Lead Photonics Design Engineer - III/V Components

Overview

Salience Labs is developing optical circuit switching technology for artificial intelligence infrastructure to decrease latency and cost in data centre networks. A full-time position is available for a Lead Photonics Design Engineer specialising in III-V components to join a multi-disciplinary research team based in the United Kingdom. Visa sponsorship may be offered for suitable candidates.

What you get

The role provides an opportunity to work alongside a highly technical team on artificial intelligence infrastructure problems, offering real ownership of the designated area as the technology moves towards deployment. Responsibilities include leading the design, modelling, and technology roadmap for III-V active devices, managing fabrication runs with external partners, and defining testing and qualification strategies. The position also involves mentoring engineers and helping to recruit and develop new team members as the department expands.

Requirements

Applicants must hold either a PhD in physics, photonics, electrical engineering, optical engineering, or a related subject with at least six years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree with at least eight years of relevant experience. This background must include a minimum of four years of hands-on development involving III-V optical amplifiers or semiconductor lasers, preferably within an industry setting. Candidates require a proven track record of taking III-V devices from concept through design, fabrication, and testing.

Essential qualifications include a deep understanding of semiconductor laser and amplifier physics, hands-on knowledge of III-V epitaxy and fabrication processes, and experience working alongside external foundries. Candidates must have practical experience characterising lasers or amplifiers and utilizing simulation and layout tools for photonic devices such as Lumerical, Photon Design, Crosslight, RSoft, COMSOL, KLayout, L-Edit, or Cadence Virtuoso. Furthermore, applicants must demonstrate a proven ability to lead technical projects across multiple functions, along with prior experience mentoring or supervising engineers, excellent communication skills, critical thinking, attention to detail, and self-motivation.