Photonics Application Engineer – Ipronics

Are you ready to bridge the gap between breakthrough photonic research and real-world innovation?At iPronics, pioneers in software-defined photonics and creators of the world's first programmable optical switch on silicon, we're developing the next generation of Silicon Photonics Optical Circuit Switches (OCS) — powering the future of AI / ML, High-Performance Computing (HPC), and hyper-scale data centers.Our technology redefines performance, delivering ultra-low power consumption, nanosecond reconfiguration speeds, and unprecedented bandwidth scalability.We're now looking for a Photonics Application Engineer to join our Software and Applications Team — a key role connecting market insights, scientific research, and product development.What You'll DoAs a Photonics Application Engineer, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping how our technology meets the evolving demands of optical networking. You'll act as the technical bridge between industry needs, academic innovation, and internal development teams — defining and validating the applications that will power tomorrow's AI and data centers.Your main responsibilities will include : Market & Technology Synthesis- Analyze technical documentation, white papers, and competitive benchmarks to identify emerging use cases and applications for Optical Circuit Switches (OCS).- Transform industry insights into strategic application definitions and requirements.Feature Translation & Prioritization- Define key performance metrics (e.G., switching speed, insertion loss, port count, integration density, thermal management) that drive customer adoption.- Translate customer and market needs into clear, prioritized feature specifications for internal Software and Validation teams.Technical Feasibility & Critical Thinking- Evaluate the technical feasibility of new ideas based on current silicon photonics capabilities.- Act as the "voice of reality", identifying achievable goals and proposing viable alternatives to stretch targets.Collaboration & Internal Consulting- Partner with design, software, validation, and systems teams to align product development with validated market needs.- Create internal documentation, training materials, and application notes that translate research into actionable guidance.Customer Engagement (As Needed)- Support Sales and Business Development teams with technical expertise during customer engagements, providing application insights and data-driven analysis.What We're Looking ForEducation & Experience- BSc or MSc degree (PhD preferred) in Telecommunication Engineering, Physics, or a related field with a focus on Integrated Photonics.- 2–3+ years of experience in application engineering, product definition, or a similar technical role in photonics, networking, or semiconductors.Technical Skills- Proven knowledge of optical networking fundamentals (WDM, Fat-Tree topologies, Optical Circuit Switching).- Ability to read and summarize academic papers (IEEE / OSA, conferences) and extract actionable requirements.- Strong Python programming skills and experience with Git repositories.- Demonstrated ability to distinguish between research ambition and commercial feasibility.- Fluency in English (C1 level or higher).Preferred Skills- Hands-on or theoretical knowledge of Silicon Photonics device design and testing.- Familiarity with AI / ML cluster interconnects (e.G., GPU networking, all-reduce communication).- Experience with network modeling, simulation, or data analysis tools (Python, MATLAB).- Knowledge of Spanish or willingness to learn is a plus.Soft Skills- Analytical and detail-oriented, with strong critical thinking.- Reliable, proactive, and self-driven, with excellent communication and teamwork skills.- Comfortable working across cross-functional and multidisciplinary environments.What We Offer- Competitive salary aligned with experience and impact.- Flexible work schedule and hybrid options (primarily on-site in Valencia).- Private health insurance.- Paid holidays and team-building activities.- Continuous learning and training opportunities.- The chance to work in a multidisciplinary, international environment where innovation meets impact.Why Join iPronics?At iPronics, we're redefining optical communication for the AI era — combining photonics, electronics, and software intelligence to build scalable, energy-efficient, and high-speed network solutions.Following our €20M Series A funding round, we're expanding our global team from sunny Valencia, collaborating with top-tier partners, and shaping the infrastructure of tomorrow's data centers.You'll join a dynamic team where scientific curiosity meets real-world engineering, contributing to technology that's already transforming how AI systems communicate.Interested?If you're passionate about bridging research, technology, and application development in one of Europe's most exciting deep-tech startups — we'd love to hear from you.Send your CV and cover letter to , including the position name "Photonics Application Engineer" in the subject line.Let's shape the optical future, together.