Huawei Technologies Research & Development (UK) Ltd
Characterisation Engineer – Photonics R&D
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About Huawei Research And Development UK Limited
Founded in 1987, Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. We have 207,000 employees and operate in over 170 countries and regions, serving more than three billion people around the world.
Our vision and mission is to bring digital to every person, home and organisation for a fully connected, intelligent world. To this end, we will:
- Drive ubiquitous connectivity and promote equal access to networks
- Bring cloud and artificial intelligence to all four corners of the earth, providing superior computing power where it’s needed
- Build digital platforms to help all industries and organisations become more agile, efficient, and dynamic
- Redefine user experience with AI, making it more personalised for people’s lives at home, in the office, or on the go
This spirit of innovation has led Huawei to work in close partnership with leading academic institutions in the UK to develop and refine the latest technologies. With a shared commitment to innovation and progress, we have achieved common goals and established a strong partnership to develop the technologies of the future that transform the way we all communicate, work, and live.
For the past 30 years, we have maintained an unwavering focus, rejecting shortcuts and easy opportunities that don't align with our core business. With a practical approach, we concentrate our efforts and invest patiently to drive technological breakthroughs.
This strategic focus reflects our core values:
- Staying customer-centric
- Inspiring dedication
- Persevering
- Growing by reflection
Huawei Research And Development UK Limited Overview
Huawei’s vision is a fully connected, intelligent world. To achieve this, we inspire passion for basic research worldwide. Our combined efforts drive development across the global innovation value chain. Huawei has the largest Research and Development organisation globally, with 96,000+ employees across research centres worldwide. In the UK, we already have design centres in Cambridge, London, Edinburgh, and Ipswich.
We:
- Explore and define new research directions and services
- Enhance our collaborations with academic researchers
- Investigate new network architectures and integration of communications and key enabling technologies
- Develop foundational theories of these technologies
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Job Summary
We are excited to offer an opportunity for a Senior Characterisation Engineer to join our cutting-edge Photonics R&D centre. In this role, you will:
- Define, develop, and implement advanced testing protocols and characterisation methods for next-generation photonic devices
- Design and execute complex laboratory set-ups, perform high-precision measurements, and support iterative design verification cycles
- Work closely with device designers, process, and test integration engineers to generate accurate, reliable data that enhances design, fabrication, and overall device performance
- Collaborate within a state-of-the-art laboratory environment with multidisciplinary researchers and provide regular reports on progress
- Support the shaping of our testing and R&D strategy for new optoelectronic technologies in telecoms and beyond
- Act as a key liaison between Design, Process, and Test Engineering teams, ensuring seamless alignment across development lifecycle
Key Responsibilities
- Design and execute complex optical & electrical test setups, including automating measurements
- Define effective Design of Experiments (DoE) and perform advanced measurements to characterise products for iterative design cycles
- Develop and implement modular characterisation protocols tailored to project requirements
- Analyse and interpret device performance data, extracting key metrics and identifying failure modes
- Provide technical reports with analysis, summarising verification results and making recommendations
- Collaborate with design, process, test, and reliability engineering teams
- Contribute to defining test strategies for emerging technologies and new device platforms
- Support improvements to lab workflows, engineering automation, and best practices
This job description is an outline of tasks, responsibilities, and outcomes. The jobholder may also carry out duties reasonably requested by their line manager.
Person Specification: Required Criteria
- Minimum degree in Physics; master or PhD preferred in optoelectronics
- Experience designing and operating laboratory test setups, including photonics device testing from DC to RF
- Knowledge of III-V optoelectronics device physics
- Strong data analysis skills using tools such as Python, MATLAB, or databases
- Hands-on experience with optical characterisation, including:
- Optical power measurements
- Spectral analysis
- Coupling and alignment techniques
- Laser and fibre-optic instrumentation
- Proficiency in electrical measurements, including:
- Pulsed, DC IV, high-speed modulation, and RF probing
- Ability to interpret complex datasets, compile technical reports, and communicate findings clearly
- Methodical problem-solving skills, strong attention to detail
- Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary R&D environment
- Willingness to travel as required
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Person Specification: Desired Criteria
- Knowledge of cleanroom processes, wafer-level testing, or device fabrication
- Familiarity with automated test systems, such as LabVIEW, NI test-stand, or instrument control frameworks
- Experience with high-speed photonics (GHz-range modulation, eye diagrams, S-parameters)
- Understanding of photonics packaging, integration, or reliability testing
- Ability to mentor junior engineers or lead small technical workstreams
- Coding experience in LabVIEW, C++, or C#
Personal Attributes
- Ability to work calmly under pressure and meet tight deadlines
- Proactive and innovative team player capable of working independently and providing leadership and guidance to others
- Positive and approachable to colleagues, encouraging the sharing of ideas and information
- High attention to detail
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to prioritise workloads effectively to align with business needs
What We Offer
- 33 days annual leave entitlement per year (including UK public holidays)
- Group Personal Pension
- Life insurance
- Private medical insurance
- Medical expense claim scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Company sports club and social events
- Additional time off for learning and development
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