Photonics Design & Simulation Engineer in Bristol

At Zero Point Motion, we build photonic integrated circuits that are not just impressive - but production-ready at scale. This role exists to design, simulate, tape-out, and mature PICs (and associated lasers and photodetectors), closing the loop between theory, simulation, and large-scale experimental data. This is not a “paper PIC” role. It is about making photonics inevitable in real products.

The Role

As a Photonics Design & Simulation Engineer, you own PIC design from first principles through tape-out and data-driven refinement. You will work in a highly automated test environment where data is abundant. Your job is to:

• design quickly
• simulate intelligently
• update models ruthlessly based on measurement

Iteration speed and convergence matter more than elegant one-off designs.

What You’ll Do

• Design, layout & simulation
• Design PIC components and circuits from scratch
• Perform layout using KLayout (scripted layout strongly preferred)
• Run and interpret DRC (foundry specifics can be taught)
• Simulate PICs using tools such as:
• Lumerical MODE / FDTD / INTERCONNECT
• COMSOL Wave Optics
• Zemax or equivalent is a bonus
• Closing the loop (core responsibility)
• Correlate simulation results with wafer-scale and lot-scale measurements
• Update models based on real data, not idealised assumptions
• Use justified correction ("fudge") factors where appropriate
• Balance simulation speed versus accuracy deliberately
• Treat simulation as a hypothesis generator, not truth
• Data, automation & coding
• Analyse large experimental datasets with strong statistical discipline.
• Write substantial Python for:
• analysis
• automation
• model validation
• reporting
• Maintain high standards for design and data versioning, traceability, and reproducibility
• Production mindset
• Design for yield, fabrication tolerance, and scalability
• Work closely with process, metrology, and foundry teams
• Contribute to faster, more predictable tape-outs

Required Background

You must have:

• Deep experience in PIC design and simulation
• Completed multiple PIC tape-outs (preferably at a known foundry)
• Personally closed the loop between simulation and measurement
• Excellent Python coding and data analysis skills
• Strong grasp of statistics and variation across wafers and lots
• Experience with lasers and photodetectors is strongly preferred.

Who This Role Is For

This role is for:

• Designers who move fast and iterate
• Engineers frustrated by slow, fragile PIC workflows
• People who believe photonics hasn’t scaled due to execution, not physics
• Engineers with high standards and attention to detail
• Builders focused on outcomes, not speculative designs

What This Role Is Not

This is not:

• a theory-only or research-only role
• a “hero device” design position
• a simulation-first, measurement-second job
• a place for spreadsheet- or GUI-only workflows

What Success Looks Like After 6–12 months:

• PIC designs converge faster with fewer surprises
• Simulation models are trusted because they reflect reality
• Components are characterised across wafers and across lots
• Designs become measurably more linear, tolerant, and scalable
• Tape-outs are faster and more predictable
• The organisation trusts photonics data when making decisions

Working with us

Compensation: Our framework is built on fairness and transparency, with regular reviews to reflect growth and performance. Benefits: Share options, pension, and private medical insurance. Culture: A deep-tech rocketship backed by leading investors. We’re building breakthrough technology with real commercial impact. Pace is high. Standards are higher.

Zero Point Motion is determined to foster belonging and empowerment at work. We are committed to providing a work environment where there’s a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, and everyone is treated with respect. Equity, diversity and inclusion are central to our mission, and we strongly encourage candidates of all different backgrounds and identities to apply. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us.