You’ve designed high-speed modulators before. Now’s your chance to push the limits of bandwidth and performance for next-generation optical communications.

This role is all about shaping the future of integrated photonics. You’ll explore novel modulator concepts, experiment with new materials, and guide designs from the lab bench to mass production. Your work won’t just sit in a research paper, it’ll be driving the backbone of tomorrow’s networks, from ultra-fast data centers to AI-powered applications.

Why this role is different

• You’ll be innovating on a platform that’s already manufacturing at scale, not starting from scratch.
• You’ll work in a highly skilled, multicultural R&D team with direct influence on design roadmaps.
• You’ll get to combine deep theoretical design work with hands-on validation and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

What you’ll be doing

• Conceiving and evaluating advanced high-speed modulator designs (micro-ring, Mach-Zehnder, and beyond)
• Introducing new material systems into high-volume photonic manufacturing to push performance towards 400G+
• Modelling opto-electronic designs and RF lines to optimise speed, efficiency, and manufacturability
• Working closely with process engineers to refine and enhance fabrication steps
• Leading design validation: defining test plans, analysing experimental data, and refining concepts
• Partnering with module and test teams to ensure designs hit real-world performance targets

What you’ll bring

• Proven track record in high-speed silicon photonics or III/V modulator design and testing
• PhD with 3+ years’ industry experience, or MSc with 6+ years in photonics, electrical engineering, or physics
• Strong hands-on skills with photonics, RF, and process modelling tools (Lumerical, COMSOL, HFSS, CST, ADS, etc.)
• Familiarity with layout tools (Tanner L-Edit, Luceda IPKISS) and scripting (Python, Linux)
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, problem-solving mindset

What’s in it for you

• Work at the forefront of photonics innovation, with a clear path from concept to real-world deployment
• A collaborative environment that values creativity, technical excellence, and initiative
• Competitive package, growth opportunities, and the chance to shape solutions that meet the world’s growing data demands

If you’re ready to take the lead in designing the next leap forward in high-speed modulators, we’d like to hear from you. Send your CV or get in touch to find out more.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Jack Kindell