Physicist & Optical Scientist - Q

Apple

19h

About The Position

The Physicist & Optical Scientist will lead the conceptualization, design, and experimental validation of novel optical architectures, specializing in optics and nonlinear optics. The role focuses on exploring early-stage and uncharted concepts, investigating first-of-their-kind ideas, and translating exploratory physics into viable system-level solutions.

The scientist will design, model, simulate, prototype, and characterize advanced optical systems, particularly those involving ultrafast laser optics, nonlinear optical phenomena, and optical scanning mechanisms. They will work with external vendors and suppliers from technical engagement through fabrication, testing, and delivery, and will translate experimental and theoretical findings into actionable engineering insights for multidisciplinary hardware, software, and systems teams.

Requirements

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 10 or more years of hands-on experience in experimental optics and/or optical design in academic research and/or industry.
• Proven track record in optical design and modeling of ultrafast (short-pulse) laser systems.
• Deep expertise in nonlinear optical processes and light-matter interaction.
• Hands-on experience designing or implementing optical scanning systems, such as galvo, resonant, MEMS, or polygon scanners.
• Experience setting up, aligning, and troubleshooting complex free-space and fiber optical setups.
• Experience collaborating with and managing domestic or international optical vendors and fabricators, including suppliers of custom optics, coatings, and laser sources.
• Proficiency with optical simulation and modeling tools such as Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, FRED, or LightTools, and numerical analysis tools such as Python or MATLAB.
• Ability to work in ambiguous, exploratory environments by defining problem statements, testing hypotheses, and adapting based on empirical results.
• Excellent cross-functional communication skills, including the ability to articulate trade-offs across physics, mechanical constraints, and systems engineering.

Responsibilities

• Explore, architect, and validate early-stage optical concepts and architectures where specifications and solutions are not yet defined.
• Design, model, and simulate advanced optical systems involving ultrafast laser optics, nonlinear optical phenomena, and optical scanning mechanisms.
• Build, align, and operate experimental laboratory setups to prototype ideas, evaluate feasibility, and characterize optical phenomena.
• Partner with external vendors and specialized component suppliers from initial technical engagement through fabrication, testing, and delivery.
• Investigate physical limitations, identify fundamental trade-offs, and define requirements for next-generation systems.
• De-risk high-uncertainty optical concepts through rigorous modeling and hands-on laboratory experimentation.
• Establish and manage external vendor relationships, including drafting optical specifications, conducting design reviews, and qualifying vendor deliverables.
• Develop custom experimental benches and test procedures to validate system-level performance against physical limits.
• Analyze complex experimental datasets and communicate actionable recommendations to cross-functional engineering teams.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior