About The Job
The Semiconductor Photonics Education and Research (SPEAR) Centre, a collaborative initiative led by Atlantic Technological University, Ulster University, and Tyndall National Institute, is seeking experienced professionals to play a central role in delivering its €8.46 million PEACEPLUS-funded programme.
These roles will contribute to advancing photonics research, system integration, and smart manufacturing innovation, aligned with the objectives of the EU Chips Act 2023. Working across academia and industry, successful candidates will support both applied innovation and advanced research activities within the border region.
Senior Engineers and Senior Researchers will collaborate closely with SMEs, academic partners, and doctoral candidates to develop photonics-based solutions, support prototyping and system development, and contribute to skills development in high-value technology areas. The roles will play a key part in delivering both industry-focused innovation projects and research-led training initiatives, helping to strengthen regional capability in photonics, AI-enabled manufacturing, and semiconductor technologies.
Location
Letterkenny Campus, Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Ireland
Employment Type
Full time - 39 hours per week
About the Opportunity
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is recruiting for four Post Docs within the WiSAR Lab (Wireless Sensor Applied Research Centre) as part of the PEACEPLUS-funded SPEAR Centre programme.
These roles will contribute to advancing photonics research, system integration, and smart manufacturing innovation, aligned with the objectives of the EU Chips Act 2023. Working across academia and industry, successful candidates will support both applied innovation and advanced research activities within the border region.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via the ATU recruitment portal on the Research Jobs page: https://www.atu.ie/jobs
Applications via LinkedIn will not be viewed.
Position 1: Senior Engineer - Embedded Systems
Overview
ATU is seeking to recruit a highly motivated research engineer to lead research, design and implementation work in embedded systems related to the integration of photonics technology in new products and manufacturing processes in a wide range of industries.
The successful applicant will join an experienced and growing team in the ATU WiSAR Lab who have been delivering innovative embedded wireless solutions to industry for over 20 years. The successful applicant will be expected to build on this history by developing embedded systems solutions that utilise emerging photonics technology and exploiting the opportunities that this technology will provide for client companies.
Key Responsibilities
Providing a leadership role in the design and execution of research and industry projects
Engagement with industry to develop collaborative research projects.
Liaising with industry partners, translating requirements into practical and innovative solutions.
Managing project deliverables for internal and external stakeholders, including scheduling, resource planning, and reporting.
Essential Requirements
PhD in Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Engineering or a related field, or exceptionally, equivalent* research experience (including industrial R&D).
2.1 Honours degree (or higher) in Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Engineering or a related field.
Strong track record of a minimum of 3 years of independent research into embedded systems demonstrated through high impact publications or, a minimum of 3 years hardware/software integration and embedded systems and firmware applied research and innovation in industrial sectors.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
*EU defines PhD equivalent 4 years full time research after primary degree
Position 2: Senior Photonics Engineer
Overview
ATU is seeking to recruit a highly motivated research engineer to lead research, design and implementation work in the integration of photonics technology in new products and manufacturing processes in a wide range of industries.
The successful applicant will join an experienced and growing team in the ATU WiSAR Lab who have been delivering innovative embedded wireless solutions to industry for over 20 years. The successful applicant will be expected to build on this history by developing research into emerging photonics technology and exploiting the opportunities that this technology will provide.
Key Responsibilities
Providing a leadership role in the design and execution of research and industry projects
Engagement with industry to develop collaborative research projects.
Liaising with industry partners, translating requirements into practical and innovative solutions.
Managing project deliverables for internal and external stakeholders, including scheduling, resource planning, and reporting.
Preparation of appropriate project documentation and design reviews to ensure accuracy and adherence to technical requirements.
Essential Requirements
PhD in Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Engineering or a related field or exceptionally, equivalent* research experience (including industrial R&D).
2.1 Honours degree (or higher) in Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Engineering or a related field.
Minimum 3 years’ experience in photonics related technology in an industrial or research environment.
Proven success (with specific examples) in delivering technical projects.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
*EU defines PhD equivalent 4 years fulltime research after primary degree
Position 3: Senior Researcher - Photonics
Overview
ATU is seeking to recruit a highly motivated senior researcher to lead research, design and implementation work in the integration of photonics technology into the wider research activity of ATU. This is a key role in the building of an all-island network; the candidate will be expected to act as a liaison between SPEAR researchers in ATU/UU and the research team in Tyndall in Cork.
The successful applicant will join an experienced and growing team in the ATU WiSAR Lab who have been delivering innovative embedded wireless solutions to industry for over 20 years. The successful applicant will be expected to build on this history by developing research into emerging photonics technology and exploiting the opportunities that this technology will provide.
Key Responsibilities
Providing a leadership role in the design and execution of research projects and publications.
Developing mechanisms to integrate research conducted in the NW in ATU/UU and researchers within Tyndall.
Interacting closely with postgraduate research students and supporting these students in their day-to-day research in conjunction with the supervisor or supervision team.
Supporting research engineers in industry projects.
Managing project deliverables for internal and external stakeholders, including scheduling, resource planning, and reporting.
Essential Requirements
PhD in Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Engineering or a related field or exceptionally, equivalent* research experience (including industrial R&D).
2.1 Honours degree (or higher) in Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Engineering or a related field.
3+ years post PhD research activity in photonics related technology demonstrated through high impact publications
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
*EU defines PhD equivalent 4 years fulltime research after primary degree
Position 4: Senior Researcher - RF & Wireless
Overview
ATU is seeking to recruit a highly motivated research engineer to lead research, design and implementation work in wireless communications related to the integration of photonics technology in new products and manufacturing processes in a wide range of industries.
The successful applicant will join an experienced and growing team in the ATU WiSAR Lab who have been delivering innovative embedded wireless solutions to industry for over 20 years. The successful applicant will be expected to build on this history by developing research into emerging photonics technology and exploiting the opportunities that this technology will provide.
Key Responsibilities
Providing a leadership role in the design and execution of research projects and publications.
Developing mechanisms to integrate research conducted in the NW in ATU/UU and researchers within Tyndall
Interacting closely with postgraduate research students and supporting these students in their day-to-day research in conjunction with the supervisor or supervision team
Supporting research engineers in industry projects
Managing project deliverables for internal and external stakeholders, including scheduling, resource planning, and reporting.
Preparation of appropriate project documentation and design reviews to ensure accuracy and adherence to technical requirements.
Essential Requirements
PhD in Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Engineering or related field or exceptionally, equivalent* research experience (including industrial R&D).
2.1 Honours degree (or higher) in Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Engineering or a related field.
3+ years research in antenna and RF circuit and system design with a focus on real-world implementation (e.g. in healthcare, biosensing, remote sensing) demonstrated through high impact publications.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills,
*EU defines PhD equivalent 4 years fulltime research after primary degree
About WiSAR
WiSAR is a leading research centre specialising in low-power wireless and embedded technologies, with over 20 years of experience delivering industry-focused innovation across IoT, manufacturing, and digital systems.
Closing Date
30th April 2026 (12 noon, Irish time)
**Apply only through - https://www.atu.ie/connect/jobs
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