Photonics Characterisation Engineer

The role
We are looking for a Photonic Characterisation Engineer to join our Photonics team and play a key role in the experimental characterisation of advanced integrated photonic devices.
This is a highly hands-on position where you will design and run experiments, operate optical test equipment, analyse measurement data and help turn experimental results into clear engineering insight. Your work will support teams across photonic design, manufacturing and system testing, helping ensure technical decisions are grounded in high-quality, repeatable data.
You will work across both die-level and wafer-level characterisation, combining practical laboratory work with Python-based data analysis and experimental automation. Over time, you will take increasing ownership of characterisation activities, from defining test approaches through 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.

What you'll be doing
Design and execute experiments to characterise 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

Analyse experimental data using Python and relevant scientific computing tools

Develop scripts and workflows to automate data collection and analysis

Translate experimental requirements into practical, repeatable test methodologies

Identify measurement issues, investigate unexpected results and troubleshoot experimental setups

Validate data quality before results are used by wider engineering teams

Produce clear technical reports, analysis and summaries from experimental work

Collaborate closely with photonic design, manufacturing and system testing teams

Support the development and improvement of laboratory processes, test methods and automation

Take ownership of characterisation tasks and provide realistic timelines for delivery

As you develop in the role, you will be expected to work increasingly independently, building new test methods where required and taking experiments from initial planning through execution, analysis and communication of results.

What we're looking for
An MSc, PhD or equivalent practical experience in Physics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a closely related discipline

A strong understanding of optics and photonics fundamentals

Hands-on experience designing and running experiments

Experience working in an optics, photonics or similarly technical laboratory environment

Experience analysing real-world experimental data using Python

Familiarity with scientific Python libraries such as NumPy, SciPy or pandas

A 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

Strong attention to detail and critical thinking

Clear written and verbal communication skills

The ability to present technical results clearly to different audiences

You should be comfortable spending a significant proportion of your time working physically in the laboratory. This is not primarily a theoretical or simulation-focused position.

Even better if you have
Experience working with photonic wafer-level test systems or probe stations

Experience with integrated photonic devices and their characterisation

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 another environment where processes are still evolving

Familiarity with Agile ways of working, Jira or similar project-management tools

Experience communicating the same technical results to both specialist and non-specialist audiences

Relevant backgrounds might include photonics or optics R&D laboratories, integrated photonics research, experimental physics, electrical engineering, semiconductor development or related fields. The common thread is strong experimental judgement and the ability to turn physical measurements into trustworthy engineering conclusions.
This is an opportunity to work on genuinely challenging experimental problems in photonics while helping shape how characterisation is carried out as our engineering capability grows.
You will have access to advanced laboratory equipment, work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams and have meaningful ownership over both the experiments you run and how the wider characterisation capability develops.
The role is UK-based and predominantly on site, with a minimum of four days per week in the lab.
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