UK Residency Programme - Optoelectronics Device Engineer

Job Title

UK Residency Programme - Optoelectronics Device Engineer

Role Summary

Join Microsoft Research Cambridge to develop and validate high-speed optoelectronic transmitters and receivers for a scalable optical I/O architecture targeting AI infrastructure. Work with internal researchers and external engineering partners to move device designs from simulation through fabrication and post-silicon validation.

Experience Level

Mid-level (postdoctoral/early-career researcher). No specific years-of-experience requirement stated.

Responsibilities

Lead experimental and simulation efforts to design, characterize, and optimize optoelectronic devices and support integration with electronic circuits.

• Design and execute DOE plans to evaluate transmitter and receiver architectures.
• Design, simulate, and optimize optoelectronic devices (e.g., photodiodes, microLEDs).
• Develop equivalent circuit and compact models for co-simulation with drivers and TIAs.
• Perform electrical, optical, and electro-optical characterization under DC and RF/high-frequency conditions.
• Develop automated test, measurement, and data-analysis workflows; correlate experiments with simulations to identify limiting mechanisms.
• Collaborate with teams and external partners on device fabrication, tape-outs, and post-silicon validation.
• Document results in technical reports and presentations; maintain well-documented experimental records.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and laboratory experience required for successful execution of the research program.

• Experience designing, simulating, and optimizing high-speed optoelectronic devices (VCSELs, microLEDs, modulators, photodetectors).
• Proficiency with optical and electrical simulation tools (examples: Lumerical, COMSOL, tidy3D, HFSS, TCAD).
• Hands-on experience with electrical, optical, and electro-optical device characterization in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to develop device models and perform co-simulation with electronic circuits.
• Strong programming and data-analysis skills (Python, Matlab, or equivalent) and experience automating measurements and analysis.
• Good written and verbal communication skills for reporting and presenting technical results.

Nice-to-have:

• Familiarity with high-speed optical communication systems and fabrication on III-V or silicon photonics platforms.
• Experience with photonic foundry tape-outs, PDK development, and design-for-manufacturability.
• Knowledge of optical packaging, co-packaged optics, or transceiver architectures.

Education Requirements

PhD (or near completion) in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Optical Engineering, or a closely related field (PhD required/near completion as stated in posting).

About the Company

Company: Microsoft

Headquarters: Redmond, Washington, United States

Microsoft is a global technology company that develops and sells software, services, devices, and solutions. Known for its Windows operating system, Office suite, and Azure cloud platform, Microsoft aims to empower individuals and organizations around the world to achieve more. The company fosters a culture of innovation and inclusion, focusing on delivering trusted experiences to customers and partners globally.