Lumerical Photonics Engineer

At Zero Point Motion, we’re challenging the limits of what’s possible in inertial sensing. Our mission is to combine cutting-edge cavity optomechanics with MEMS and photonic integrated circuits (PICs) to deliver aerospace-grade precision to commercial markets. This is not business as usual. We’re rethinking sensor systems from the ground up—embracing cross-domain innovation, tackling the impossible, and delivering technology that transforms how the world navigates and interacts with data. 

What you’ll do at ZPM

We are seeking experienced PIC design and testing engineers to support development of our MEMS/PIC inertial sensor devices. Our collaborative culture of knowledge exchange means no prior experience in MEMS inertial sensors is required, just your enthusiasm to learn. We are especially eager to find candidates with experience in chipscale LIDAR, optical switches or MEMS-enabled silicon photonics.

You will be working directly with the CEO/founder and an existing photonics team comprising of Lead and Senior engineers. You will be responsible for the design and testing of MOEMS inertial sensors for high volume commercial applications. Your background in integrated silicon and/or silicon nitride PICs including laser and detector testing will influence key design decisions and test flows.

You will be part of our core technical team working with an experienced group of electronic engineers, physicists, chip designers and hardware engineers in a fast-paced environment that requires self-motivation and a willingness to embrace new ideas. We want dynamic people that understand the scale and nature of our goal, who can challenge our assumptions. This is an exciting opportunity for a PIC engineer to join a small start-up with big ambitions who will value your personal initiative.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Work with foundry PDKs and custom process flows to design custom components. Simulate and analyse impact of process variations and determine their impacts on KPIs.

• Collaborate closely with the MEMS, and Process teams to make key contributions in the overall design, layout and testing of our unique PIC/MEMS devices

• Aid in testing of PIC devices in our laboratory and work closely with other PIC engineers to analyse experimental data, especially debugging experimental discrepancies with simulation

• Use simulations to improve input/output performances of the photonic integrated circuit through novel component design

The experience you have:

• Demonstratable experience of silicon and/or silicon nitride PIC component design and simulation, especially using Lumerical software suite

• Previous experience modelling and analysing target and variations of circuits using simulated component data (INTERCONNECT preferred).

• Understanding and previous experience of modelling process variations across a wafer

• Broad knowledge base across light sources and detectors that translates into modelling their impacts on PIC design

• A passion to learn beyond PICs by applying your skills to understand MEMS inertial sensors

• Ability to analyse impacts from beyond the PIC, including simulating impacts from thermals, packaging and MEMs processes

• Previous experience in performing PIC layout, ideally using python scripting

• Lab testing of photonic integrated devices is advantageous

• Previous design experience or a working understanding of lasers and photodiodes is advantageous

• Discipline on documentation and reporting, with an ability to distil key takeaways to team members in other fields to photonics.

Must-have-skills:

• Masters / PhD in Physics or Engineering

• PIC design, tape out and experimental testing experience (3+ years preferable)

• Experience with working within small engineering teams or research groups

• Demonstrate a strong discipline for thorough documentation

• Ability to distil and communicate scientific information effectively with the wider team

• Highly adaptable, good communication and interpersonal skills

What the package for this role will look like:

• Competitive salary (shown in open roles)

• Generous company package including share options, Royal London pension, and sick pay

• Flexible working arrangements depending on role
  

Location & Travel

Zero Point Motion’s office and lab space is located in the Bristol University Quantum Technologies Innovation Center amongst likeminded start-up companies. There will be occasional travel throughout the UK and abroad for conferences, meetings and engineering visits.

Zero Point Motion is determined to foster belonging and empowerment at work. We are committed to providing a work environment where there’s a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, and everyone is treated with respect. Equity, diversity and inclusion are central to our mission and we strongly encourage candidates of all different backgrounds and identities to apply. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us.