Senior Photonics Engineer, Optical Interfaces

About the role

The Senior Photonics Engineer will develop ultra-low-loss optical interface solutions between dissimilar, exploratory, waveguiding platforms. This role involves device concept development, optical simulation, and hands-on experimental validation to assess and mature new approaches for mode conversion and coupling. The successful candidate will work closely with internal teams and external partners to guide the development of advanced optical interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Develop and assess novel device concepts for ultra-low-loss optical coupling and mode conversion between dissimilar optical platforms.
• Use simulation and analytical tools to study optical propagation, modal behaviour, overlap, loss mechanisms, and sensitivity to design and fabrication tolerances.
• Apply tools such as BeamPROP, FDTD, or equivalent methods to evaluate candidate device concepts and guide design decisions.
• Design and execute experiments to validate device performance, coupling efficiency, mode conversion behaviour, and optical loss.
• Correlate modelling and experimental results to refine concepts, test assumptions, and build confidence in technical feasibility.
• Evaluate candidate solutions with consideration for robustness, manufacturability, packaging, and practical implementation constraints.
• Work closely with expert external partners to review technical options, assess results, and help mature promising device approaches.
• Collaborate across photonics, systems, and experimental teams to develop practical optical interface solutions for demanding applications

Required skills

• Photonics
• Guided-wave optics
• Optical coupling
• Integrated optical interface design
• Mode conversion
• BeamPROP
• FDTD
• Eigenmode
• BPM

Nice to have

• Optical packaging
• Taper-based transitions
• Inverse design
• Photonic structure optimisation

Qualifications

• PhD degree in photonics, optics, physics, engineering, or a related discipline
• Equivalent practical experience

About the Company

PsiQuantum is building the first useful quantum computers, with a focus on million-qubit, fault-tolerant systems based on silicon photonics. The company leverages advanced semiconductor manufacturing to integrate quantum systems with existing cryogenic cooling and fiber-optic infrastructure.