Photonics Design & Simulation Engineer

At Zero Point Motion, we build photonic integrated circuits that are not just impressive - but production-ready at scale.

This role exists to design, simulate, tape-out, and mature PICs (and associated lasers and photodetectors), closing the loop between theory, simulation, and large-scale experimental data.

This is not a “paper PIC” role.

It is about making photonics inevitable in real products.

The Role

As a Photonics Design & Simulation Engineer, you own PIC design from first principles through tape-out and data-driven refinement.

You will work in a highly automated test environment where data is abundant.

Your job is to:

design quickly

simulate intelligently

and update models ruthlessly based on measurement

Iteration speed and convergence matter more than elegant one-off designs.

What You’ll Do

Design, layout & simulation

Design PIC components and circuits from scratch

Perform layout using KLayout (scripted layout strongly preferred)

Run and interpret DRC (foundry specifics can be taught)

Simulate PICs using tools such as:

Lumerical MODE / FDTD / INTERCONNECT

COMSOL Wave Optics

Zemax or equivalent is a bonus

Closing the loop (core responsibility)

Correlate simulation results with wafer-scale and lot-scale measurements

Update models based on real data, not idealised assumptions

Use justified correction ("fudge") factors where appropriate

Balance simulation speed versus accuracy deliberately

Treat simulation as a hypothesis generator, not truth

Data, automation & coding

Analyse large experimental datasets with strong statistical discipline.

Write substantial Python for:

analysis

automation

model validation

reporting

Maintain high standards for design and data versioning, traceability, and reproducibility

Production mindset

Design for yield, fabrication tolerance, and scalability

Work closely with process, metrology, and foundry teams

Contribute to faster, more predictable tape-outs

Required Background

You must have:

Deep experience in PIC design and simulation

Completed multiple PIC tape-outs (preferably at a known foundry)

Personally closed the loop between simulation and measurement

Excellent Python coding and data analysis skills

Strong grasp of statistics and variation across wafers and lots

Experience with lasers and photodetectors is strongly preferred.

Who This Role Is For

This role is for:

Designers who move fast and iterate

Engineers frustrated by slow, fragile PIC workflows

People who believe photonics hasn’t scaled due to execution, not physics

Engineers with high standards and attention to detail

Builders focused on outcomes, not speculative designs

What This Role Is Not

This is not:

a theory-only or research-only role

a “hero device” design position

a simulation-first, measurement-second job

a place for spreadsheet- or GUI-only workflows

What Success Looks Like

After 6–12 months:

PIC designs converge faster with fewer surprises

Simulation models are trusted because they reflect reality

Components are characterised across wafers and across lots

Designs become measurably more linear, tolerant, and scalable

Tape-outs are faster and more predictable

The organisation trusts photonics data when making decisions

Working with us

Compensation: Our framework is built on fairness and transparency, with regular reviews to reflect growth and performance.

Benefits: Share options, pension, and private medical insurance.

Culture: A deep-tech rocketship backed by leading investors. We’re building breakthrough technology with real commercial impact. Pace is high. Standards are higher.

Zero Point Motion is determined to foster belonging and empowerment at work. We are committed to providing a work environment where there’s a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, and everyone is treated with respect. Equity, diversity and inclusion are central to our mission,and we strongly encourage candidates of all different backgrounds and identities to apply. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us.

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