to team discussions, code reviews, or product improvements, showcasing your proactive mindset and ability to work independently when needed.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to full-stack development, APIs, and possibly even microservices architecture. Practise explaining your thought process clearly and concisely, as this will help you stand out as someone who can communicate complex ideas effectively.