Photonics/Integrated Photonics Engineer

Contract: Permanent, full-time role 

Start date: August 2026 or ASAP

Visa sponsorship available

About us

Join us in shaping the future of quantum computing, biosensing, and next-gen communications through integrated photonics.

At Wave Photonics, we are building a platform to enable and accelerate the development, mass production and adoption of integrated photonics technologies. Integrated photonics will be crucial in enabling a host of applications ranging from energy-efficient communications, wearable healthcare sensors, rapid diagnostic tools, optical tensor processors, on-chip LiDAR, quantum computing and communication, and many more. We believe that many obstacles in developing these technologies can be removed using a combination of simulation, statistical modelling and optimisation techniques.

Founded in 2021, we have backing from great investors in Silicon Valley, the UK, and the EU, and have lead/contributed to multiple projects funded by the UK's innovation agency, Innovate UK. We were also successful in winning a prestigious European Innovation Council Accelerator project to develop solutions for frontier applications of integrated photonics.

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Photonics/Integrated Photonics Engineer to join our team and contribute to our mission of accelerating the growth and adoption of integrated photonics technologies.

Role overview

You will help advance Wave Photonics’ photonic component design for applications ranging from quantum technologies to biosensing, while developing our internal optimisation and modelling capability. The role involves taking devices through from design to fabrication, measurement, and analysis, with opportunities to collaborate with our partners and customers.

You will be a core member of our small but growing technical team, contributing to key deliverables and milestones that drive our product development. You will be immersed in the fast-paced environment of a start-up that has ambitions to change the integrated photonics industry. We value enthusiastic people who bring a willingness to learn new things and challenge existing ideas.

The primary focus of the role is technical, but you will also be exposed to other elements of the startup, such as business development and customer liaison opportunities, contribution to grant projects, IP generation and patent writing.

The role is open to different seniorities.

Desired skills

• Masters / PhD in Physics or Engineering
• Proficiency in Python / MATLAB / Julia (or other programming language)
• Experience in electromagnetic device modelling using FDTD simulations
• Experience with photonic integrated circuit design, tape out and experimental testing
• Familiarity with statistical modelling and optimisation techniques
• Proficiency with photonic design tools such as KLayout / GDSFactory / IPKISS / L-Edit / Lumerical / MEEP / RSoft / COMSOL etc.

This is a wish list, not a requirements list – if you have a technical background, are excited about what we’re building and want to be part of an early-stage start-up, we want to hear from you.

If you are as excited as we are about the world-changing technologies that will be enabled by integrated photonics and you want to play a key part in it, then please get in touch!

Salary and compensation

• £40k - £60k pa., depending on experience
• Company share options plan
• Enhanced annual leave (25 days + bank holidays)
• In-person working with flexible working options available where possible
• Cycle to work scheme

Work environment

At Wave Photonics, we see a brighter future. We strive towards that goal not only in the technology we develop, but as a dedicated and welcoming team who are passionate about working together to make it happen. We see the huge value in creating a team with people from all backgrounds and experiences. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are vital to our mission, and we strongly encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply.

Our office in Cambridge serves as the dynamic hub where brilliant minds converge to redefine the future of integrated photonics. Nestled in one of the world's most renowned academic and technological cities, our workspace embodies the spirit of collaboration, creativity, and cutting-edge exploration. We strive to create an environment where open communication and cross-disciplinary thinking are not just encouraged but celebrated.

How to apply

Please upload a CV and optional cover letter by clicking 'Apply for this job'.

Any questions can also be directed to [email protected] – please include the tag "WP0127-PE" in the subject line.

All applicants will be notified within 28 days of application.

NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE.