Research and Development Scientist - Semiconductor Laser Design / Modeling Engineer (Semiconductor Lasers)

Location: On-site in Springtown, Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. This is a full-time position working 39 hours per week. Travel is not required.

Applicants must have full right-to-work documentation for the UK. Visa sponsorship is unavailable for candidates with a BSc or MSc alone; sponsorship can be offered when the role's criteria are met through a PhD.

Company

hirify.global develops and manufactures data-storage products, including recording heads for hard disk drives.

What you will do

• Perform computational modeling and design of advanced semiconductor laser architectures for next-generation Mozaic 4+ HAMR read-write heads.
• Simulate laser performance in integrated photonic systems using LaserMOD, Crosslight, Harold, FDTD, Lumerical Interconnect, and similar methods.
• Analyze data, assess model closure, recommend improvements, and develop new modeling methodologies.
• Work with R&D engineers and scientists to plan experimental builds and testing of proposed designs.
• Collaborate with adjacent teams and internal customers to meet future product performance and reliability requirements.
• Partner with external research organizations to translate advances in lasers, photonics, and materials into practical technology options.

Requirements

• Knowledge of III-V semiconductor laser physics and laser design.
• Knowledge of designing III-V semiconductor lasers for reliable, stable high-temperature performance and robustness to external optical feedback.
• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD qualification in lasers, photonics, optics, optoelectronics, physics, or a related field, with relevant industrial experience; postdoctoral experience in III-V semiconductor laser design and modeling is also relevant.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent presentation and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Full UK right-to-work documentation is required; sponsorship conditions depend on holding a PhD.

Nice to have

• Experience in optoelectronics, photonics, or integrated-circuit design and modeling.
• Higher-level academic qualifications such as a Master's degree or PhD.

Culture & Benefits

• Subsidized on-site café, on-site gym, exercise classes, and personal training.
• Healthcare for employees and dependents, company sick pay, medical leave, occupational healthcare, and income protection.
• Annual leave, flexible working hours, part-time working options, and enhanced parental leave.
• Contributory pension, life assurance, employee stock purchase plan, bonus scheme, and employee discounts.
• Training and development opportunities, degree and non-degree assistance, LinkedIn Learning, and learning programmes.
• Employee resource groups, professional networks, community volunteering, and an inclusive workplace.

Hiring process

• Submit a completed application through the Seagate Careers SAP portal by midnight on 1 October 2026.
• Demonstrate how the stated criteria are met in the cover letter or CV.