Photonics Engineer, R&D

Dream Photonics is a deep-tech startup based in Vancouver, BC, developing advanced manufacturing technology for next-generation photonic systems. We are developing PICTORTM, a manufacturing platform that uses precision 3D printing to create high-efficiency, low-loss optical connections for photonic integrated circuits. Our technology addresses one of the central bottlenecks in advanced photonics: how to reliably connect light into and out of chips  work is directly connected to the future of AI data centres, optical modules, high-performance computing, quantum technologies, sensing, and defence.

As AI infrastructure pushes beyond the limits of conventional electronics, photonics is becoming essential for moving data faster, more efficiently, and with lower power. Dream Photonics is helping make that transition possible by rethinking how optical interconnects are designed, manufactured, and packaged.
Backed by angel, venture capital, and strategic investors, and supported by active customer engagement and government funding programs, we are scaling from an R&D team into a product company. We move fast, build technology with real-world impact, and team members meaningful ownership of the problems they solve. If you are excited by the intersection of optics, semiconductors, 3D printing, and advanced manufacturing, Dream Photonics is a place where you can help define the future of photonic hardware.

The Role  We are looking for a Photonics Engineer, R&D, to support the optical design team in developing the PICTOR software solution. You will develop simulation workflows for PICTOR lenses for optical components, including lasers, PICs, and fibre. This role will focus on the design of 3D-printed couplers and PIC coupling interfaces, in addition to PIC layout for the development of PICTOR couplers.
This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys solving complex technical challenges while working closely with cross-functional teams to translate research into commercially viable products. You'll contribute to cutting-edge photonics research and development while balancing technical rigour with practical execution in a fast-moving startup environment.
As Dream Photonics transitions from an R&D-focused organization to a commercial product company, you'll help develop technologies that not only advance the state of the art but can also be manufactured, tested, and successfully brought to market.

What You Will Do   Support the optical design team in developing the PICTOR software solution by developing simulation workflows for PICTOR lenses for lasers, PICs, and fibre.
Focus on the design of 3D-printed couplers and PIC coupling interfaces.
Perform PIC layout, primarily for development of the PICTOR couplers.
Author clear technical documentation, including test plans, SOPs, and technical reports.
Collaborate with packaging and design teams to align on product iterations.
Present R&D summaries and design results to internal stakeholders.
Collaborate closely with optical, packaging, manufacturing, and software teams to ensure designs can be successfully tested, manufactured, and integrated into commercial products.
Balance technical investigation with project priorities, delivering high-quality engineering work within evolving timelines and development milestones.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of engineering processes, documentation, and design workflows as the organization scales.

Required Qualifications   Bachelor's degree in Engineering Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Systems Engineering, Applied Physics, Physics, Materials Science, or a related engineering or applied science discipline.
3+ years of experience designing photonic components, PICs, or related…