Characterisation Engineer – Photonics R&D

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 organization 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 to provide superior computing power where you need it, when you need it; build digital platforms to help all industries and organizations become more agile, efficient, and dynamic; redefine user experience with AI, making it more personalized for people in all aspects of their life, whether they’re 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, both parties have worked together to achieve common goals and establish a strong partnership. The partnership between UK and Huawei help to develop the technologies of the future that will 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 to everything we do, we concentrate our efforts and invest patiently to drive technological breakthroughs.

This strategic focus is a reflection of our core values

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Staying customer-centric,

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Inspiring dedication,

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Persevering,

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Growing by reflection.

Huawei Research and Development UK Limited Overview

Huawei’s vision is a fully connected, intelligent world. To achieve this, we work to inspire passion for basic research around the world. Our combined passion drives development across the global innovation value chain. Huawei has the largest Research and Development organization in the world with 96,000+ employees in research centers around the globe. In the UK, we already have design centers in Cambridge, London, Edinburgh and Ipswich. We continue to explore and define new research directions and new services. We have expanded our collaborations with academic researchers; researched new network architectures, integration of communications and key enabling technologies; and developed the fundamental theories of these technologies. We invite you to join us on this exciting journey and drive your career forward.

Job Summary

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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 be central to defining, developing, and implementing advanced testing protocols and characterisation methods for next‑generation photonic devices. You will design and execute complex laboratory setups, perform high‑precision measurements, and support iterative design verification cycles. Working closely with device designers, process and test integration engineers, you will generate accurate, reliable data that directly drives improvements in designs, fabrications and overall device performance. Operating within a state‑of‑the‑art laboratory environment, you will collaborate with multidisciplinary researchers and provide regular reports on experimental progress, measurement outcomes, and key insights. This position offers the opportunity to join a bright, highly motivated, multi‑disciplinary test and verification team within a business poised for significant R&D growth. You will contribute to shaping the R&D test strategy for developing cutting‑edge optoelectronic technologies for the telecommunications sector and beyond. The role also includes acting as a key liaison between Design, Process, and Test Engineering teams, ensuring seamless communication and alignment across the development lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

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Design and execute complex optical & electrical test setups including automating measurements

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Define effective DoE’s and perform advanced measurements to characterise product to support iterative design cycles

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Develop and implement modular characterisation protocols & methods for project(s) requirments

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Analyse and interpret device performance data to extract key metrics and identify failure modes

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Provide technical reports with analysis, summarising verification results and make recommendations

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Collaborate with design, process, test and relaibility engineering teams

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Contribute to defining test strategies for emerging technologies and new device platforms

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Support continuous improvement of lab workflows, engineering, automation and best practices

This job description is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. The jobholder will carry out any other duties as may be reasonably required by his/her line manager. The job description and personal specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of Huawei Research and Development UK Limited.

Person Specification

Required

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Minimum degree in Physics, master or PhD preferable in optoelectronics

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Experience designing and running laboratory test setups, photonics device testing from DC to RF

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Knowledge of III-V optoelectronic device physics

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Strong data analysis skills using tools such as Python, MATLAB, databases, ect

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Strong hands‑on experience with optical characterisation, including: o Optical power measurements o Spectral analysis o Coupling and alignment techniques o Laser and fibre‑optic instrumentation

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Proficiency with electrical measurements (Pulsed, DC IV, high‑speed modulation, RF probing)

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Ability to interpret complex datasets, write reports and communicate findings clearly

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Excellent and methodical approach to problem‑solving skills and attention to detail

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Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary R&D environment

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Willingness to travel as required on occasion.

Desired

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Knowledge of cleanroom processes, wafer‑level testing, or device fabrication

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Familiarity with automated test systems, LabVIEW, NI test-stand or instrument control frameworks

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Experience with high‑speed photonics (GHz‑range modulation, eye diagrams, s‑parameters)

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Understanding of photonics packaging, integration, or reliability testing

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Ability to mentor junior engineers or lead small technical workstreams

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Coding experiences in LabVIEW, C++ or C#. Personal Attributes

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Able to work calmly under pressure and to tight deadlines.

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Proactive and innovative team player capable of working independently and to provide leadership and guidelines to other team members.

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Displays a positive approach to working and actively seeks to share ideas and information with colleagues.

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Able to demonstrate attention to detail. · Good communication and interpersonal skills.

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Ability to ensure prioritisation of workloads dovetails with the needs of the business.

What we offer

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33 days annual leave entitlement per year (including UK public holidays)

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Group Personal Pension

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Life insurance

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Private medical insurance

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Medical expense claim scheme

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Employee Assistance Program

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Cycle to work scheme

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Company sports club and social events

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Additional time off for learning and development