Photonic Characterisation Engineer Position
Photonic Characterisation Engineer
Join Our Photonics Team
We are seeking a Photonic Characterisation Engineer to contribute to the experimental characterisation of advanced integrated photonic devices. This is a hands-on role that involves designing and executing experiments, operating optical and photonic laboratory equipment, analyzing data, and helping to translate experimental results into clear engineering insights.
You will work across both die-level and wafer-level characterisation, combining practical laboratory work with Python-based data analysis and experimental automation. As you develop in the role, you will take increasing ownership of characterisation activities, from defining test approaches to delivering results and communicating conclusions to stakeholders.
This role is particularly well-suited to someone who enjoys being in the lab, working through difficult experimental problems, and moving comfortably between optics, software, and data.
Responsibilities
- Design and execute experiments to characterize integrated photonic devices and structures
- Operate optical and photonic laboratory equipment across a range of measurement setups
- Carry out die-level and wafer-level testing
- Conduct Python-based data analysis and help translate results into engineering insights
- Develop and automate scripts and workflows to automate data collection and analysis
- Define test approaches and validate data quality before results are used by wider engineering teams
- Collaborate with teams across design, manufacturing, and system testing
- Take ownership of characterisation tasks and provide realistic timelines for delivery
Requirements
- Minimum: MSc, PhD, or equivalent practical experience in Physics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field
- Strong understanding of optics and photonics fundamentals
- Hands-on experience designing and running experiments
- Experience working in an optics, photonics, or technical laboratory environment
- Experience analyzing real-world experimental data using Python
- Familiarity with scientific Python libraries like NumPy, SciPy, or pandas
- Practical understanding of experimental uncertainty, noisy data, and measurement quality
- Strong fault-finding and troubleshooting skills
- The ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary engineering team
- Attention to detail and critical thinking
- Clear written and verbal communication skills
- The ability to present technical results clearly to different audiences
- Previous experience in R&D or product development environments
- Experience with Agile ways of working, Jira, or similar project-management tools
- Experience communicating technical results to specialist and non-specialist audiences
Preferred Skills
- Experience with photonic wafer-level test systems or probe stations
- Experience with integrated photonic devices and their characterization
- Experience automating experimental setups or measurement equipment using Python
- Familiarity with optical alignment, calibration, and measurement techniques
- Experience with free-space optics
- Knowledge of photonic integrated circuit fabrication or semiconductor processes
- Experience developing reusable experimental or data-analysis tools
- Previous experience in an R&D or product development environment
- Experience working in a startup or an environment where processes are still evolving
- Familiarity with Agile project management, Jira, or similar tools
- Experience communicating technical results to both specialists and non-specialists
Location and Work Environment
This is an opportunity to work on challenging experimental problems in photonics, while contributing to shaping how characterisation is carried out. As a Photonic Characterisation Engineer, you will have access to advanced laboratory equipment, collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams, and gain meaningful ownership over experiments and the development of the wider characterisation capability. This role is based in the UK and primarily on-site, with a minimum of four days per week in the lab.
Additional Resources
The position is UK-based and
