Photonics Technologist
Digital Catapult is a UK deep-tech innovation organisation accelerating the practical application of advanced digital technologies.
Projects
About Digital Catapult
Digital Catapult is an independent, not-for-profit member of the Innovate UK Catapult Network. It bridges industry, government, investors and academia to help deep-tech businesses scale, improve industrial supply-chain resilience and advance data-driven open future networks through collaborative R&D, specialist facilities, innovation programmes, ecosystem support and membership services.
Skills
Candidate Availability
Required and preferred rules are kept separate and reflect the wording in the original posting.
About the Role
You will prepare and deliver photonics projects across Northern Ireland and the wider United Kingdom. You will support research and commercial proposals, conduct horizon scanning, develop technology roadmaps, and help shape long-term research plans. You will build relationships across academia, industry, and government while contributing to publications, articles, and presentations.
Requirements
- Demonstrate broad, hands-on experience with photonic technologies.
- Have experience initiating, formulating, and leading projects in a consulting, research, or commercial setting.
- Possess excellent problem-solving and multitasking skills.
- Have experience simulating and designing photonic systems and processing photonic data.
- Communicate complex issues effectively to business, technical, and political audiences.
- Successfully complete Baseline Personnel Security Standard clearance before starting employment.
Responsibilities
- Prepare and deliver photonics projects focused on Northern Ireland and the wider United Kingdom.
- Support proposal development for research opportunities and commercial work.
- Support horizon scanning and technology roadmap development.
- Collaborate on photonics research plans and long-term strategy.
- Build networks across academia, industry, and government within the United Kingdom photonics ecosystem.
- Contribute to research journal publications.
- Demonstrate thought leadership by writing articles and presenting at industry and academic events.
- Provide photonics expertise and technical consultancy.
- Support laboratory operations, opportunity development, relationship management, and ecosystem engagement.
- Collaborate across teams to pursue, plan, design, and deliver projects.
- Map and pursue strategic photonics and quantum technology opportunities.
Benefits
- 25 days of annual leave, bank holidays, and three additional days between Christmas and New Year.
- Double-matched pension contributions up to 10% of salary.
- Discretionary company bonus.
- Benefits allowance equal to 4% of salary, with options including a health cash plan, private medical insurance, additional holiday, and pension top-ups.
- Electric vehicle scheme.
- Cycle2Work scheme.
- Technology scheme.
- Gym discounts.
- Give As You Earn scheme.
- PerkPal benefits.
- Life insurance worth four times salary.
- Free employee assistance program and financial wellbeing advice.
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
- Hybrid working with office attendance two days per week, although some roles may require more frequent attendance.
- Company social events throughout the year.
- Free office snacks.
Hiring Process
Successful completion of Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance is required before employment begins.