Photonics Test Engineer

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Location: Cambridge, UK

Closing date for applications: Monday 22nd September 2025 at 5pm

Visa Sponsorship available

Join Nu Quantum - Shaping the Future of Technology

Nu Quantum is creating the Entanglement Fabric for quantum computing scale-out. Quantum computing can solve some of the world's biggest problems, but these applications require systems that are thousands of times more powerful than those available today.

Our networking architecture will unlock data centre-scale quantum computing by weaving together quantum processors to accelerate the path to fault-tolerance and transformational utility. Founded in 2018, Nu Quantum is a spin-out of the University of Cambridge's Cavendish Laboratory.

About the role

As a Photonics Test Engineer within Nu Quantum's Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) team, you will support the development and execution of characterisation methodologies for our integrated photonic components and quantum devices. Your work will ensure the performance, reliability, and scalability of photonic subsystems forming the backbone of our quantum networking infrastructure.

You will collaborate closely with our quantum photonics scientists, design engineers, fabrication partners and packaging engineers, electronic and control engineers to support the development of robust photonic circuits for quantum applications. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a pioneering company at the forefront of quantum photonics innovation.

What You'll be doing

• Perform characterisation of integrated photonic devices, including passive and active components, across classical and quantum regimes.
• Support the development, maintenance, and automation of test setups involving lasers, detectors, fibre alignment stages, signal generators, high-speed electronics, and data acquisition tools.
• Analyse and interpret test results, performing statistical analysis to extract device performance metrics and yield insights
• Support the design and optimise the characterisation protocols for new device types and Multi-Project Wafer (MPW) fabrication runs.
• Document test procedures, setups, and results with clarity and rigour to support reproducibility and design feedback.
• Collaborate closely with design engineers, quantum optics researchers, and electronics engineers to improve device performance and resolve issues.
• Support lab infrastructure and operations, including equipment procurement, maintenance, and compliance with health and safety standards.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of engineering workflows for scalable and manufacturable photonic systems.
• Communicate technical progress, risks, and results clearly to internal and external stakeholders.

What we're looking for

• Postgraduate degree (or equivalent industry experience) in Photonics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong hands-on experience characterising integrated photonic devices (such as waveguides, modulators and detectors).
• Solid understanding of waveguide theory, optical interference, coupling, and electro-optic device operation.
• Proven ability to design and operate optical/electrical test setups using lasers, detectors, signal/spectrum analysers, etc.
• Proficiency in scripting languages (such as Python, LabVIEW or MATLAB) for instrumentation control and automation.
• Experience with data acquisition systems and signal processing techniques.
• Strong analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail in documenting and troubleshooting experiments.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as a team in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Desirable skills and experience (not required, but beneficial):

• Experience working with silicon and silicon nitride, lithium niobate, or III-V or other photonic integration platforms.
• Experience with single-photon sources, detectors, and quantum optics setups.
• Knowledge of photonic packaging, fibre coupling, alignment techniques, and DFT (Design for Test) considerations.
• Familiarity with characterisation of high-speed analog electronics (GHz range).
• Understanding of photonic foundry processes, design rules, and manufacturing variability.
• Background in testing photonic communication systems or quantum photonic circuits.
• Experience developing scalable or automated test frameworks.

Why work with us?

At Nu Quantum, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where people of all identities, orientations, backgrounds, and experiences are empowered. We value diverse perspectives as a source of creativity and innovation and encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented and marginalised communities. Joining Nu Quantum means joining a team where you can grow professionally and be part of an inspiring mission to shape the future of technology.

Benefits

• Flexible working options
• Group DIS cover (4 x salary)
• 1 month paid Sabbatical after 4 years of service
• Generous Employee Referral Scheme
• Private Medical and Dental Cover (With Vitality and Bupa)
• On-site gym membership
• Cycle scheme 
• Refreshments, including fruit and beverages, are available in the office.
• 28 days annual leave, including a 3-day company shutdown period + UK Public Holidays
• Option to purchase up to 5 days holiday per year
• Enhanced paid family leave policies 
• Access to the Cambridge Botanical Gardens