Please note that this is a contract role providing services to Microsoft through external staffing partners of Allegis Global Solutions (AGS). If you are selected for this role, you will be employed by AGS and will not be an employee of Microsoft.
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
1. Optical System Design
Required
Evidence
2. Physical Optics Expertise
Strong understanding of:
Gaussian beam theory
Diffractive optics
Polarization optics
Evidence
3. Fibre Optics Experience
Required
Evidence
4. Optical Testing & Characterization
Required
Laboratory-based optical measurements
Optical test setup development
Performance characterization
Experimental troubleshooting
Evidence
5. Python
Required For
Evidence
6. Education
Required
Preferred
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
Experience Level Guidance
Ideal Experience
Bachelor's
Master's
PhD
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
