The Role

We are looking for a Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Design Engineer to join our team developing the photonic hardware for Aegiq's next-generation quantum computing systems.

You will work across component-level design and complex photonic circuit architectures, using optical modelling, simulation and layout tools to develop high-performance integrated photonic devices and circuits. Your work will span everything from individual waveguides and optical components to larger photonic circuits, with a focus on performance, scalability and manufacturability.

Working closely with our quantum science, systems engineering and hardware teams, as well as external semiconductor foundry partners, you will translate quantum computing requirements into practical PIC designs, taking them from initial concepts through simulation, fabrication and experimental validation.

This is an opportunity to take ownership of challenging technical problems and see your designs manufactured, tested and integrated into real quantum computing systems.

What You’ll Be Doing 

• PIC Design & Simulation: Design, model and optimise passive and active photonic components, including waveguides, couplers, phase shifters, modulators, resonators and photodetectors. Develop and simulate larger photonic circuits, evaluating performance, scalability and sensitivity to fabrication tolerances.
• Layout & Tapeout: Develop physical layouts and reusable parametric cells (PCells), perform design rule checking (DRC) and relevant layout verification, and prepare GDSII designs for foundry tapeout.
• Electro-Optic Co-Design: Work closely with electronic and systems engineers to integrate photonic devices with high-speed drive electronics, control systems and readout electronics, considering electrical, optical and packaging requirements.
• Manufacturability: Work with external foundry partners to understand fabrication processes, design constraints and process variations, improving device performance, reproducibility and manufacturing yield.
• Characterisation & Validation: Develop test plans and carry out optical and electro-optical measurements to validate fabricated devices and circuits. Analyse experimental results against simulations and use findings to improve future designs.

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, Electrical Engineering, Photonics or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant industry experience. A Master's degree or PhD is welcome but not essential.
• PIC Design Experience: Practical experience designing, simulating and laying out photonic integrated circuits, ideally with experience taking designs through foundry tapeout and experimental validation.
• Modelling & Simulation: Strong understanding of electromagnetic modelling techniques, including frequency-domain and time-domain methods, and the ability to select appropriate simulation approaches to balance accuracy, computational efficiency and design optimisation.
• Design Tools: Experience with relevant photonic simulation and layout environments, such as Ansys Lumerical, Tidy3D, COMSOL, Synopsys OptoCompiler/OptoDesigner, Luceda IPKISS, Nazca Design, KLayout or Cadence Virtuoso. Experience with equivalent tools is equally welcome.
• Photonic Platforms: Experience with at least one integrated photonics platform, such as silicon photonics (SiPh), silicon nitride (SiN), thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) or indium phosphide (InP).
• Engineering Approach: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and the ability to identify design risks, fabrication constraints and potential performance limitations early in development.
• Collaboration: Ability to communicate technical ideas clearly and work effectively with colleagues from different engineering and scientific disciplines.

Nice to Have

• Experience designing photonic integrated circuits for quantum applications.
• Experience designing larger-scale photonic circuits and working with foundry PDKs.
• Practical cleanroom, semiconductor fabrication or failure analysis experience.
• Experience integrating photonic devices with electronic drivers, control systems or optical packaging.
• Experience providing technical leadership or coordinating design activities across teams.

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.