About Ephos

Ephos is building vertically integrated, advanced packaging solutions on glass panels. We transform raw glass into electronic and optically active substrates for die-to-die connectivity, manufactured entirely within our own facilities. Our systems are built for companies developing AI accelerators, including hyperscalers and top-tier chip designers.

We have already delivered products to leading global firms, and we are currently building a new fabrication facility to scale production by 100x. This expansion is backed by a $50M EU CHIPS Act grant, the first ever awarded to a startup.

The role

As a Photonics Engineer at Ephos, you will drive the continuous advancement of our Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) capabilities. Taking complete ownership of our femtosecond laser writing process, you will design, prototype, and iterate next-generation architectures. This role sits at the critical juncture between research and manufacturing and you will play a hands-on role in scaling our technology from R&D; to full-scale chip production while collaborating closely with our manufacturing and product teams.

Your responsibilities

- Design photonic integrated circuits using our proprietary software.
- Fabricate and characterize integrated photonic devices and circuits.
- Translate R&D; breakthroughs into robust, high-yield chip designs engineered for commercial deployment.
- Design, optimize, and automate custom optical characterization setups and testing protocols.




- Develop Python libraries to interface and integrate with photonic and electronic instrumentation.

The candidate we are looking for

- PhD in Experimental Photonics or Integrated Optics, OR 3+ years of hands-on experimental photonics experience in an industrial setting.
- Deep practical experience building and aligning optical setups, including laser systems, optical fiber, and free-space optics.
- Comprehensive command of core lab equipment (e.g., autocorrelators, spectrometers, photodiodes, laser diodes, polarization optics, and beam diagnostics).
- Experience with femtosecond laser writing or glass-integrated photonics is a plus.
- Can commit to full-time lab presence; due to the nature of the role we will not consider remote applicants.
- Ephos is a demanding environment. We operate with exceptional ambition and move fast, because the market gives us no other option. We expect excellence from you, as we do from one another. This environment offers unmatched opportunities to learn, build, and grow, but it also requires significant commitment.

What we offer

- Top of the market salary.
- Stock options; granted at this stage, they can become extremely valuable.
- An exceptional opportunity for growth.

The hiring process

- Interview with our Photonics Team Lead.
- Interview with our CTO.
- Interview with our CEO.

If you're interested in this opportunity, please send your CV to [email protected], with the role name in the subject line.

📌 Photonics Engineer (Milano)
🏢 Ephos
📍 Milano