At Zero Point Motion, we’re challenging the limits of what’s possible in inertial sensing. Our mission is to combine cutting-edge cavity optomechanics with MEMS and photonic integrated circuits (PICs) to deliver aerospace-grade precision to commercial markets. This is not business as usual. We’re rethinking sensor systems from the ground up—embracing cross-domain innovation, tackling the impossible, and delivering technology that transforms how the world navigates and interacts with data.

What you'll do at ZPM

As the ZPM Senior MEMS Inertial Sensor Engineer, you will draw upon your previous experience in MEMS inertial sensor design to support development of our MEMS/PIC solution. Our collaborative culture of knowledge exchange means no prior experience in photonics is required, just your enthusiasm to learn.

You will be working directly with the company CEO/inventor to build a team to design, develop and bring to market new inertial sensors for high volume commercial applications. Your background in scaling commercial MEMS inertial sensors from concept to prototype or product will influence key design decisions and your experience working with MEMS foundries will be vital for realising these designs.

You will be part of our core team working with an experienced group of electronic engineers, physicists, chip designers and hardware engineers in a fast-paced environment that requires self-motivation and a willingness to embrace new ideas. We want dynamic people that understand the scale and nature of our goal, who can challenge our assumptions. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced MEMS engineer to join a small start-up with big ambitions who will value your personal initiative.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Take responsibility for the design of custom electrostatic closed-loop MEMS inertial sensing structures and liaise with external partners such as foundries and test development houses
  • Design test structures and define design rules
  • Overcome technical bottlenecks
  • Complete layout verification
• Collaborate with the PIC team to make key contributions in the overall design, layout and testing of our unique PIC/MEMS devices
• Initially you will have the core responsibility for the design of our sensors but will support the recruitment of, and supervise, a growing team of MEMS designers
• Set test parameters and support creation of robust test setups
• Create or shape measurement concepts to acquire electric / digital sensor data
• Analyse and visualize measurement data (e.g. by using big-data or machine learning methods)
• Analyse and visualize measurement data
• Suggest and discuss system (e.g. design, functionality) improvements
• Suggest innovative data acquisition or digestion methods (e.g. measurement systems, evaluation scripts, big-data or machine learning methods)

The experience you have:

• Demonstratable experience of successfully developing accelerometers and/or vibratory gyroscopes, preferably with hands-on testing experience
• Fully competent in use of finite element modelling tools like COMSOL, Ansys or Coventor
  • Electrostatic modelling
  • Stress effects and mechanical deformation
  • Process sweeps on designs
• Baseline ability for ‘pen-n-paper’ calculations
• Experience in the effects of package stress on design
• A passion to learn beyond MEMS by applying your skills to understand photonics
• Communicate with technical leadership regarding development issues
  • Openness, curiosity, ability to work in team
  • Ability to explain and visualize data, good communication skills.
  • Ability to distil and communicate scientific information effectively with the wider team

Must-have-qualifications & skills:

• Masters / PhD in Physics or Engineering
• Strong analytical background
• MEMS design and production scale-up experience (5+ years preferable) in one or more of the following:
  • Accelerometers
  • Vibratory gyroscopes
• Experience with working within small engineering teams and leading teams with integrity
  • Ideally with startup experience
• Highly adaptable, good communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience with layout using Klayout and data analysis using Python, Matlab, JMP or R
• Thorough understanding of electrostatic actuators and capacitive sensing
• Strong theoretical understanding of multi-DOF mechanical modelling and simulation

Package:

• Competitive salary
• Generous company package including share options, health insurance, Royal London pension, and sick pay
• Flexible working arrangements with potential for remote working

Location & Travel

Zero Point Motion’s office and lab space is located in the Bristol University Quantum Technologies Innovation Center amongst likeminded start-up companies. There will be a occasional travel throughout the UK and abroad for conferences, meetings and engineering visits.

Zero Point Motion is determined to foster belonging and empowerment at work. We are committed to providing a work environment where there’s a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, and everyone is treated with respect. Equity, diversity and inclusion are central to our mission and we strongly encourage candidates of all different backgrounds and identities to apply. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us.