Senior Optics Scientist

Role Purpose

Drive innovation in optical, photonic, and opto-mechanical technologies through the design, development, and characterization of advanced components and systems. In this role, you’ll drive early-stage invention through prototype demonstration and validation across diverse markets—ranging from optical communications, datacenter interconnects, AI computing, advanced optical connectivity solutions and advanced displays to life sciences and energy—by integrating expertise in optics, applied physics, modeling, and materials.

Day to Day Responsibilities

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and leverage optical modeling and optical experimental techniques to develop and support next-generation technologies for telecommunications, data centers, solar, and displays.
• Work with technical leaders to define technical requirements, performance metrics, and validation protocols for optical solutions.
• Apply rigorous analytical methods to develop fundamental understanding and solve complex technical challenges, via root-cause analysis and innovative solutions.
• Lead or contribute to focused technical projects, providing technical guidance to scientists, engineers, and technicians.
• Document and communicate technical work, through presentations to internal teams, customers and external forums, and contribute to intellectual property.
• Stay current with emerging technologies, tools, and industry best practices.
• Occasional travel for collaboration, benchmarking, or conference participation.

Required Skills

• Ph.D. in Applied Physics, Optical Engineering, or a related discipline; or M.S. in related field with 3+ years of relevant industrial experience
• Hands-on experience and working knowledge of optical systems, imaging hardware, and optical test and measurement systems
• Strong ownership and ability to deliver results with minimal supervision
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to troubleshoot complex technical challenges independently
• Strong data analysis, technical writing, and presentation skills; proficiency with inter-office tools such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
• Curiosity, patience, and an innovative mindset with a desire to learn new technologies that push beyond your current skills and experience
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in high-performance, multi-disciplinary teams
• Effective communication skills for technical and business audiences

Desired Skills

• Experience with optical materials, photonic components, or integrated optical systems
• Experience in designing and analyzing optical systems using various modeling tools such as COMSOL, Lumerical, MATLAB, Python, or equivalent
• Knowledge of optical connectivity, telecommunications systems, and datacenter or AI interconnect architectures
• Familiarity with optical connectivity technologies, optoelectronics, optical waveguides, display, or scattering optics
• Programming skills for automation, data acquisition, and process control (e.g., LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python)
• Experience in prototype development, product commercialization, and technology transfer
• Track record of patents, publications, or external technical contributions and benchmarking experience
• Demonstrated ability to lead and collaborate in a small team on focused projects

Pay

The range for this position is $102,650.00 - $141,145.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.