Integrated Photonic Circuit Engineer
Our client is a pioneering technology company at the forefront of quantum communication. Their work is centered on the development of advanced photonic and cryptographic solutions to deliver secure, next-generation communication systems. The company combines strong R&D capabilities with industrial-grade product development, operating in a high-impact, innovation-driven environment. Their cross-functional teams collaborate across optics, electronics, and embedded systems to address some of the most challenging problems in secure communications.
Mission
The Integrated Photonic Circuit (PIC) Engineer will be responsible for the development, characterization, and integration of photonic integrated circuits for quantum communication systems. The role entails hands-on experimentation as well as technical leadership in defining, executing, and optimizing photonics-related activities, particularly around design validation, packaging, and product industrialization. The PIC Engineer will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver robust, scalable photonic subsystems that directly contribute to the company’s next-generation secure communication products.
Responsibilities
R&D and Product Development
- Conduct research and development activities in integrated photonics, with a focus on quantum key distribution systems.
- Actively contribute to the design, selection, and specification of PIC components and subsystems.
- Collaborate in European R&D programs and consortia in the field of quantum communications.
PIC Characterization and Integration
- Lead or participate in the hands-on characterization of photonic integrated circuits, including test setup definition and data analysis.
- Define and supervise activities related to PIC packaging, optical alignment, and coupling to other subsystems (e.g., fibers, electronics).
Cross-functional Collaboration
- Work closely with hardware, software, and production teams to ensure seamless integration of photonic elements into the overall product architecture.
- Support the industrialization process by participating in product validation, testing, and feedback loops with manufacturing partners.
Technical Roadmap Contribution
- Provide input on photonics-related aspects of the product roadmap and contribute to strategic technical decisions.
- Monitor relevant advances in integrated photonics and translate findings into actionable development opportunities.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 3 years of experience in integrated photonics, with exposure to design, characterization, fabrication, or packaging of PICs.
- Solid understanding of the main photonic platforms (e.g., InP, Si, SiN) and their applicability to real-world products.
- Hands-on experience with photonic test setups and instrumentation.
- Degree in Telecommunications, Microelectronics, Optics/Photonics, Physics, or a related engineering discipline.
- High proficiency in English (minimum B2/C1 level).
- Strong analytical mindset, proactivity, and ability to work in multidisciplinary environments.
Preferred Experience
- Previous industrial experience in the development or qualification of PIC-based products.
- Familiarity with quantum optics concepts and their implementation in photonic systems.
- Experience working in collaborative R&D frameworks, especially European-funded projects.
- Knowledge of fiber coupling techniques and optomechanical integration challenges.
- Background in simulation or design tools (e.g., Lumerical, IPKISS, Nazca) is a plus.