Photonic Design Engineer

Photonic Design Engineer

Location: Suffolk, UK

Our client is seeking a highly motivated Design Engineer with expertise in the design, simulation, and characterisation of optoelectronic devices to join a leading photonics research and development team. This role focuses on the development of active and passive components based on III-V semiconductor technologies and hybrid integrated photonics platforms. You will contribute to cutting-edge R&D projects involving III-V optical chips and their RF interfaces, working across the full development cycle from concept generation and modelling through to design analysis and experimental validation.

Responsibilities:

• Define technical work packages in collaboration with customers, stakeholders, and fellow designers.
• Take ownership of technical decisions and provide technical leadership within project development teams.
• Collaborate with Design, Fabrication, and Test teams to plan experiments, gather data efficiently, and ensure validation activities meet project objectives.
• Perform RF and electromagnetic simulations of semiconductor materials, III-V photonic devices, packaging carriers, and integrated systems to evaluate parameters such as loss, reflection, and crosstalk.
• Develop and implement machine learning and automation techniques to accelerate simulation workflows and improve design efficiency.
• Generate innovative concepts and technical insights through literature reviews, state-of-the-art research, and conference engagement.
• Support the automation of mask layout generation and Process Design Kit (PDK) development to enable new process technologies.
• Analyse and interpret complex experimental and simulation data to support project delivery and technology development.
• Contribute to the successful transfer of research outcomes into manufacturing and production environments.

To be considered you will have the following:

• PhD in Semiconductor Physics, Photonics, Optoelectronics, Device Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Deep understanding of optoelectronic device physics and semiconductor device operation.
• Experience using simulation tools for photonic, optoelectronic, or semiconductor device design.
• Strong Python programming skills, including data analysis and workflow automation.
• 3+ years of experience in industry or academia developing photonic or optoelectronic devices.
• Hands-on experience with mask layout design and/or Process Design Kit (PDK) generation.
• Expertise in electromagnetic simulation and high-frequency/RF design of devices, packages, or modules.
• Understanding of III-V epitaxial growth and fabrication processes for optoelectronic devices.
• Experience automating simulation environments and applying machine learning techniques to engineering challenges.
• Knowledge of optical communication systems, including data centre, metro, and long-haul transmission networks.