Optical Engineer

Optical Engineer

Payrate: $75.00 - $80.00/hr summary:
We are seeking a passionate Optical Engineer to join our research and development team. This role focuses on delivering state-of-the-art near-to-eye display system technologies. The ideal candidate will have expertise in novel integrated photonics device design and metrology, gained through a Ph.D. or industry experience.

Responsibilities

• Work with a small team of optical scientists in developing imaging systems for AR and VR applications.
• Model and prototype critical technologies to drive system performance and validation.
• Research and develop emerging concepts in imaging systems and optical systems in support of NEDs.
• Support the evaluation and characterization of optical components and system integrations.
• Collaborate with the larger research team to explore concepts and drive optical system development to create compelling experiences.
• Drive supplier choice, interaction, and management in order to deliver prototypes in support of concept demonstrations.
• Establish specifications for display and imaging systems to ensure a successful product.
• Design and develop complete Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), from fundamental component blocks to full-circuit implementations, with a strong emphasis on active device integration.
• Generate, verify, and prepare fabrication-ready layout files, ensuring compliance with foundry Process Design Kits (PDKs) for external fabrication.
• Conduct systematic design analysis, including optimization and parametric studies, to guide design decisions.
• Support the entire design-to-fabrication pipeline, from initial concept through tapeout, coordinating closely with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Collaborate with program leadership, Technical Program Managers (TPMs), and researchers on PIC designs that align with overall program objectives.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Optical Sciences, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a similar field or equivalent experience.
• 3 years of hands-on experience in the design, simulation, and layout of PICs for visible or IR wavelengths on platforms such as Si, SiN, LiNbO, or BTO.
• Experience in applied research and/or product development of optics or photonic systems.
• Experience with one or more of the following optics technologies: illumination, radiometry/photometry, stray light analysis, physical optics, or imaging.
• Experience with laboratory work setting up optical systems and experience with methods and tools for fabrication of optics (molded, polished, diamond turned) as well as microstructures.
• Designing optical tools and methods such as FRED, ASAP, Light Tools, or Zemax.
• Ability to work with minimal direction and managing a project independently from start to finish.
• Working, communicating, and collaborating in a cross-functional team environment.
• Experience in radiometric calibration, signal-to-noise measurement, and modeling of imaging systems.
• Experience defining system performance and component specifications.
• Experience measuring and modeling optical scatter.

Skills

• 3 years experience in active PIC design, fabrication, and validation, particularly for visible wavelengths on LiNbO or BTO platforms.
• 3 years of experience in design space exploration, sensitivity analysis, and statistical performance/yield modeling for photonic circuits.
• 3 years of experience with one or more major photonic simulation tool suites (e.g., Lumerical, Synopsys, COMSOL, or equivalent).
• 2 years of experience utilizing photonic circuit-level simulation tools (e.g., Lumerical Interconnect, Synopsys Opt Sim, or VPIphotonics) for system-level performance evaluation.
• 2 years of experience in photonic device characterization and test, including both optical and electro-optic measurements.
• 1 years experience with fiber optics, free-space optics, PIC packaging, and comprehensive device characterization.
• 1 years experience with semiconductor fabrication processes and a deep understanding of process-induced performance limitations, such as optical losses, sidewall roughness, and process variability.
• Demonstrated ability to directly incorporate fabrication constraints into PIC designs (e.g., optimizing minimum feature sizes and bend radii, implementing effective tapering strategies, and using layout techniques to mitigate scattering and coupling losses).