Be at the heart of actionFly remote-controlled drones into enemy territory to gather vital information.

Apply Now

Photonic Hardware Engineer

Practicus
St Albans
4 months ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Hardware Design Engineer

Senior Optical engineer

Lead Electronics Engineer

Junior NPI Engineer

Optical Systems Design Engineer

Lead Hardware Integration Engineer

Use your photonics expertise to shape the future of space technology. Join a bold, pioneering team pushing the limits of what's possible.



The Role:

Join a fast-growing, innovation-led space technology organisation where your engineering skillset will directly influence the next generation of satellite communications and instrumentation. As part of a cutting-edge, multidisciplinary engineering team, you’ll take ownership of designing, building, and testing end-to-end photonic hardware for space-based telecommunication payloads, instruments, and sensors.


You'll evaluate space transceivers and engineer scalable, high-volume manufacturing solutions, driving forward high-speed photonic interconnect test systems. Working closely with the Hardware Team Leader and other specialists, you'll help bring advanced photonic concepts to life—from EM design through to test and validation.


Whether you're looking for apermanent hometo grow your career or aninterim rolewhere you can make an immediate impact, this is your chance to be part of something extraordinary.



What We’re Looking For:

  • 5+ years of experience in a photonic interconnect engineering role—experience in the Space sector is ideal
  • Strong hands-on background in designing products incorporating SoCs / FPGAs and high-speed photonic interconnects
  • Deep knowledge of photonic technologies and industry advances



Bonus Points for Experience In:

  • Radiation effects on electronics
  • High-reliability design for Space, Military, or Automotive systems
  • Signal integrity and high-speed digital analysis
  • Design for mass manufacture
  • Compliance with environmental, thermal, safety, and EMI/EMC standards
  • Practical use of scripting tools such as Tcl, Python, or Perl



The Details:

  • Available as either apermanent positionor a6-month interim contract
  • Hybrid working model – approx. 2–3 days per week onsite in Hertfordshire
  • Interim contract requires a start byend of May 2025



Why Practicus?

For over 20 years, we’ve partnered with professionals who want to make a real difference. We’re driven by purpose and outcomes—just like you. If you're excited by the opportunity to play a pivotal role in delivering transformational space technology, we’d love to hear from you.

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Jobs

Why Quantum Computing Careers in the UK Are Becoming More Multidisciplinary

Quantum computing has long been considered an elite subfield of physics and computer science. But as quantum technologies advance—from fault-tolerant hardware to quantum algorithms and quantum cryptography—they’re moving closer to real applications in finance, materials simulation, optimisation, cryptography and more. As this transition happens, UK quantum computing careers are becoming increasingly multidisciplinary. Quantum systems are no longer just the domain of physicists and quantum software engineers. If quantum technologies are to be trusted, adopted and regulated, professionals must also incorporate expertise in law, ethics, psychology, linguistics & design. In practice, quantum computing projects now intersect with data governance, risk, human interaction, explainability and communication. In this article, we’ll explore why quantum computing careers in the UK are shifting to multidisciplinary roles, how these five supporting fields intersect with quantum work, and what job-seekers & employers should do to keep up in this evolving frontier.

Jobs

Quantum Computing Team Structures Explained: Who Does What in a Modern Quantum Department

Quantum computing has shifted from lab curiosity to the next frontier of high-impact computing. Across the UK, universities, national labs, start-ups, and established tech and finance firms are building quantum teams to explore algorithms, design hardware, and deliver quantum-ready software. As momentum grows, so does the need for clear, robust team structures. Because quantum R&D spans physics, engineering, computer science, and product, ambiguity about who does what can slow progress, increase risk, and inflate costs. This guide maps the typical roles in a modern quantum computing department, how they collaborate across the research-to-product lifecycle, skills and backgrounds UK employers expect, indicative salary ranges, common pitfalls, and practical ways to structure teams that move fast without breaking science.

Jobs

Why the UK Could Be the World’s Next Quantum Computing Jobs Hub

Quantum computing is rapidly emerging from the realm of theoretical physics into practical reality. While classical computers use bits (0 or 1), quantum computers employ qubits, which can exist in superpositions of states. This enables them to tackle certain types of problems—such as optimisation, complex simulations, and cryptography—that classical machines struggle with. Although quantum technology is still in its early stages, sectors including financial services, pharmaceuticals, materials science, and cybersecurity are already experimenting with and investing in quantum computing. As a result, demand for professionals with expertise in quantum algorithms, quantum hardware, software integration, and quantum error correction is growing. The United Kingdom is uniquely positioned to become a global quantum computing jobs hub. With leading universities, expanding research programmes, supportive government strategy, and a maturing quantum ecosystem, the UK is building a foundation for career growth in this transformative field.

🍪 We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience on our website. By continuing to use this site, you consent to the use of cookies as described in our Cookie Policy. You can review our Cookie Policy for more information.