Lead Photonics Engineer

We are seeking an accomplished Lead Photonics Engineer to join an advanced Engineering Research & Development organization in Boulder, CO
. This is a senior technical leadership opportunity for an engineer with deep expertise in very low-level light detection, photonic detectors, optical imaging, low-noise electronics, and advanced scientific instrumentation
.

In this role, you will help establish technical direction for next-generation photonic detection technologies while serving as a subject matter expert and technical mentor across multidisciplinary engineering teams. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with the ability to evaluate emerging technologies, solve complex engineering challenges, and help transition advanced concepts into reliable commercial products.

The Lead Photonics Engineer will focus on the development of high-sensitivity optical detection systems for applications where maximizing signal-to-noise ratio is critical.

Key technical areas include detector selection and characterization, amplifier architecture, ultra-low-noise circuit design, optical imaging and light collection, precision PCB layout, and system-level performance optimization.

This individual will serve as a technical authority in photonic detectors and their associated interfacing electronics
, working closely with Engineering, Research, Product Development, and external technology partners.

• Design and develop ultra-low-noise, high signal-to-noise analog front-end electronics for optical detection systems.
• Define requirements and specifications for photonic detectors, including photodiodes, avalanche photodiodes (APDs), single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs), silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs), and detector arrays
  .
• Collaborate with detector and component vendors to evaluate technologies and define performance requirements.
• Lead the development and evaluation of optical imaging and light-collection systems designed for weak-signal environments.
• Analyze detector physics, electronic and optical noise sources, and system-level performance limitations.
• Optimize detector interfaces, amplifier architectures, signal chains, and related circuitry for maximum sensitivity and signal integrity.
• Apply precision PCB design and layout principles to sensitive analog and photonic detection systems.
• Research and evaluate emerging photonics, detector, imaging, and optical sensing technologies to help guide future R&D direction.
• Perform technical evaluations, experiments, and trade studies to assess new technologies and design approaches.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and knowledge transfer to engineering and research teams.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on the development of sophisticated scientific and analytical instrumentation.
• Support the transition of advanced technologies from research and prototype stages into robust, manufacturable products.
• Identify opportunities to improve system performance, engineering processes, quality, and efficiency.
• Responsibilities may evolve based on technology development and organizational needs.

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Optical Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.
• 15+ years of relevant professional experience.
• Significant hands‑on experience with very low-level light detection systems
  .
• Expertise in low-noise amplifier design and analog circuit architecture
  .
• Experience with precision PCB layout for sensitive analog electronics
  .
• Strong background in optical detection and imaging systems
  .
• Deep understanding of photonic detector technologies and their associated electronics.
• Experience working with technologies such as photodiodes, APDs, SPADs, SiPMs, or…