Photonics Design Engineer

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Location: Cambridge, UK

Closing date for applications: Monday 1st September 2025 at 5pm

Visa Sponsorship available

Join Nu Quantum - Shaping the Future of Technology

Nu Quantum is creating the Entanglement Fabric for quantum computing scale-out. Quantum computing can solve some of the world’s biggest problems, but these applications require systems that are thousands of times more powerful than those available today.

Our networking architecture will unlock data centre-scale quantum computing by weaving together quantum processors to accelerate the path to fault-tolerance and transformational utility. Founded in 2018, Nu Quantum is a spin-out of the University of Cambridge’s Cavendish Laboratory.

About the role

As a Photonic Design Engineer within Nu Quantum’s Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) team, you will work towards advancing our quantum networking technology by designing and optimising integrated photonic components critical to our scalable quantum systems. You will work with cutting-edge quantum photonics and advanced photonic integration technologies to develop innovative PIC designs that meet the stringent performance, reliability, and manufacturability requirements of quantum hardware.

You will collaborate closely with our quantum photonics scientists, fabrication partners, packaging engineers, and test teams to drive the development of robust photonic building blocks such as waveguides, couplers, modulators, and switch networks. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a pioneering company at the forefront of quantum photonics innovation.

What You'll be doing

• Design and develop passive and active photonic components such as waveguides, couplers, interferometers and switches using design & simulation tools such as Lumerical and GDSFactory and any other existing state-of-the-art tools to complement them.
• Perform detailed simulations and modelling of integrated photonic circuits.
• Collaborate closely with fabrication teams and foundries to ensure design-for-manufacture compatibility and to troubleshoot fabrication issues.
• Develop and maintain design libraries, PDKs (Process Design Kits), and documentation for repeatable and scalable device design.
• Analyse experimental data from device testing to validate models and improve designs iteratively.
• Work-cross functionally with test engineers, system architects and external partners to develop a fully integrated switch network.

What we're looking for

• Postgraduate-level qualification in Photonics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Proven experience in photonic device design and simulation, preferably for silicon and silicon nitride, lithium niobate, or III-V platforms.
• Proficiency with photonic simulation software such as Lumerical FDTD, MODE Solutions, Multiphysics, or similar.
• Experience with photonic layout tools (GDSFactory, KLayout, Cadence, or equivalent) and GDSII file formats.
• Strong understanding of optical waveguide theory, integrated optics, and electro-optic device principles.
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, or similar programming/scripting languages for automation and data analysis.
• Excellent problem solving skills with a 'can do' attitude and ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Good team player with good communication skills (verbal and written).

Desirable skills and experience (not required, but beneficial):

• Experience with quantum photonics or nonlinear optical devices.
• Knowledge of photonic packaging, fiber coupling, and test methodology.
• Familiarity with Design for Test (DfT) and Design for Manufacturing (DfM) principles.
• Understanding of foundry processes and design rules for photonic integration.
• Familiarisation with PIC characterisation.

Why work with us?

At Nu Quantum, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where people of all identities, orientations, backgrounds, and experiences are empowered. We value diverse perspectives as a source of creativity and innovation and encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented and marginalised communities. Joining Nu Quantum means joining a team where you can grow professionally and be part of an inspiring mission to shape the future of technology.

Benefits

• Flexible working options

• Group DIS cover (4 x salary)
• 1 month paid Sabbatical after 4 years of service
• Generous Employee Referral Scheme
• Private Medical and Dental Cover (With Vitality and Bupa)
• On-site gym membership
• Cycle scheme 
• Refreshments, including fruit and beverages, are available in the office.
• 28 days annual leave, including a 3-day company shutdown period + UK Public Holidays
• Option to purchase up to 5 days holiday per year
• Enhanced paid family leave policies 
• Time for Charity work
• Access to the Cambridge Botanical Gardens