Photonics Engineer 3 Components
About The Position
Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Photonics Engineer 3 Components dedicated to the design, development, and evaluation of sophisticated photonic components utilized in high-performance optical systems. As we scale, you will be instrumental in building our manufacturing foundation from the ground up. This is a dynamic, hands-on role for a highly self-directed engineer who thrives in an ambiguous, fast-moving environment. This position necessitates a solid foundation in optics, photonics packaging, and precise opto-mechanical integration. The engineer will collaborate closely with manufacturing, reliability, and supply chain teams to facilitate the transition of designs from prototype stage to high-volume production.
Requirements
- BS, MS, or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
- 5–10+ years of experience developing photonic or optical hardware.
- Experience designing or integrating optical components and assemblies.
- Hands-on laboratory experience with optical alignment and characterization.
- Familiarity with optical modeling tools such as Zemax, Code V, or equivalent.
- Experience with precision opto-mechanical design and packaging.
- Comfortable operating in an evolving environment with changing priorities
- Motivated by building new capabilities and infrastructure from the ground up
- Willing to take ownership across multiple technical domains
- Hands-on and resourceful, with a strong bias toward execution
Responsibilities
- Design and create photonic components, which include, but are not limited to: Optical isolators Optical switches High-power fiber optic connectors Packaged acousto-optic modulators
- Conduct optical design and modeling for both free-space and fiber-coupled optical systems.
- Develop opto-mechanical designs to ensure stable and consistent optical alignment.
- Choose and integrate essential optical components such as lenses, crystals, fibers, polarizers, and coatings.
- Perform optical tolerance assessments and conduct performance modeling.
- Design high-precision photonic packaging solutions that encompass: Fiber coupling assemblies Optical benches and mounts Thermal management structures
- Implement alignment methods, including active alignment, passive alignment, welding, soldering, and adhesive bonding.
- Develop automated or semi-automated assembly procedures.
- Establish and characterize optical testing setups for component validation.
- Measure critical optical parameters such as: Insertion loss Isolation Return loss Power handling capacity Switching speed Thermal stability
- Conduct environmental testing and evaluate performance under various temperature, vibration, and lifespan conditions.
- Assist with component reliability qualification and conduct accelerated life testing.
- Examine optical performance degradation and investigate failure modes.
- Carry out root cause analyses and implement corrective measures.
- Contribute to reliability modeling for materials, adhesives, fibers, and optical assemblies.
- Collaborate closely with: Mechanical engineering Manufacturing engineering Supply chain Quality and reliability teams
- Support the transition of designs into manufacturing and the scaling of production.
- Engage with external suppliers for specialized optical components and materials.
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
Mid Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
