Photonics Research and Development Manager

Seagate; Derry/Londonderry; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in data storage solutions seeks a visionary Photonics Research Manager to lead a research group in Derry/Londonderry. The role involves defining strategic directions, mentoring a team, and leveraging proprietary technologies. Qualified candidates should have a PhD in a related field, a minimum of 3 years of industry experience, and a strong track record in integrated photonics applications. This full-time position offers a dynamic and inclusive work environment, with competitive benefits and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Private healthcare

On-site gym

Annual leave

Pension scheme

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in photonics-focused process engineering.
• Proven track record in integrated photonics applications.
• Experience collaborating with foundries and packaging teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead a photonics research group focused on advanced materials.
• Define strategic research directions aligned with company goals.
• Mentor and manage a multidisciplinary team.

Skills

Leadership

Innovation in Photonics

Data analysis

Communication

Research ethics

Education

PhD in Optics, Physics, Electro-Optics, or related discipline

Tools

Photonic device fabrication

IC layout

Job description

Location: Derry/Londonderry, GB

Job ID: 11188

About our group:

Seagate is a global leader in data storage solutions. We strive to create precision-engineered data storage technologies that deliver superior capacity, speed, safety, and performance. Seagate is where the future is read and written, with continuous innovation proving that a hard drive is not “just” a hard drive. Find out how we are "shaping a new era of storage" as we craft the datasphere.

As an industry leader, Seagate provides unique career opportunities to be part of today’s major technology shifts. They can be found around the globe and on our website.

Are you ready to shape the future of photonics? We’re looking for a visionary and driven Photonics Research Manager to lead the creation of a cutting‑edge research group.

About the role - you will:

• Lead a cutting‑edge photonics research group focused on advanced materials and device innovation.
• Define strategic research directions aligned with company goals in photonics.
• Leverage Seagate HAMR proprietary technologies to develop photonic solutions.
• Mentor and manage a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers.
• Work with industry & academia to drive advancements for commercial applications.
• Stay up to date with the latest photonic device research trends and technologies.
• Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

About you:

• Ability to inspire, guide, and empower a high‑performing research team.
• A forward‑thinking mindset to generate innovative ideas and solutions in photonics.
• Skilled at working across disciplines with internal teams, industry and academic collaborators.
• Proficient in data analysis, modeling, and interpretation to support evidence‑based decisions.
• Able to clearly articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Committed to developing talent and fostering a culture of curiosity and continuous learning.
• Upholds high standards of research ethics, safety, and intellectual property management.

Your experience includes:

• PhD in Optics, Physics, Electro‑Optics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in photonics‑focused process engineering within industry or advanced research environments.
• Strong expertise in photonic device fabrication and IC layout, including lithography, etching, thin‑film deposition, and metrology.
• Proven track record in integrated photonics applications, such as silicon photonics, quantum photonics, or high‑speed optical interconnects.
• Experience collaborating with foundries, packaging teams, and system‑level integration groups.
• Strong communication skills and ability to present complex technical concepts to stakeholders.

You might also have:

• Experience of photonic customer/supplier relations, quality & regulatory requirements.
• Hands on experience of optical testing and characterization techniques.
• Demonstrated success in the preparation of technical proposals, publications, & patents.

Completed applications should be submitted no later than midnight on Sunday, 18th January 2026

This is a Full‑Time position working 39 hours per week.

Please demonstrate on your Cover Letter or CV how you meet the criteria set out in the job description identified above.

Testing may be used as part of the selection process.

At Seagate we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace. To see all vacancies that Seagate has available, please sign up – register your interest for career updates with our Talent Network and to be considered for future opportunities: Seagate Careers.

Seagate Technology is committed to equal opportunity in employment and welcomes applications from all sections of the community irrespective of sex, marital status, religious affiliation, age, disability or ethnic origin. The Company specifically welcomes applications from the protestant community who are currently underrepresented in this job category. All applications will be considered strictly on the basis of merit.

Location:

Springtown, Derry / Londonderry, Northern Ireland

Our Springtown site is Derry/Londonderry’s largest manufacturer, we’re proud that Seagate is a flexible and inclusive place to work. We have more than 1,400 employees spanning research and development, manufacturing, and many other functions.

Here at work, you can grab breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks at our subsidized on‑site cafe.

Looking for an active break from your workday? We’ve got you covered. Take a group or individual exercise class during lunch or after work at our on‑site gym.

Network with your colleagues through our Young Professionals Network, Women’s Leadership Group, the Carers Café (for caregivers of individuals with disabilities), volunteer in the community with our support! Join our creative network, which includes a choir, foreign language classes and even a cookery class.

Join our Employee Resource Groups (ERG), a voluntary, employee‑led community built on a shared diversity identity and/or an appreciation of that identity, open to ALL current employees at Seagate!

See list below of many of our Springtown Company Benefits:

• Health – Private healthcare, for employees and dependents, Company sick pay and medical leave, Occupational healthcare service, Employee assistance programmes, Group income protection and On‑site gym / exercise classes / personal trainer.
• Work Life Balance – Annual leave, Part‑time working, Enhanced maternity pay, Enhanced paternity pay, Bereavement leave.
• Finance – Pension – employer contributory scheme, Life assurance, Employee stock purchase plan, Competitive base pay, Company bonus scheme, Reward and recognition, Perks at work discount programmes, Pay for civil / jury duty.
• Career – Degree / non‑degree assistance Externally accredited training and development opportunities, Service awards, LinkedIn learning, Learning & development programmes.

Location: Springtown, United Kingdom
Travel: None

About Us

With more than four decades of storage innovation, Seagate empowers humanity to thrive in the data age and helps people and businesses navigate the ever‑expanding data landscape.

We craft precision‑engineered, cutting‑edge solutions that help the world store and manage exponential data growth.

Seagate is powered by our talented and passionate workforce of 29,000 employees across the globe who embody our core values: integrity, innovation, and inclusion. Striving towards excellence every single day, we show up with these values for our customers, business partners, shareholders, and communities alike.

Join us and get inspired to make a difference in the datasphere!

Seagate is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, military and veteran status, or other status protected by applicable law. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. EEO Know Your Rights Poster.

Seagate will provide reasonable accommodation with the application process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail].

All Seagate jobs will remain open for a minimum of seven days.

For information on how Seagate collects and uses your personal information during the application process, please review the Applicant Privacy Statement.