Optical Research Scientist

Swave • Redmond, WA

19h • Onsite

About The Position

Imagine being the scientist who unlocks the third dimension of holography. At Swave Photonics, you won’t just study holograms — you will push the physical limits of how volume holograms are recorded, measured, and integrated into next-generation display systems.

In this role, your research directly accelerates our top-priority mission: dramatically improving image quality while proving that our Spatial Light Modulator (SLM) enables radically simpler and more compact system integration. Your work will shape how holographic exposures in thick photopolymer layers become manufacturable, scalable, and system-ready.

You will operate at the intersection of optics, materials, chemistry, and hands-on experimentation — transforming complex exposure physics into robust holographic components that power immersive, life-like visuals.

Embedded in the core of our R&D organization, you will focus on advancing holographic exposures in thick photopolymer layers. You bridge theory, materials, and experimentation, designing novel optical setups and metrology techniques that turn holographic concepts into validated, demonstrable systems.

From simulation to chemical handling to optical demos, your work will directly feed into the Swave HXR SLM ecosystem and its future optical architectures.

As our Optical Research Scientist – Volume Holography, you will be a key driver of our holographic exposure research.

Requirements

• A PhD in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• In depth knowledge of optics inc. Fourier optics, holography (analog, digital), and diffractive optics proven by a track record of scientific papers/contributions.
• Direct experience with holographic exposures
• Hands-on experience in an optical lab designing and building optical setups
• Proven skills in numerical simulations, e.g., in Python/Matlab involving one or more models of light propagation: ray tracing, wave optics, RCWA, finite-differences.
• Direct experience with experimental use of spatial light modulators (SLM)
• Experience in a dark room, a clean room, chemical lab
• Structured, detail-oriented, curious, and proactive, you can move independently from concept to experiment.
• You are a clear communicator who collaborates easily with multidisciplinary teams.

Nice To Haves

• direct experience with chemical formulation and handling of photosensitive materials for recording volume holograms in thick layers.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to scientific discussions and engineering plans aligned with the company roadmap for new optical systems around the Swave HXR SLM.
• Conceive, design, build and use optical setups for the exposures, measurements and demos of volume holograms
• Plan, execute, analyze, and report experiments, including writing code and documentation to automate experimental workflows.
• Perform numerical simulations.
• Prepare and handle chemical materials for volume holography.
• Travel to conferences and trade shows to present experimental results and live demos.[1]
• travels to visit our research partners and external collaborators / but traveling in person to some of our key customers located in the USA
• Document progress daily in a project management system and communicate clearly with internal stakeholders.
• Manage technical communication with external suppliers and research partners.
• Contribute actively to lab organization, safety, and housekeeping.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package aligned with experience and impact (xxxx$)[2]
• High-ownership technical role with visible product influence
• Flexible, results-driven work culture
• Collaborative, multidisciplinary R&D; environment
• Opportunity to work at the cutting edge of optics and semiconductor innovation
• Supportive team culture built on trust, authenticity, and ambition

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree