Senior Photonics Engineer, Optical Interfaces at PsiQuantum (Daresbury, UK)

Job Description

PsiQuantum is hiring a Senior Photonics Engineer for optical interfaces in Daresbury, UK, to develop ultra-low-loss ways of coupling light between dissimilar, exploratory waveguide platforms, combining device concepts, optical simulation and hands-on experiments.

At a glance

• Role: Senior Photonics Engineer, Optical Interfaces
• Where: Daresbury, England, United Kingdom
• Pay: £64,000–76,500
• Level: PhD in photonics, optics, physics, engineering or similar, or equivalent experience
• Apply: open until filled (re-checked 11 October 2026)

About the optical interfaces role

• Develop and assess new device concepts for ultra-low-loss coupling and mode conversion between dissimilar optical platforms
• Use simulation and analysis to study propagation, modes, overlap, loss and sensitivity to design and fabrication tolerances
• Apply tools such as BeamPROP, FDTD or equivalent methods to evaluate concepts and guide design
• Design and run experiments on coupling efficiency, mode conversion and optical loss, and correlate them with models
• Judge solutions for robustness, manufacturability and packaging, and work with expert external partners to mature promising approaches

In a photonic quantum computer, every decibel of optical loss and every imperfect component turns into errors, so the quality, consistency and manufacturability of photonic devices matter as much as the architecture. These engineering roles work on that foundation.

What PsiQuantum is looking for

• A PhD in photonics, optics, physics, engineering or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
• Significant experience in photonic device development, guided-wave optics, optical coupling or integrated interface design
• Strong understanding of mode conversion, mode control and coupling between dissimilar platforms
• Experience with BeamPROP, FDTD, eigenmode, BPM or related methods, and using simulation to guide design
• Hands-on experiments characterising coupling and insertion loss, with sound experimental judgement
• Clear communication with internal teams and external partners

Nice to have

• Low-loss interfaces between fibre, waveguide or integrated platforms
• Advanced optical packaging, taper-based transitions or coupling structures
• Optimisation or inverse design of photonic structures
• Taking device concepts from exploration to experimental proof of concept

Pay and location

PsiQuantum lists a salary range of £64,000–76,500 for this role in Daresbury, United Kingdom.

How to apply

Apply through the official PsiQuantum job posting. PsiQuantum’s posting does not give a closing date, so the role is open until filled; ResearchJobs.in will re-check this listing on 11 October 2026. Check the posting for location and work-authorisation details before you apply.

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