Optical Engineer (52249)

About the Role

The Optical Engineer is responsible for the design, innovation, characterization, and improvement of advanced optical delivery systems for HAMR heads. This role focuses on developing and maturing next-generation optical architectures that improve optical coupling efficiency, field confinement, thermal robustness, and manufacturability of HAMR devices.

Responsibilities

• Develop and evaluate innovative optical design concepts for HAMR light delivery systems, including waveguides, tapers, couplers, mode converters, and surface plasmon excitation.
• Perform advanced optical simulations using tools such as Lumerical, Tidy3D, and COMSOL to model field propagation, coupling efficiency, loss mechanisms, mode behavior, and design tradeoffs.
• Apply inverse design, computational photonics, and optimization methods to explore new design spaces and develop optical structures that improve coupling efficiency, reduce loss, and enhance field confinement.
• Investigate and optimize new optical architectures to improve energy delivery to the NFT while reducing optical loss, reducing footprint, and improving robustness to manufacturing variation.
• Use simulation and experimental data to identify opportunities for new material or geometry combinations, and performance improvements in current and future HAMR platforms.
• Maintain current optical instrumentation and develop new metrologies and characterization methods for HAMR heads and related components.
• Partner with the process engineering group to define, execute, and track experiments that mature emerging optical concepts toward product integration.
• Coordinate with the testing group to characterize the laser diode, light path, waveguide behavior, and NFT performance, and translate findings into actionable design changes.
• Conduct failure analysis of the light delivery system and perform FMEA.
• Analyze testing and failure analysis data to guide the design direction of HAMR heads and support technology development roadmaps.
• Collaborate with various teams in the US, Japan, and China regarding product development and technical alignment.
• Provide updates on projects, including analysis of data and results; draw conclusions, present findings, and recommend appropriate action.
• Present technical findings, innovation proposals, and design recommendations to engineering and management stakeholders.
• Support invention disclosures, technical reports, and other documentation related to novel optical design concepts.
• Adhere to all safety policies and procedures as required.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Optical Engineering or Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics and/or equivalent relevant experience; PhD preferred.
• Two years of experience working in optics, Plasmonics, silicon photonics, optical chip design, or similar field.
• Knowledge of or hands-on experience with laser package design and assembly.
• Experience with hands-on optical testing, including transmittance, reflectance, and far-field diffraction.

Skills

• Knowledge and experience leveraging generative AI tools such as Claude or ChatGPT to accelerate data analysis, coding, troubleshooting, research, and documentation, with the ability to review and validate outputs effectively.
• Knowledge of semiconductor, HDD, or wafer manufacturing industry principles, practices, and techniques.
• Ability to track projects of various scope and complexity, including concept design, assembly, execution, and interpretation of results.
• Knowledge and ability to use various failure analysis techniques and instrumentation such as TEM, EELS, EDS, SIMS, XPS, etc.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with all levels of employees and management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications to create spreadsheets, Word documents, and presentations.
• Ability to present concepts and findings effectively.
• Experience performing modeling and simulations using various software applications.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with team members.
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Flexible and able to prioritize.

Working Conditions

The Optical Engineer works primarily in an office environment from Monday through Friday. The schedule may occasionally be altered to meet business or operational needs; may require travel between buildings. Work may also occur in an ESD-sensitive laboratory or testing environment, requiring adherence to safety and dress standards. Exposure to hazardous chemicals, fumes, or vapors and excessive noise may occur. The role involves standing, walking, fine grasping movements, bending, and twisting. Occasional pushing, pulling, or lifting up to 10 pounds may be required.

Pay

The annual base salary for this full-time position is between $120,819.00 and $177,765.00, plus bonus target and benefits. Individual pay may vary based on job responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience.