Photonics Characterisation Engineer

The roleWe 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 doingDesign and execute experiments to characterise integrated photonic devices and structuresOperate optical and photonic laboratory equipment across a range of measurement setupsCarry out die-level and wafer-level testingAnalyse experimental data using Python and relevant scientific computing toolsDevelop scripts and workflows to automate data collection and analysisTranslate experimental

Requirements

into practical, repeatable test methodologiesIdentify measurement issues, investigate unexpected results and troubleshoot experimental setupsValidate data quality before results are used by wider engineering teamsProduce clear technical reports, analysis and summaries from experimental workCollaborate closely with photonic design, manufacturing and system testing teamsSupport the development and improvement of laboratory processes, test methods and automationTake ownership of characterisation tasks and provide realistic timelines for deliveryAs 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 disciplineA strong understanding of optics and photonics fundamentalsHands-on experience designing and running experimentsExperience working in an optics, photonics or similarly technical laboratory environmentExperience analysing real-world experimental data using PythonFamiliarity with scientific Python libraries such as NumPy, SciPy or pandasA practical understanding of experimental uncertainty, noisy data and measurement qualityStrong fault-finding and troubleshooting skillsThe ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary engineering teamStrong attention to detail and critical thinkingClear written and verbal communication skillsThe ability to present technical results clearly to different audiencesYou 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 haveExperience working with photonic wafer-level test systems or probe stationsExperience with integrated photonic devices and their characterisationExperience automating experimental setups or measurement equipment using PythonFamiliarity with optical alignment, calibration and measurement techniquesExperience with free-space opticsKnowledge of photonic integrated circuit fabrication or semiconductor processesExperience developing reusable experimental or data-analysis toolsPrevious experience in an R&D or product development environmentExperience working in a startup or another environment where processes are still evolvingFamiliarity with Agile ways of working, Jira or similar project-management toolsExperience communicating the same technical results to both specialist and non-specialist audiencesRelevant 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.Find more English Speaking Jobs in United Kingdom on Arbeitnow