A Paignton, Devon company that assembles and packages photonic chips and optical components for quantum, space, defence, medical and communications customers.
Bay Photonics does the careful hands-on engineering that turns delicate light-based components into working products. Photonics is technology that uses light instead of electricity, for example in fibre-optic communications, laser sensors and the optical parts of a quantum computer. The company specialises in assembling and packaging photonic integrated circuits, which are tiny chips that guide light, and in precisely lining up optical parts so that light passes through them properly. Its work supports quantum technologies, autonomous vehicles, medical imaging and next-generation communications. Its customers are in telecoms, defence, healthcare, quantum, advanced sensing, marine and space.
Glenn George and Larry Clark founded Bay Photonics in 2007. It is based at the Electronics and Photonics Innovation Centre, known as EPIC, in Paignton, Torbay. It has since been acquired by AMS Technologies, a European engineering group based near Munich, after several years of talks, and it continues to work from Paignton. Mr George speaks for the company. His own words capture the spirit of the work: "It's the hidden technology that drives modern life." The company says it wants to build skilled jobs locally, invest in regional expertise and show that high-technology careers are available in Torbay.
Bay Photonics is a good example of a quantum supply-chain company in the south west of England, a long way from the usual university cities. It has grown from 6 employees in 2020 to 31 at the time of the acquisition report, and expected to reach about 50 within two years. It expected to be an anchor tenant in Torbay's new technology park. It works closely with other quantum companies: QLM Technology moved lab space into the same EPIC centre to work with it. It has won Innovate UK projects including HiQuED and REDEEMA, which concern quantum technology.
The company puts local people and training at the centre of its story. About 15% of its workforce are apprentices, and it works with South Devon College on degree-level apprenticeships in engineering and advanced manufacturing. Recent hires reported locally include Amyas Holroyd, an applications and test engineer with about 30 years in photonics, and Liam Moroney, who leads several new development projects. That mix of experienced specialists and trainees is the company's own description of its team and has not been checked independently.
Roles at a company like this include assembly technicians and engineers who build and align optical parts, test engineers who check that products work, applications engineers who talk to customers, process and quality staff, and project, finance and operations staff. Physics, engineering, electronics and manufacturing subjects are all relevant. Bay Photonics' website lists the company's current opportunities.
Website: www.bayphotonics.com
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