Microsoft
Senior Optical Engineer (contract)
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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
Core 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
Required
- Zemax (strong preference)
- Ray-tracing software
- Optical design and optimization
- Optical tolerancing
Evidence
- Designed optical systems or sub-assemblies
- Experience moving designs from concept through testing
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Physical Optics Expertise
Strong Understanding Of:
- Gaussian beam theory
- Diffractive optics
- Polarization optics
Evidence
- Applied physical optics in real engineering projects
- Can explain practical impact on optical system performance
Fibre Optics Experience
Required
- Fibre characterization
- Optical coupling techniques
- Fibre alignment
- Insertion loss optimization
Evidence
- Hands-on laboratory experience
- Troubleshooting coupling efficiency issues
Optical Testing & Characterization
Required
- Laboratory-based optical measurements
- Optical test setup development
- Performance characterization
- Experimental troubleshooting
Evidence
- Personally conducted measurements
- Built or modified test systems
Python
Required For
- Data analysis
- Test automation
- Experimental data processing
- Instrument control
Evidence
- Python scripting in lab environments
- Automated measurements or reporting workflows
Education
Required
- 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
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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
As a workplace, Allegis Global Solutions focuses on relationships – with each other, our clients, and our candidates. In fact, serving others is one of our core values. We support open communication and recognize that giving constructive criticism can be even harder than receiving it. We appreciate the fearless and the passionate, who force us to be better. Everything we do sits on a pillar of diversity, equity, and inclusion - diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and ideas achieve innovation and make us successful.
Please note that we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position. These tools may analyze application materials and assist our team in identifying candidates whose qualifications best match the requirements of the role. If you have questions about our use of AI in the hiring process, or would like more information, please contact us.
Pay Rate Range
344 - 388 GBP daily
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