Job Description

Location: Xtera Topco Ltd, Bates House, Church Road, Harold Wood, Essex, RM3 0SD
Salary: 40,000 to 42,000 per annum
depending on experience and qualifications, with an additional 5,000 for the duration of the project for professional and personal development.
Contract Type: Fixed Term (30 months)
Basis: Full Time
Closing Date: 23.59 hours GMT on Sunday 16 November 2025
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Reference: 1194-25
Release Date: Wednesday 29 October 2025
This KTP aims to develop novel monitoring technology for sub-sea telecommunications networks using photonic technologies to maintain cable integrity and detect potential damage or intrusion resulting from accidental or hostile activities, caused by, for example, by unmanned vehicles or dragging anchors.
The key innovation is developing distributed sensing technology, capable of operating across sub-sea links of over 1,000 km in length.
Candidate Profile: PhD in photonics/optics (or physics with experience in photonics). BSc or MSc in Physics/Electronic Engineering or closely related subject.
Skills/ experience required include:
Essential for the role:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills related to photonic/optic - based systems
• Laboratory skills, including the use of test and measurement equipment
• Excellent communication and management skills.

Desirable for the role; some or all the following:

• Hands-on experience in optical system design and testing.
• Experience working with lasers and laser safety.
• Skills in the design and implementation of interferometric fibre sensors
• Experience in field programmable gate arrays.
• Strong ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team.

Main responsibilities:

• To quickly assume responsibility for the project and take a leading role in driving it forward
• To develop novel monitoring technology for sub-sea telecommunications networks using photonic technologies to maintain cable integrity and detect potential damage or intrusion.
• To design, fabricate and optimise optical sensing systems to meet stringent performance requirements.
• Demonstrate advanced technical expertise (in optical device manufacture, sensing and fast electronic signal processing), good project management and good communication skills to interact between academia, internal and external business personnel including suppliers

Personal attributes:

• Strong interpersonal skills to successfully work with various stakeholders.
• Strong communication and presentation skills. The ability to work within a cross-disciplinary project team.
• Leadership qualities, maturity, good self-organisation, and time management skills to deliver the KTP project and ensure it achieves agreed milestones and objectives.
• Industrial career focused.
• Highly motivated and adaptable.
• Ability to work independently, as well as part of the team and use initiative.
• Strong desire to pursue innovative approaches and pathways

Additional Benefits and support:

• Up to 5,000 for personal and professional development for the duration of the project
• Annual leave (25 days p/a)
• Professional support and mentorship
• Mental Health and wellbeing support:

Career prospects:
60% of our KTP associates are being offered employment by the companies at the end of the KTP.
This is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) funded by Xtera Topco and . It is essential you understand how KTP works and the vital role you will play if you secure this position. To learn more please visit:
The Company: Xtera Topco is one of the 5 top providers of Underwater Telecommunication Systems. These extensive high bandwidth cables crisscross the globe providing internet and telecommunication services to both PTTs (Post, Telegraph and Telephone) and ISPs (Internet Service Providers). Web page:
Aston University: You will work in a project team with Prof Kate Sugden and Prof David Webb, from Aston University and the Senior Management Team at Xtera Topco with the support of the IUK's Knowledge Transfer Adviser.
Location: You will be based at Xtera Topco, Essex, but will have access to facilities at Aston University in central Birmingham. Some travel to Aston University and key clients may also be required. It is advisable to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the work location, if recruited.
For informal enquiries about this role please contact Prof David Webb
If you think this isn't the right opportunity for you, please explore other KTP vacancies across the country:
Aston University is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter . We pride ourselves on our vibrant, friendly, supportive working environment and collaborative atmosphere.
Please visit our website https://jobs.aston.ac.uk/Vacancies.aspx for further information and to apply online.
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.
This role is likely to qualify for endorsement under the Endorsed Funder route of the Global Talent visa. This visa is for talented or promising individuals in academia or research in fields such as science, engineering, medicine, social sciences, or humanities.
See the Home Office guidance:
It is an Innovate UK requirement that candidates hold a visa or immigration permission to cover the full duration of the contract. The successful candidate is therefore expected to apply for a visa as necessary in line with their contract duration.

Skills Required