Photonics Engineer (PICs Testing)

Do you relish the challenge of being part of a growing business, a team, an industry, and seeing the energy you help generate? Are you at your best when contributing to a range of projects and collaborating across teams to help inform, direct and support those around you in solving the problems of the future?

Within CSA Catapult, we look beyond the status quo. We seek to employ people based on ability and attitude; we measure what you deliver and how you do it. We encourage collaboration in everything we do as we value the diversity of thought that we each bring to every challenge.

Who are we? The next wave of emerging technologies will have an enormous impact on our lives. 5G communications will enable a host of new and exciting applications such as connected autonomous vehicles and multimedia services. The challenge of net-zero to have clean, renewable energy and move from the internal combustion engine to electric cars. Compound semiconductor (CS) technologies will underpin many of these developments.

We are a Not-for-Profit organisation; here to help the UK economy grow, and we work across the UK with a range of industry sectors from automotive to medical, and from digital communications to aerospace. Through employing leading minds and investing in technology, we help turn ideas into reality, bridging the gap between concept and implementation.

CSA Catapult is committed to supporting and upholding diversity, equality, and inclusion in everything we do. A commitment to embrace and advocate for inclusion is an essential part of all roles.

About the role

Our Photonics team is seeking an engineer with strong experience in optoelectronic device testing and Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) verification to join our growing department. In this role, you will contribute to the development of PIC verification solutions through internal R&D, collaborative research projects, and commercial engagements.

What we need from you

Technical Skills & Experience:

• Ideally a PhD (or Master’s with substantial experience) in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline
• Demonstrated R&D or industry experience in photonic device validation and prototype development
• Hands-on expertise in optoelectronic device testing and PIC (Photonic Integrated Circuit) verification, with experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Laser and photodetector characterisation
• Fibre alignment and coupling to PICs and laser/detector chips
• High-speed and thermal testing
• RF and optical testing
• Optical communication system testing
• Quantum transmission or computing system testing
• Strong coding and automation skills (e.g., Python) for test development, control, and data analysis
• Experience in developing and scaling automated testing protocols
• Comfortable working in small, agile engineering teams, with experience leading technical projects

Soft Skills & Team Contribution:

• A passion for learning beyond optoelectronic devices and PICs, with a curiosity-driven approach to solving complex challenges
• Strong documentation and knowledge-sharing practices to support team growth and continuity
• Ability to clearly communicate scientific and technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Independent problem-solving skills, with a proactive and efficient working style
• Enthusiasm for mentoring lab technicians, interns, and junior engineers, fostering a collaborative and inclusive team environment
• Active participation in technical and business development discussions to help shape a cohesive and forward-thinking team

Additional Information

• Up to £52,767 annual salary (FTE)
• A non-contractual bonus scheme to allow everyone to share in our success
• Life Assurance – 4 times your annual salary
• Scottish Widows pension scheme – you put in 5% and we’ll put in 10%
• 28 days leave in addition to 8 bank holidays
• 37.5 hour full time working week
• A generous private medical insurance scheme for you and your family (enrolment once a year)
• A cashback scheme for your eye tests and dental treatment
• Payment for a professional membership each year
• Holiday purchase scheme (enrolment once a year)
• Flexible working – we operate core hours of 10-4. The balance of your hours can be worked around what works for you
• Electric Vehicle and Cycle to work schemes