The posting
ZPM Launchpad Where graduates and early career engineers build the next silicon era
Light. Motion. Perception.
Every revolution in technology starts with a new way to feel the world. Transistors let silicon compute. Now, we’re teaching it to sense – with light. At Zero Point Motion, we use light instead of electrons to measure motion with extraordinary precision - creating chips that will replace those inside today’s cars and phones and power tomorrow’s autonomous robots, smart glasses, and intelligent homes.
By fusing photonics and MEMS on a silicon chip, we’re building a new class of sensor that operates at the speed and accuracy of light.
ZPM Launchpad is a three-month programme for technical graduates, early-career engineers, and candidates with 2-3 years of experience transitioning from a different domain.
Our work sits at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and an early-stage startup environment. Because of this, we’ve created Launchpad to support engineers in building context, depth, and impact quickly.
Launchpad has two routes depending on prior experience:
- ZPM Launchpad - Graduate
- ZPM Launchpad - Residency
While the routes differ, both are designed around a common goal: enabling participants to deliver impactful work at ZPM’s pace within a short period of time. Rather than aiming for broad exposure across all disciplines, Launchpad focuses on helping participants develop meaningful depth in a specific technical area, while gaining sufficient context across our core technologies - photonics, MEMS, electronics, process, and lab - and how we work as a technical team.
Candidates who successfully complete Launchpad will be considered for a permanent, full-time role at the end of the programme with significant opportunity for growth.
What you’ll learn
Deep understanding of our core technologies and teams:
- Photonics: Design and simulate light-guiding circuits on silicon
- MEMS: Model and engineer miniature mechanical structures that move in response to forces
- Electronics: Master circuit design, signal processing, and integration with photonic and MEMS devices
- Process and lab: Work hands-on with fabrication, assembly, and testing. Learn the precision processes that bring devices from wafer to system
- Start-up operations: Learn how deep-tech ideas become real products and what it takes to build a company from scratch
We’re looking for graduates and who:
- Are strong in maths and physics, and see equations as tools for shaping reality
- Are fluent in coding & automation - bonus points if you have a personal GitHub, build log or hands-on lab builders
- Are practical problem-solvers who love 3D printers, precision tools, and elegant hardware
- Are curious, practical, and want to learn fast in a start-up environment
- Care deeply about design and have the instinct to fix what’s merely “good enough”
- Are fluent in written and verbal English
You bring the energy and the drive to learn. We’ll provide the understanding, tools, and environment to make real impact in one of the most exciting areas of technology today.
Why Join ZPM
- Competitive salary and relocation support
- Fast-track development and mentorship
- Ownership in the company you help build - you'll get company options
- Access to company benefits and perks – Private Health Insurance, office snacks, pension etc
PMI and company options available once you successfully complete the programme.
Programme Details
- Duration: 3 months (full-time initial contract, with transition to permanent on successful completion)
- Cohort size: 2–4
- Location: Bristol, UK
- Applications close: Ongoing applications with fast track options, as well as start dates at various periods of the year
- Application process: Submit your CV and a short portfolio which demonstrates relevant projects or experience 30 min call with a member or two of the team Virtual Whiteboard session, Culture Fit interview and onsite
