Photonics Researcher in Cambridge

Job description

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
  
  

Requirements

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 deminstrated 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.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Cambridge

Type of Contract

Casual / Part Time Jobs

Published at

13-12-2025

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English