Photonics Researcher

Mesa Quantum; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A quantum technology startup in the UK is seeking an experienced photonics researcher to lead the design and fabrication of advanced photonic integrated circuits. The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in a relevant field and experience with semiconductor physics and nanofabrication. This full-time role offers a competitive salary range of £45,000 - £60,000 and the opportunity to impact the development of innovative technologies.

Benefits

Competitive total compensation package

Performance-based bonuses

Equity participation

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Optics, Material Science, or related field with postdoctoral experience.
• Expertise in photonic simulation tools.
• Nanofabrication experience in a cleanroom.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize photonic integrated circuits and metasurfaces.
• Create GDS layout files for nanofabrication.
• Oversee cleanroom fabrication processes.

Skills

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Optics, Material Science, or related field

Expertise with photonic simulation tools (Lumerical, COMSOL, etc.)

Proficiency in GDS layout design tools (KLayout, Cadence, etc.)

Nanofabrication experience in a cleanroom environment

Understanding of electromagnetic theory and optical waveguide physics

Track record of publications or patents in photonics

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent industry experience

Tools

Lumerical simulation tool

COMSOL Multiphysics

KLayout

Cadence Virtuoso

Job description

Mesa Quantum provided pay range

This range is provided by Mesa Quantum. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

About the Company

MesaQuantum is a venture‑backed startup developing chip‑scale quantum sensors for advanced position, navigation, and timing applications. We believe in a future where chip‑scale quantum sensors will be a critical component in a variety of products that include IoT sensors, consumer electronics, and even autonomous vehicles in the air, sea, and ground. We are building a team of quantum scientists and engineers who are excited about tackling the extremely difficult challenge of miniaturizing quantum sensors for mass‑market opportunities. In this role, you’ll own the product development process, from conceptual design to deployment. This is a great opportunity to get in at the early stage of an exciting company to create meaningful impact while also challenging yourself in a new learning environment.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced photonics researcher to lead the design, layout, and fabrication of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and metasurfaces. This role will combine computational design with hands‑on fabrication to develop advanced nanophotonic devices.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and optimize photonic integrated circuits and metasurfaces using electromagnetic simulation tools
• Create and verify GDS layout files for nanofabrication, ensuring design rule compliance and manufacturability
• Oversee or directly conduct cleanroom fabrication processes including lithography, etching, and thin film deposition
• Characterize fabricated devices and iterate on designs based on experimental results
• Collaborate with research team members on device integration and testing

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Optics, Material Science, or related field with postdoctoral experience (or equivalent industry experience). Background in semiconductor physics is highly desirable
• Demonstrated expertise with photonic simulation tools such as Lumerical, COMSOL Multiphysics, or equivalent (e.g., Tidy3D, MEEP)
• Proficiency in GDS layout design using tools such as KLayout, L-Edit, Cadence Virtuoso, or gdspy/gdstk
• Nanofabrication experience in a cleanroom environment. Understanding of process flow development and optimization
• Strong understanding of electromagnetic theory and optical waveguide physics
• Track record of publications or patents in photonics

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior demonstrated experience of design of passive and active PICs, based on both Si and SiN platforms
• Experience with inverse design or optimization methods for photonic devices
• Experience with fiber‑to‑chip coupling, packaging, and optical characterization techniques
• Prior experience with photonics‑oriented product development
• Knowledge of fabrication constraints and design‑for‑manufacturing principles

Benefits

Mesa Quantum offers a competitive total compensation package that includes base salary, performance‑based bonuses, and equity participation. The expected pay range for this role is £ 45,000 - £ 60,000 inclusive of annual bonus. Actual compensation will be determined based on your skills, experience, and overall fit with the role. While the upper end of the range reflects exceptional qualifications, our goal is to ensure alignment between your capabilities and long‑term growth within the company.

Seniority Level

Associate

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Research

Industries

IT Services and IT Consulting

Location

Cambridge, England, United Kingdom

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