Photonics Design Engineer
Build the photonic infrastructure powering the next generation of AI connectivity.
⌕ Job Overview:
This role will focus on the design, optimisation, and development of high performance photonic components for next generation Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), contributing directly to our future tape-outs and core IP roadmap.
You will work closely with photonics designers, layout engineers, and testing teams to improve the performance of integrated photonic devices through theoretical analysis, simulation, modelling, and design innovation.
This is a highly technical role suited to someone who enjoys solving difficult physics and engineering problems in a collaborative deep-tech environment. You will contribute to the development of key building blocks within our optical switching and photonic systems roadmap, and other integrated photonic components critical to future high port count architectures.
Depending on experience, we are open to candidates at Senior, Lead, or Principal level.
✎ What you'll be doing:
Design and optimise integrated photonic components for silicon photonics and related PIC platforms
Perform electromagnetic simulations, modelling, and theoretical analysis to improve device performance
Validate simulation results against experimental measurement data
Develop innovative component designs informed by current research and emerging techniques
Collaborate with layout engineers to integrate components into PDK libraries and tape-out flows
Work closely with fabrication and testing teams to iterate on device performance
Contribute to the development roadmap for future photonic components and architectures
Support long term improvements in PIC loss, manufacturability, and scalability
Participate in technical discussions, design reviews, and cross functional problem solving
Stay current with advances in integrated photonics through research literature and conferences
𓏗𓏗 What we're looking for:
PhD, or equivalent industry experience, in Photonics, Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field
Strong theoretical understanding of guided optics and photonic device physics
Hands-on experience designing and simulating integrated photonic components
Experience working with silicon photonics or InP photonic platforms
Strong analytical and mathematical problem solving capability
A track record of meaningful technical contributions, whether through publications, patents, or shipped technology
Experience using photonic simulation tools and modelling workflows
Python programming experience for simulation, analysis, or automation
✧ Even better if you have:
Deep understanding of Photonic IC design and fabrication flows
Knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing processes
Experience working in commercial R&D or product development environments
Strong communication skills and attention to detail
Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams
You will join a highly ambitious deep-tech company operating at the intersection of AI infrastructure, semiconductors, and photonics. We are building foundational technology with the potential to reshape the performance envelope of future AI systems.
Alongside a collaborative and research-driven environment, you will have the opportunity to work on genuinely difficult engineering problems with direct impact on product direction and company growth.
If you're excited by integrated photonics, advanced device design, and solving hard engineering problems at the frontier of AI infrastructure, we’d love to hear from you.
- Department
- Photonics
- Locations
- Oxford, United Kingdom
- Remote status
- Hybrid
Recruitment Timeline
Application
Submit your application below
Application Review
We'll review your CV
Talent Interview
An introductory call to explore more.
Hiring Manager Interview
A discussion to dive deeper into your experience.
Meet the Team
Either in person or virtually, you’ll meet further team members.
Final Evaluation
We'll review feedback, compare against criteria, and decide next steps.
The End
If successful, we'll extend you an offer!
The Beginning
Once you accept, onboarding begins!
About Salience Labs
Salience Labs Limited is a leader in photonic solutions targeting connectivity for AI datacenter infrastructure.
Backed by over a decade of research from the University of Oxford in the UK and the University of Münster in Germany, Salience’s innovative developments in photonic switching technology enable high-speed, ultra-low latency networking fabrics that remove infrastructure bottlenecks for AI workloads.