Graduate Photonics Engineer - Test and Characterisation

The Role

We are looking for a Graduate 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 laboratory role where you'll work with advanced optical equipment, photonic integrated circuits and cryogenic systems, helping to build, test and characterise the devices that underpin our technology.

Working alongside experienced scientists and engineers, you'll contribute to experimental setups, device measurements, data analysis and troubleshooting. You'll have the opportunity to develop your practical skills, take on increasing responsibility and gain experience across a range of photonic and quantum technologies.

We're looking for someone with a good understanding of optics or photonics, an interest in experimental work and a willingness to learn. Your experience might come from university projects, placements, internships or an early-career engineering role.

What You'll Be Doing

• Optical Testing: Build, align and operate free-space and fibre-based optical systems to test photonic devices and components.
• Cryogenic Measurements: Support the operation of cryogenic test systems, including sample preparation, optical and electrical connections, thermal cycling and device measurements.
• Device Characterisation: Measure optical and electro-optical performance, including transmission, loss, coupling efficiency, spectra, polarisation and timing characteristics.
• PIC Testing: Help develop and carry out repeatable testing of photonic integrated circuits at room and cryogenic temperatures.
• Measurement Automation: Develop Python scripts and automated measurement routines to improve testing efficiency, repeatability and data quality.
• Data Analysis: Analyse experimental results, assess measurement quality and communicate findings to engineers and scientists across the team.
• Laboratory Operations: Help maintain laboratory equipment, test procedures, calibration records and safe working practices.
• Team Collaboration: Work with colleagues across photonic design, fabrication, packaging and electronics to understand device performance and support further development.

About Aegiq

Aegiq is a Sheffield-based quantum technology company developing scalable, fault-tolerant photonic quantum computers. Founded in 2019, we work across the full quantum computing stack, from semiconductor chips and photonic hardware to software and real-world applications.

In 2025, we delivered our first-generation quantum computer to the UK's National Quantum Computing Centre. We're now developing our second-generation platform and expanding our team to tackle the scientific and engineering challenges involved in building quantum computers at scale.

We're a growing team of scientists, engineers and specialists who enjoy solving difficult problems and turning new ideas into working technology. At Aegiq, you'll have the opportunity to take ownership of your work, contribute directly to the technology we're developing and help shape the future of the company.

We value different backgrounds, experiences and ways of thinking. If you're excited about the work we're doing, we'd encourage you to apply, even if your experience doesn't match every requirement listed.

Requirements

What We're Looking For

• Education: A degree in Physics, Photonics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Practical Experience: Some hands-on experience with optical experiments, gained through university projects, research, placements, internships or other practical work.
• Optical Systems: A good understanding of basic optics, including lasers, optical alignment, free-space or fibre-based systems and common measurement equipment.
• Experimental Skills: A practical, methodical approach to solving problems, with attention to detail and an ability to record and analyse experimental results.
• Software & Data: Some experience using Python or a similar programming language for data analysis, visualisation or scientific computing.
• Teamwork & Learning: Good communication skills, a collaborative approach and an interest in learning new techniques, working with different people and contributing across a range of laboratory activities.

Nice to Have,

• Experience building, aligning or troubleshooting optical experiments beyond standard university laboratory classes.
• Familiarity with cryogenic systems, vacuum equipment or low-temperature measurements.
• Exposure to photonic integrated circuits, optical coupling, spectroscopy or low-light-level measurements.
• Experience with automated measurements, instrument control or scientific data acquisition.
• Some knowledge of quantum optics, quantum dots, single-photon detection or time-correlated measurements.

We know that no two people have the same experience. If you're interested in the role and meet most, but not all, of the criteria, we'd still encourage you to apply.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, based on experience and skills.

• 25 days of annual leave, in addition to bank holidays and company closure days.
• A Sheffield-based workplace, with excellent transport links and a great balance of city life and affordability.
• The opportunity to join a growing company developing some of the most exciting technology in quantum computing.
• Meaningful responsibility from the outset, with opportunities to develop your skills, take on new challenges and grow your career as Aegiq expands.
• A friendly, collaborative and supportive working environment where different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives are valued, and everyone is encouraged to contribute.