Photonics Characterisation Engineer
Salience Labs · Oxford, United Kingdom
What this role requires
One requirement, read out of the advert rather than guessed from the job title:
Also mentioned, not required: NumPy, SciPy, pandas, English (B2). Worth having, but their absence is not what gets a CV filtered out.
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Job description
The role
We 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.
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What you'll be doing
Design and execute experiments to characterise integrated photonic devices and structures
Operate optical and photonic laboratory equipment across a range of measurement setups
Carry out die-level and wafer-level testing
Analyse experimental data using Python and relevant scientific computing tools
Develop scripts and workflows to automate data collection and analysis
Translate experimental requirements into practical, repeatable test methodologies
Identify measurement issues, investigate unexpected results and troubleshoot experimental setups
Validate data quality before results are used by wider engineering teams
Produce clear technical reports, analysis and summaries from experimental work
Collaborate closely with photonic design, manufacturing and system testing teams
Support the development and improvement of laboratory processes, test methods and automation
Take ownership of characterisation tasks and provide realistic timelines for delivery
As 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 discipline
A strong understanding of optics and photonics fundamentals
Hands-on experience designing and running experiments
Experience working in an optics, photonics or similarly technical laboratory environment
Experience analysing real-world experimental data using Python
Familiarity with scientific Python libraries such as NumPy, SciPy or pandas
A practical understanding of experimental uncertainty, noisy data and measurement quality
Strong fault-finding and troubleshooting skills
The ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary engineering team
Strong attention to detail and critical thinking
Clear written and verbal communication skills
The ability to present technical results clearly to different audiences
You 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 have
Experience working with photonic wafer-level test systems or probe stations
Experience with integrated photonic devices and their characterisation
Experience automating experimental setups or measurement equipment using Python
Familiarity with optical alignment, calibration and measurement techniques
Experience with free-space optics
Knowledge of photonic integrated circuit fabrication or semiconductor processes
Experience developing reusable experimental or data-analysis tools
Previous experience in an R&D or product development environment
Experience working in a startup or another environment where processes are still evolving
Familiarity with Agile ways of working, Jira or similar project-management tools
Experience communicating the same technical results to both specialist and non-specialist audiences
Relevant 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 .
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