Backend Python Developer

About us

At Wave Photonics, we are building a platform to enable and accelerate the development, mass production and adoption of integrated photonics technologies. Integrated photonics will be crucial in enabling a host of applications ranging from energy-efficient communications, wearable healthcare sensors, rapid diagnostic tools, optical tensor processors, on-chip LiDAR, quantum computing and communication, and many more. We believe that many obstacles in developing these technologies can be removed using a combination of simulation, statistical modelling and optimisation techniques.

Founded in 2021, we have backing from great investors in Silicon Valley, the UK, and the EU, and are leading/contributing to multiple projects funded by the UK's innovation agency, Innovate UK. We were also successful in winning a prestigious European Innovation Council Accelerator project to develop solutions for frontier applications of integrated photonics.

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Backed Python Developer to join our team and contribute to our aim of accelerating the growth and adoption of integrated photonics technologies.

Role overview

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the design, development, testing and maintenance of high-quality, robust and secure software applications at Wave Photonics. In this role, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining our internal data pipelines and you will contribute to the web interface to allow customers to access Wave Photonics’ designs. You will work closely with photonics engineers and you will have an opportunity to shape and contribute to product releases to bring Wave Photonics’ library of components to the market.

The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in back-end development with hands-on experience building products. You will write clean, efficient, optimised and scalable code drawing on past experiences and software development best practices. You will have a say in product development and translate business objectives and product designs into high-quality products delivered in a timely manner.

You will be attentive to detail, enthusiastic to tackle problems and develop innovative high-performing solutions. You will bring a willingness and desire to learn, grow and stay on top of the latest web technologies.

This role would involve collaborating with photonics engineers and other stakeholders to define and deliver high-quality products that support the organisation’s aim to unlock the potential of integrated photonics. You will have good communication skills and ability to work with other teams.

You will be a core member of our small but growing team, contributing to key deliverables and milestones that drive our product development. You will be immersed in the fast-paced environment of a start-up that has ambitions to change the integrated photonics industry. We value enthusiastic people who bring a willingness to learn new things and challenge existing ideas.

Essential

• Experienced Python backend developer
• Hands-on experience building products
• Proficiency in SQL and NoSQL databases (e.g. MongoDB)
• Knowledge of authentication frameworks and best practices (e.g. OAuth, Auth0/Okta, Clerk)
• Experience with Flask and Python for back-end development
• Familiarity with Nginx for web server management and deployment
• Understanding of CI/CD pipelines, staged rollouts and security considerations
• Hands-on experience with cloud native technologies (Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform/OpenTofu)
• Experience deploying web applications on cloud platforms (e.g. AWS, Azure, GCP)
• System architecture
• Knowledge of software development best practices
• Experience with writing tests (pytest, unittest, mocks)
• Knowledge of ORM

Nice to have/ Beneficial

• Any other tools used in modern web development e.g. Firebase/Supabase, Netlify etc.

Salary and compensation

• £40k - £60k pa., depending on experience.
• Company share options plan.
• Enhanced annual leave (25 days + bank holidays).
• In-person working with flexible working options available where possible.

Work environment

At Wave Photonics we see a brighter future. We strive towards that goal not only in the technology we develop, but as a dedicated and welcoming team who are passionate about working together to make it happen. We see the huge value in creating a team with people from all backgrounds and experiences. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are crucial, and we strongly encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply.

Our office in Cambridge serves as the dynamic hub where brilliant minds converge to redefine the future of integrated photonics. Nestled in one of the world's most renowned academic and technological cities, our workspace embodies the spirit of collaboration, creativity, and cutting-edge exploration. We strive to create an environment where open communication and cross-disciplinary thinking are not just encouraged but celebrated.

How to apply

Please upload a CV and optional covering letter by clicking the apply button. Any questions can also be directed to careers@wavephotonics.com  – please include the tag “WP1224-SE” in the subject line.

All applicants will be notified within 28 days of application.

NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE.