LumiAIres: Build the Future of Photonic AI

About LumiAIres

LumiAIres is at the frontier of photonic AI, developing technology with the potential to reshape information processing. We are a values-led company with a deep-rooted expertise in photonics, neuromorphic computing, and commercial strategy, backed by a founding team with extensive experience.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a highly skilled individual to build and own the modelling-and-learning capability at the heart of LumiAIres. This crucial function encompasses simulation, encoding-decoding, and the machine-learning layer that enables light computation. Your work will create durable, reusable assets for all future product generations and customer programmes. Initially, you will focus on our LUMINA flagship programme, developing a high-fidelity digital twin and encoding-decoding scheme to create a customer-facing pre-evaluation environment.

This role is the bridge between physics and learning, modelling how light computes within our photonic core and training the models that interpret the results. As LumiAIres scales, this position offers a growth path into leading the company's modelling and machine-learning function and its associated team.

Key Responsibilities

The role is structured around four core pillars:

1. Photonic & Optical Simulation

• Model the photonic core and full signal chain using established optical-simulation and numerical wave-propagation methods.
• Build, maintain, and validate the high-fidelity digital twin of the photonic processor.
• Quantify how design and fabrication choices affect computational behaviour, feeding insights back to the photonic design team.

1. Encoding, Decoding & Core Behaviour

• Design and optimize input encoding and output decoding schemes for the photonic platform.
• Characterize how the photonic core behaves as a physical computing medium.
• Co-own encoding–decoding optimization with our academic partners.

1. Machine Learning & Readout

• Develop the readout models and associated training pipelines.
• Build the learning loop that improves inference over time and feeds our software tools.
• Optimize the mapping of machine learning inference onto the photonic hardware.

1. Customer-Ready Twins & Validation

• Harden the digital twin into a pre-evaluation environment for integrators, in collaboration with the Full-Stack Software Engineer and the Strategic Partners Lead.
• Validate twin predictions against measured silicon in partnership with the Applied Photonics Engineer.

Requirements

• An advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in applied mathematics, computational or theoretical physics, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related quantitative field.
• Strong optical and photonic simulation skills, including transfer-matrix and numerical wave-propagation methods (or equivalent).
• Grounding in practical machine learning: model training, evaluation, and pipeline development (Python; NumPy / SciPy and PyTorch / JAX or similar).
• Strong scientific software practice and the ability to translate physics into validated, maintainable code.
• Familiarity with photonic neural networks, optical, or neuromorphic computing is a strong advantage.
• Experience with digital-twin or hardware-in-the-loop modelling, active-learning methods, or working alongside experimental and academic teams is beneficial.
• Comfort in an early-stage, fast-moving environment where structure is actively built.

Contract & Progression

• Contract Type: 18-Month Fixed Term Contract
• Location: Glasgow, Scotland (Hybrid)
• Salary: TBC per annum
• Reports To: CTO (currently the CEO)
• Potential for Permanent Role: Yes — Glasgow or Paris (determined within the first 12 months)
• Start Date: To be agreed

The initial 18-month contract is based in Glasgow. The permanent role offers location flexibility as the company scales, given the portable nature of the modelling work.

Why LumiAIres?

• Work at the frontier of photonic AI, a technology poised to reshape global information processing.
• Join a founding team with deep expertise in photonics, neuromorphic computing, and commercial strategy.
• Gain exposure to global investors, strategic partners, and government stakeholders from day one.
• Be part of a genuinely values-led company focused on long-term impact.
• Experience a flexible, trust-based culture with opportunities for real ownership and impact.

How to Apply

To express interest, please send a CV and a short covering note detailing your background in optical or photonic simulation and machine learning, any modelling or digital-twin work you have delivered, and your interest in photonic computing. All applications and initial conversations are treated in strict confidence.