Optical Engineer

Title: Scientist, Optical and Plasmonic Metasurfaces

Work Location: Burnaby, BC, Canada

Division & Department: Technology & Innovation / NANO

Position

Reports to:

Software Manager

The Optical and Plasmonic Metasurfaces Scientist relies on knowledge of and experience with nanophotonics and meta-optics to develop sub-wavelength optical structures — including metalenses, metasurface-based optical filters, phase-gradient metasurfaces, diffractive gratings, and absorbing nanostructures — from concept through simulation to fabrication-ready design. This job requires a strong command of electromagnetic and optical simulation (such as FDTD, RCWA, and/or finite-element methods), a solid grounding in optical physics (diffraction, interference, polarization, thin-film interference, and Fourier optics), and proficiency in scientific programming (e.g. Python and/or MATLAB) for design automation, optimization, and data analysis.

Knowledge in the design and numerical optimization of nano- and micro-scale optic and photonic structures, and the ability to work independently is required.

• Design, model, and optimize sub-wavelength optical and photonic structures, including metalenses, metasurface-based optical filters, phase-gradient metasurfaces, diffractive gratings, and absorptive plasmonic resonators.
• Build and run electromagnetic and optical simulations (such as FDTD, RCWA, and/or finite-element methods) to predict device performance and iterate designs against optical, spectral, and polarization targets. Develop and maintain scientific programing used to automate simulation, optimization, and the analysis of measured optical data.
• Design and optimize pixel- and system-level optical layouts, balancing optical performance against manufacturability. Document designs, methods, and results, and communicate findings clearly to cross-functional engineering and research teams.

• PhD — or an MSc with equivalent industry experience — in Physics, Photonics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a closely related field, with a focus on nanophotonics, meta-optics, optical design, or related areas.
• Demonstrated knowledge of nanophotonics, meta-optics, and/or optical/electromagnetic physics, including metasurfaces, metalenses, diffractive and grating optics, plasmonic resonators, diffraction, interference, polarization, thin-film interference, scattering, and Fourier optics.
• Hands‑on proficiency with electromagnetic / optical simulation tools such as FDTD (e.g., ANSYS FDTD), RCWA, and/or finite-element solvers (e.g., COMSOL).
• Proficiency in scientific programming (e.g. Python and/or MATLAB) for simulation automation, numerical optimization, and data analysis.
• Hands‑on optical laboratory experience — building and aligning optical setups and performing optical characterization (e.g., spectroscopy, microscopy, or imaging).
• Nice to have: Experience translating optical designs into fabrication‑ready layouts (e.g., GDSII) and a working understanding of nano- and micro‑fabrication constraints and tolerances.
• Nice to have: Hands‑on nano- or micro‑fabrication experience, such as cleanroom processes (electron‑beam or photolithography, etching, thin‑film deposition, or nanoimprint lithography).

• Minimal travel required; occasional domestic or international travel may be required to support fabrication, characterization, or project collaboration.