Director of Photonics Components
About The Position
Join our fast-paced and passionate team as Director of Photonics Components. As we scale, you will be instrumental in building our foundation from the ground up. This is a dynamic, hands-on role for a self-starter who thrives in a fluid startup environment. You'll have the opportunity to work on cutting edge technologies, work closely with leadership, and develop and implement engineering practices that support our mission and growth. You will lead the strategy, architecture, and execution of next-generation photonic component development. This role manages a team of Photonics Engineers responsible for designing reliable, scalable, and cost-effective photonics components. Director of Photonics will drive make vs buy decisions on Photonics components. This leader drives technical excellence, manufacturability, and lifecycle reliability while ensuring programs meet schedule, cost, and performance objectives. The role requires deep technical expertise, strong cross-functional leadership, and experience transitioning complex photonic hardware from R&D to production. This position requires access to export-controlled information. Employment is contingent upon the applicant being a U.S. person as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3)
Requirements
- MS or PhD in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
- 10+ years of experience developing photonic components.
- 5+ years leading engineering teams.
- Strong background in optical modeling (Zemax, Code V, Lumerical, COMSOL or similar).
- Experience with precision opto-mechanical packaging and environmental qualification.
- You're creative, flexible, and eager to wear multiple hats.
- You're passionate about building systems from the ground up and comfortable with ambiguity and change.
Responsibilities
- Define architecture for core photonic component portfolio.
- Lead design and development of: Optical isolators (free-space and fiber-coupled) Optical switches (MEMS, thermo-optic, magneto-optic, or hybrid) High-power fiber optic connectors Acousto-optic modulator modules
- Establish design standards, optical modeling practices, and validation methodologies.
- Oversee optical, mechanical, thermal, and materials integration.
- Drive DFM/DFA strategies to reduce cost and increase yield.
- Define component reliability strategy including accelerated life testing and failure analysis.
- Develop qualification plans aligned with telecom, industrial, defense, or laser processing standards as applicable.
- Lead root cause investigations and corrective action processes.
- Establish lifetime prediction models for adhesives, solders, fiber interfaces, magneto-optic crystals, and packaging materials.
- Manage and mentor a team of Photonics Engineers.
- Own development schedules, budgets, and resourcing plans.
- Partner with manufacturing engineering to transition products to production.
- Collaborate with supply chain to qualify vendors for optical crystals, fibers, coatings, magnets, and precision mechanics.
- Present program status and technical reviews to executive leadership.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
- Fidelity 401(k) plan with 4% employer matching
- 20 paid time off (PTO) days per year
- 13 paid company holidays
- 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
