Job Description

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About Photon Force

Photon Force Ltd is a leading innovator in advanced single-photon detection technology. Based in Edinburgh, we design and manufacture high-performance, time-resolved imaging solutions used in scientific research, medical applications, and next-generation imaging systems. Our products combine cutting-edge photonics, custom silicon, and high-speed electronics in compact and robust packages.


As we continue to expand and evolve, we're looking for a

Senior Electronics Design Engineer

to join our multidisciplinary R&D team and take ownership of advanced PCB and hardware design challenges for next-generation photon-counting camera systems.

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Role Overview

You will play a key role in designing, developing, and validating high-speed digital and mixed-signal PCBs used in our industry-leading imaging products. You will also support system-level architecture decisions and collaborate with software, FPGA, and optical teams. This role is ideal for an experienced engineer with a strong background in

Altium-based PCB design

,

high-speed signal integrity

, and

complex mixed-signal systems

, ideally with a passion for photonics and innovation.

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Key Responsibilities:

Lead the design of high-speed, mixed-signal PCBs used in time-resolved imaging and single-photon detection systems. Develop modular and scalable hardware architectures using FPGAs, high-speed memory, and advanced interfaces (e.g., PCIe, LVDS, USB 3.1, CSI-2). Implement signal integrity best practices: impedance control, transmission line design, power distribution, reference planes, and EMI mitigation. Oversee product compliance testing (e.g., CE/UKCA), including root-cause analysis and board-level rework for EMC emissions and immunity. Support ASIC bring-up and validation using FPGA development platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams (embedded firmware, FPGA, optics, software) throughout the product development lifecycle. Maintain and evolve Photon Force's internal hardware design ecosystem, including libraries, workflows, and documentation tools. Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineers.
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Essential Qualifications & Experience

BEng/MEng/MSc in Electronics, Electrical Engineering, or related field. 10+ years of experience in electronics hardware design, ideally in a product development environment. Proven expertise in:

+

Altium Designer

for schematic capture and PCB layout.
+

High-speed digital design

, signal integrity, and multi-layer PCB stack-ups.
+

Mixed-signal circuit design

, including analogue front-ends, filters, ADCs/DACs.
+ Integrating and routing

BGAs

,

FPGAs

, and

high-speed memory interfaces

.
Strong understanding of communication protocols:

PCIe, SPI, I2C, USB, UART

, etc. Experience with hands-on debugging using oscilloscopes, logic analysers, and lab equipment.
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Desirable Skills & Experience

Knowledge of

photonics

,

optical sensors

, or

SPAD-based imaging systems

. Experience with

COB (Chip-on-Board)

or

HDI PCB

design techniques. Firmware development experience with

STM32

or similar MCUs. Experience with

FPGA-based systems

and HDL (Verilog/VHDL). Python scripting for test automation or hardware control. Familiarity with EMC/EMI compliance workflows and pre-compliance testing. Experience working in ISO9001 environment.
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What We Offer

Competitive salary based on experience. Opportunity to work at the cutting edge of photonics and imaging technology. Flexible working hours and a collaborative team environment. 35 days holiday (inclusive of public holidays). Pension scheme. Opportunities for personal and professional development.

Location:

Edinburgh commutable (Hybrid or full time office based)

Salary:

Negotiable and based on experience



We look forward to hearing from you.

Please Note: You must be based in the UK and have the right to work in the UK.