Optical Communication Systems Engineer - KTP Associate

This Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project will incorporate novel amplification approaches to develop an extended reach Radio over Fibre (RFoF) transport system for long transmission distances.

PPM has four key business divisions: PPM Power, ViaLite Communications, PPM Test and PPM Systems. This project will operate within the ViaLite Communications division and the activity will expedite the development of the next generation of product. PPM was acquired by BAE Systems in 2021 as a wholly-owned subsidiary. Due to the location of the workplace, it would be preferable for the candidate to have access to their own car or be located nearby public transport links.

The proposed system is a novel technology for RFoF, offering PPM a first-to-market opportunity for a novel product to meet a known market need. While system components are available off-the-shelf, knowledge required to develop an integrated product solution is not, and this KTP will provide PPM with the capabilities to take a novel product to market.

This KTP is a great opportunity for someone who wishes to plan and deliver business change. You will work with senior University academics on a commercial project which puts theory and modelling into practice. Due to the high sensitivity involved in this project, it is highly unlikely that the candidate will be able to publish any journals or papers from the results until a few years after completion.

Candidate Profile: Minimum Masters’ level degree in Photonics/Optics with relevant practical / work experience in the field. A PhD would be desirable.

Skills/ experience required include:

Essential

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills related to photonic/optic-based systems.Expertise and hands-on experience in designing, testing and optimising photonic networks.Proficiency with simulation tools such as MATLAB, Python, and ideally VPI photonic design suite.Excellent communication and management skills.Highly motivated and adaptable.Strong ability to work independently and in a team.

 Experience in the following would be desirable:

Experience of experimental optical communication system performance characterisation, test bed design and assemblyRecent publication record in international journals and high impact conferences.Long-haul/unrepeated high-capacity transmission system testing.Creative problem-solving skills.Demonstrable track record of team working.Good English language communication skills to relay work in spoken and written media.Ability to contribute to and coordinate collaborative project reports and deliverables.Knowledge of the protection of intellectual property.

Main responsibilities: 

Initially assume the Development Team Lead and Systems Architect roles, overseeing the efforts of a wider development team.Generate whitepapers, technical notes and video for use as sales channel training materials/marketing collateral.Participate in engineering team monthly staff meetings.Embed learning from lab work at Aston University into PPM staff.To carry out work in line with the project plan to which you are assigned, initiating novel ideas and contributing to the planning of associated research tasks.To undertake numerical simulation, experimental investigations, and the prototype building To maintain accurate and traceable working records, including appropriate software version control and links to raw dataTo Maintain a sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge research methods and techniques in the disciplineTo contribute to the generation, protection and exploitation of intellectual property.Fully engage in all relevant safety protocols, taking responsibility for your own safety and highlighting risks which may impact others.To undertake such other duties as may be reasonably requested and that are commensurate with the nature and grade of the post

 Personal attributes:

Strong interpersonal skills.Strong communication and presentation skills. The ability to work within a cross-disciplinary project teamLeadership and maturity of communication and organisation skills to deliver the KTP project and ensure it achieves agreed milestones and objectives Ability to work independently and use initiativeStrong desire to pursue innovative approaches and pathwaysAbility to work closely with all stakeholders and establish an effective knowledge transfer process in the company

 Additional Benefits and support:

Up to £4,000 for personal and professional development for the duration of the projectAnnual leave (25 days p/a)Professional support and mentorshipMental Health and wellbeing support: https://www.aston.ac.uk/staff-public/hr/Benefits-and-Rewards/health-wellbeing 

Career prospects: 

60% of our KTP associates are being offered employment by the companies at the end of the KTP. PPM have completed a KTP with Aston previously with the associate taken on in a wider role within the company, and is now the company supervisor on this project.

KTP’s are a proven springboard for Associates who wish to develop careers in consultancy, change management, operations or as University academics.

This is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) funded by Pulse Power & Measurement and Innovate UK.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are collaborative, three-way partnerships creating positive impact and driving innovation by linking various businesses with the UK's world class knowledge bases to deliver innovation projects led by skilled graduates.

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: www.aston.ac.uk/ktp

Aston University: You will work in a project team with Dr Mingming Tan and Dr Ian Phillips from Aston University and the Senior Management Team at PPM with further support of the IUK’s Knowledge Transfer Adviser.

Location: You will be based predominantly at PPM in Swindon. You will also have access to facilities at Aston University in central Birmingham. Some travel to key clients may also be required.

For informal enquiries about this role please contact Dr Mingming Tan, e-mail: m.tan1@aston.ac.uk or Dr Ian Phillips, email: i.phillips@aston.ac.uk 

If you think this isn’t the right opportunity for you, please explore other KTP vacancies across the country: https://www.ktp-uk.org/jobs/ 

Aston University is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter http://www.ecu.ac.uk/equality-charter-marks/athena-swan . 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 meet the criteria for endorsement under the ‘Endorsed Funder’ route of the Global Talent visa. The Global Talent visa route is available for talented and promising academics, researchers and specialists who are working in the fields of science, engineering, medicine, the social sciences or the humanities. Please see the published Home Office guidance: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent.

Closing Date: 09 Jul 2025

Unit: Teaching & Research

Salary: £37,500 per annum