> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3904013-photonics-engineer-test-and-characterisation](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3904013-photonics-engineer-test-and-characterisation). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Photonics Engineer - Test and Characterisation

- **Company:** Aegiq
- **Location:** Sheffield, UK
- **Experience:** Experienced
- **Salary:** £37,639.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Data Analysis, Hardware Design, Python (Programming Language), Quantum Computing, Visual Systems, Data Processing, PIC Microcontroller, Quantum Dots, Programming Languages
- **Published:** October 24, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.adzuna.co.uk/jobs/details/5939692901

## About the Role

* Education: A degree in Photonics, Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience. A Master's degree or PhD is welcome but not essential.
 * Practical Experience: Typically four or more years of hands-on experience developing, operating and troubleshooting optical systems in industry, academia or applied research. We also welcome applicants who can demonstrate equivalent practical expertise.
 * Optical Systems: Strong practical understanding of free-space and fibre optics, optical alignment and coupling, polarisation control, lasers, detectors and optical measurement techniques.
 * Cryogenic Systems: Demonstrable hands-on experience independently operating and troubleshooting cryogenic optical test systems, including cryostat operation, vacuum systems, thermal cycling, temperature control and optical or electrical interfacing.
 * Experimental Skills: Ability to independently design experiments, develop reliable measurement and calibration procedures, assess measurement uncertainty and troubleshoot complex technical problems.
 * Software & Data: Experience using Python or a similar programming language for instrument control, measurement automation, data processing and visualisation.
 * Communication & Collaboration: Ability to communicate technical findings clearly, document experimental work and collaborate effectively with colleagues from different scientific and engineering disciplines.

Nice to Have

 * Experience with solid-state quantum emitters, quantum dots, spin systems or spin-photon interfaces.
 * Experience with magnetic-field-dependent measurements, including electromagnets or superconducting magnet systems.
 * Experience characterising photonic integrated circuits at room or cryogenic temperatures.
 * Familiarity with single-photon detection, time-correlated measurements, low-noise electronics or quantum optics experiments.
 * Experience developing laboratory test methods into reliable, repeatable engineering or production processes.

## Description

We are looking for an experienced Photonics Engineer to join our team developing and testing the photonic hardware for Aegiq's next-generation quantum computing systems.

This is a hands-on engineering role where you will design, build and develop advanced optical test systems, working across free-space and fibre optics, photonic integrated circuits and cryogenic technologies. You will take ownership of experimental setups, from initial design and assembly through to calibration, characterisation, automation and troubleshooting.

Working alongside our scientists and engineers, you will help translate experimental results into improvements in device performance and system design. You'll have the opportunity to solve challenging technical problems, develop new measurement capabilities and contribute directly to the development of our quantum computing hardware.
What You'll Be Doing

 * Optical Test Systems: Design, build, align and maintain free-space and fibre-based optical systems for testing photonic devices and components.
 * Cryogenic Characterisation: Plan and carry out measurements using cryogenic systems, including sample preparation, optical and electrical interfacing, thermal cycling and troubleshooting.
 * Device Characterisation: Develop and perform measurements of optical and electro-optical performance, including transmission, loss, coupling efficiency, spectra, linewidth, polarisation and timing characteristics.
 * PIC Testing: Develop reliable and repeatable methods for characterising photonic integrated circuits at room and cryogenic temperatures, using appropriate optical coupling and probing techniques.
 * Measurement Automation: Develop Python-based measurement routines and instrument-control systems to improve test efficiency, repeatability and data quality.
 * Data Analysis: Analyse experimental results, assess measurement uncertainty, identify performance limitations and communicate findings and recommendations to the wider engineering team.
 * Laboratory Development: Take responsibility for test equipment, calibration, operating procedures and safe working practices, helping improve our laboratory capabilities as the company grows.
 * Team Collaboration: Work closely with photonic design, fabrication, packaging, electronics and software teams to define test requirements, investigate device performance and support hardware development.