Phlux Technology
Applications Engineer
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Applications Engineer
About Phlux Technology Ltd
Phlux is an award-winning tech start-up based in Sheffield, UK, specialising as a "Fabless Photonics Chip Company". Founded in 2020 as a spin-out from the University of Sheffield, Phlux designs and supplies the world’s highest-performing SWIR detectors and receivers—enabling advanced driver safety features such as LIDAR, ultra-fast low-latency communication networks, and 3D invisible-spectrum imaging.
Phlux operates with 20 skilled professionals, spanning operations, sales, engineering, semiconductor devices, and finance. Following a $12M Series A funding round, the company is now rapidly scaling and seeking esteemed talent to contribute to its mission: leading the "opticalization" of communications and sensing industries for decades to come.
The Role
We seek a highly motivated Applications Engineer to establish our world-class applications team. Ideal candidates are experienced Applications Engineers or Engineers with:
- A highly technical and detail-oriented approach to customer & product applications.
- Proven expertise in semiconductor and photonics sectors, capable of fostering collaborations across design engineering, marketing, and sales teams.
- Responsibility for customer Applications Support of Phlux’s APD detector products, photonic devices, and sub-modules, based in our Sheffield office and lab.
The role requires impeccable organisational communication skills, adaptability between independent work and cross-functional team collaboration, including interactions with engineering, marketing, sales, operations, and management.
Key Responsibilities
- Technical Support & Problem-Solving: Collaborate with Sales, FAEs, and Factory Applications to resolve technical queries.
- Product Lifecycle Support: Maintain technical oversight of existing Phlux products, introduce new products, and engage in design-in/win opportunities.
- Lab Work: Conduct experiments and provide data visualisation, simulations, and AI-driven efficiencies.
- Marketing & Sales Enablement:
- Develop applications notes, product training materials, and sales collateral alongside Marketing.
- Build Reference Design Kits (RDKs), Evaluation Boards (EBs), and manage customer deliveries.
- External Engagement: Travel to trade shows (Photonics West, CIOE) and customer facilities for product demonstrations.
- Technical Leadership: Become a subject-matter expert in detector and photonic products, contributing to technical roadmaps, datasheets, and market/application needs.
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Qualifications, Skills & Experience
Technical Expertise
- Experience in: Applications engineering/design/evaluation engineering for detectors, photonic components, or optical communications systems.
- Technologies: Knowledge of analogue/mixed-signal semiconductors, APDs, LiDAR, schematic/PCB design, high-speed optical systems, optical sensors (TO-can, pigtailed, ROSA/BOSA).
- Data-Driven: Bias toward data-backed decision-making.
- Simulation & Modelling: Proficient in semiconductor/modelling tools, circuit simulation (if needed).
Soft Skills & Culture Fit
- Problem-Solving: Logical, methodical approach to fault-finding, customer design-ins, and RMA support.
- Cross-Functional: Seamless collaboration with Sales, FAEs, Marketing, Engineering/R&D.
- Interaction: Customer-centric mindset with commercial awareness; strong communication (written/verbal) in high-pressure environments.
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Education & Experience
- Degree in: EE/Electrical Engineering, Optoelectronics, or Physics (BSc+).
- Minimum 3+ years in Photonics/Semiconductor, Data, or Telecommunications.
Commercial Awareness
- ** entrepreneurially driven**: works with urgency, multiple priorities, and initiative.
Success in the First 12 Months
- Technical Expertise: Mastery of Phlux’s photonic product range.
- Customer Engagement: Efficient, query-resolution, and intent-driven interactions.
- Active Contribution:
- Full participation in product/ lab testing (internal, customer-related).
- Guided new product design wins (e.g., Aura’s applications in automotive/diesel safety, geospatial LIDAR, optical fibre sensing, defence).
- Immersed understanding of markets, applications, and ecosystems.
- Reference Design Kits: Supporting development of RDK/EB platforms.
Benefits
- Competitive salary (capped on career progression).
- Stock Options: Tax-efficient EMI SI 199.
- Leave: 25 days + public holidays.
- Pension: 5% employer contribution.
- Relocation Assistance: Offered.
- Work Environment: Dynamic, innovative start-up culture.
- Employee Recognition: Referral-based bonus scheme.
Working Arrangements
- 37.5-hour workweek (Monday–Friday).
- On-Site Requirement: 4+ days/week at the Sheffield office and lab.
Note: Variable travel for trade-show attendance and customer site visits later in tenure.
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