Role Summary
Microsoft Research Cambridge is hiring a Senior Optical Engineer to help develop the optical technologies that will power future AI infrastructure and next-generation AI clusters.
This is a highly hands-on R&D engineering role focused on designing optical systems, building experiments, performing optical measurements, automating tests, and solving complex fibre-optic challenges.
The role sits at the intersection of research and product development, helping turn new optical concepts into real-world solutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct optical characterization and validation testing.
- Troubleshoot and refine existing optical measurement setups.
- Design and optimize optical assemblies using Zemax and physical optics principles.
- Perform optical tolerancing and support component specification development.
- Design and build optical alignment, assembly, and test systems.
- Improve laboratory test automation and measurement efficiency.
- Collaborate with mechanical and systems teams on packaged optical assemblies.
- Work with external suppliers and Microsoft product teams on technology development.
Must-Have Skills
- Optical System Design
- Zemax (strong preference)
- Ray-tracing software
- Optical design and optimization
- Physical Optics Expertise
- Gaussian beam theory
- Diffractive optics
- Polarization optics
- Fibre Optics Experience
- Fibre characterization
- Optical coupling techniques
- Fibre alignment
- Insertion loss optimization
- Optical Testing & Characterization
- Laboratory-based optical measurements
- Optical test setup development
- Performance characterization
- Experimental troubleshooting
- Python
- Data analysis
- Test automation
- Experimental data processing
- Instrument control
Education
- Bachelor's degree in: Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Optoelectronics, Similar relevant discipline
- Preferred Master's degree
- PhD
Nice-to-Have Skills
- Advanced optical alignment techniques
- Automated optical test systems
- Optical packaging experience
- Silicon photonics
- Photonic integrated circuits (PICs)
- High-speed optical interconnects
- Datacenter optics
- AI infrastructure technologies
- Manufacturing transfer experience
- Supplier/vendor management
Ideal Experience
- Experience Level Guidance
- Bachelor's 8+ years relevant experience
- Master's 5+ years relevant experience
- PhD 3+ years post-PhD industry or applied research experience
Additional Details
Location: Cambridge, England
Duration: 8 months 26 days
Pay Range: £344/day to £388/day (PAYE)
Shift Timing: Monday to Friday (Business Hours)
Weekly Schedule: 40 hours
Rate:
£388/day
Location:
Cambridge
IR35 Status:
Not specified
Remote Status:
Onsite
Industry:
Engineering
Seniority Level:
Senior