COL-| Senior Scientist

Bozeman, United States

Colwyn Group is a staffing and recruiting firm headquartered in Austin, Texas, working across healthcare, technology, and executive search. We place candidates with employers across the US.An American Staffing Association member firm.

Job Title:

Senior Scientist – Non-Linear Optics & Waveguide Photonics

Industry: Optics, Photonics & Quantum Technologies

Location:

Bozeman, MT (Onsite / Hybrid)

Position Type:
Full-Time

Compensation:
From $100,000/year (DOE) + Comprehensive Benefits

Citizenship Requirement: U.S. Citizenship Required (ITAR / Export Controlled)

Overview:
We are seeking an experienced Senior Scientist to join an innovative Research & Development team in Bozeman, MT. In this role, you will lead cutting-edge R&D programs focused on advancing technologies in non-linear optics, electro-optic modulation, and waveguide-based photonics. You will drive novel technology development, establish advanced experimental techniques, and solve technical challenges across optical waveguide fabrication, device evaluation, and packaging to translate laboratory breakthroughs into high-performance components.

• Lead and execute R&D programs in non-linear optics, electro-optic modulation, and integrated photonics from design through experimental validation.
• Design, model, and evaluate novel waveguide architectures and electro-optic devices.
• Tackle multi-disciplinary challenges in waveguide microfabrication, material integration, and process optimization.
• Develop methods for optical packaging, fiber-to-chip coupling, and device stabilization.
• Build and refine optical and RF test benches for characterization (loss measurement, modulation efficiency, high-speed response, and non-linear optical properties).
• Document experimental findings, author technical reports, and contribute to IP generation.

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is strictly required due to ITAR compliance.
• Education:
  
  Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Physics, Applied Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
• Experience:
  
  5+ years of hands‑on R&D experience in optics, photonics, or laser physics.
• Technical Expertise:
  Demonstrated background in non-linear optical processes (e.g., harmonic generation, parametric processes, Kerr effect) or electro-optic modulators.
• Laboratory Proficiency:
  Proven track record in free‑space optics, waveguide characterization, and optical measurement equipment.

• Experience with cleanroom microfabrication techniques (photolithography, etching, thin-film deposition) on optical materials (e.g., Lithium Niobate, Silicon Nitride, III‑V).
• Hands‑on knowledge of optical packaging, fiber alignment, and micro‑assembly.
• Familiarity with simulation and modeling software (e.g., Lumerical, COMSOL, Zemax, or Python/MATLAB).