We are looking for a highly skilled and motivated Optical Test Scientist to join our dynamic R&D team. In this role, you will be instrumental in the development of test hardware and testing of advanced semiconductor laser photonic devices and systems. You will collaborate with an established team and report to the R&D Director, contributing to the definition and delivery of future photonic technologies and products. If you are enthusiastic about new technologies, naturally creative, and passionate about bringing ideas to life, this is the perfect research role for you.
You will:
- Design and build Electro Optical test systems that capture performance CTQs .
- Development of hardware design and control software.
- Design and execute experiments to test optical and electrical performance of photonic devices, with a particular emphasis on semiconductor laser devices.
- Develop and implement test protocols and procedures for semiconductor laser characterisation.
- Maintain and troubleshoot test equipment and setups.
- Analyze test data and generate detailed reports.
- Stay up to date with the latest advancements in photonics device testing and related fields.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize device performance.
About you:
- Strong background in optical test assembly, semiconductor Electro Optical device characterization methods and photonic integrated circuits.
- Capable of developing and implementing effective test protocols and procedures.
- Possess knowledge in building, operating and modifying optical & test instrumentation.
- The successful candidate should have strong teamwork qualities as well as communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
Your experience includes:
- ‘Hands on’ building in plane test characterization systems for semi-conductor lasers.
- Significant experience in programming (e.g. LabVIEW, Python, JSL, MATLAB).
- Solid understanding of semiconductor laser and waveguide physics and design principles.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proven ability to interpret complex data.
You may also have:
- PhD qualification in relevant area (e.g. Lasers, Photonics, Optics, Opto-electronics, Physics).
- Academic research or industrial experience in a relevant area is considered a distinct advantage.
Please demonstrate on your Cover Letter or CV how you meet the criteria set out in the job description identified above.
Completed applications should be submitted no later than midnight on Sunday, 1st of November 2026.
This is a Full-Time position working 39 hours per week, onsite in our Springtown Office in Derry/Londonderry.
*Please note that you must be eligible to live and work in the UK. without the requirement to be sponsored by Seagate. This role does not meet the criteria set by the Home Office for sponsorship on a Skilled Worker Visa as such sponsorship of this visa cannot be offered.
At Seagate we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace. To see all vacancies that Seagate has available, please sign up – Register your interest in career updates with our Talent Network and to be considered for future opportunities: Seagate Careers
Seagate Technology is committed to equal opportunity in employment and welcomes applications from all sections of the community irrespective of sex, marital status, religious affiliation, age, disability or ethnic origin. The Company specifically welcomes applications from the protestant community who are currently underrepresented in this job category. All applications will be considered strictly on the basis of merit.
Location: Springtown Northern Ireland.
Our Springtown site is Derry/Londonderry’s largest manufacturer, we’re proud that Seagate is a flexible and inclusive place to work
Here at work, you can grab breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks at our subsidized on-site cafe.
Looking for an active break from your workday? We’ve got you covered. Take a group or individual exercise class during lunch or after work at our on-site gym.
Network with your colleagues through the Young Professionals Network, Women’s Leadership Group, the Carers Café (for caregivers of individuals with disabilities), Volunteer in the community with our support! Join our creative network, which includes a choir, foreign language classes and even a cookery class!
Join our Employee Resource Groups (ERG), a voluntary, employee-led community built on a shared diversity identity and/or an appreciation of that identity, open to ALL current employees at Seagate!
See list below of many of our Springtown Company Benefits:
- Health – Private Healthcare, for employees and dependents, Company sick pay and medical leave, Occupational healthcare service, Employee assistance programmes, Group income protection and On-site gym/ exercise classes / personal trainer.
- Work Life Balance – Annual leave, Flexible working hours, Part-time working, Enhanced maternity pay, Enhanced paternity pay, Bereavement leave.
- Finance– Pension – employer contributory scheme, Life assurance, Employee stock purchase plan, Competitive base pay, Company bonus scheme, Reward and recognition, Employee savings scheme, Perks at work discount programmes, Employee discount scheme, Pay for civil / jury duty.
- Career– Degree / non degree assistance Externally accredited training and development opportunities, Service awards, Udemy learning, Learning & development programmes.
