Senior Principal Scientist - Holographic Systems and Grating Fabrication

MKS Instruments•Rochester, NY

20d

About The Position

As a Senior Principal Research Scientist, Holographic Systems & Grating Fabrication at MKS Newport’s Richardson Gratings, you will help shape the future of advanced photonics. Lead breakthrough innovation in holographic diffraction gratings that power some of the world's most demanding applications in spectroscopy, lasers, semiconductor manufacturing, space exploration, and scientific research. Working at the intersection of optical physics, nanofabrication, and advanced manufacturing, you will collaborate with Engineering, Production, and Commercial teams to transform novel concepts into next-generation products. From designing sophisticated grating architectures to driving cutting-edge fabrication processes in the cleanroom, your work will directly influence the performance limits of optical systems used around the globe. This role is ideal for a scientist who thrives on solving difficult problems, translating theory into reality, and leaving a lasting impact on the future of holographic and diffractive optical technologies.

Requirements

PhD in Physics, Optical Sciences, Electrical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline strongly preferred.
Technical expert with a record of impact in holographic diffraction grating fabrication.
12+ years of relevant scientific, research, and engineering experience, or an equivalent combination of advanced education, research accomplishments, publications, patents, and industry leadership.
Expertise in physical optics, interferometry, and holographic recording materials (photoresists).
Experience with tools like MATLAB or Python for data analytics, Zemax, Code V, or similar optical design software.
Experience with photolithography, wet/dry etching, and thin-film deposition techniques.
Understanding the physics and best practice of diffraction gratings.
Ideally experience utilizing wavefront sensors, custom Littrow efficiency benches, and advanced analytical tools like Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
General competency in thin-film and optical characterization.

Nice To Haves

Reactive Ion Beam Etching (RIBE)
Replication techniques
Hands-on experience with AFM and SEM instrumentation
Laser-Induced Damage Threshold (LIDT) testing for high-power laser applications

Responsibilities

Advance the Science of Diffraction Gratings: Lead the design and optimization of innovative holographic grating solutions using advanced optical modeling and simulation techniques. Apply tools such as RCWA, FEA, and physical optics methods to push boundaries in diffraction efficiency, wavefront quality, spectral performance, and manufacturability.
Engineer World-Class Holographic Recording Systems: Own the development and continual refinement of sophisticated interferometric exposure platforms. Design highly stable optical recording environments that enable precise, repeatable holographic fabrication while mitigating vibration, thermal effects, and environmental drift.
Drive Next-Generation Nanofabrication: Lead advanced cleanroom processes spanning substrate preparation, photoresist coating, holographic exposure, development, etching, and thin-film deposition. Transform breakthrough R&D concepts into scalable, robust manufacturing technologies.
Unlock Performance Through Precision Metrology: Utilize state-of-the-art characterization techniques to validate and improve grating performance. Leverage AFM, SEM, wavefront sensing, diffraction efficiency testing, and custom optical metrology systems to align fabricated structures with theoretical design intent.
Shape Technology Strategy and Innovation: Serve as a leading scientific authority for holographic optics and grating fabrication. Develop patentable technologies, publish technical papers, influence technology roadmaps, and translate complex scientific concepts into actionable solutions for engineering, manufacturing, and customer-facing teams.
Mentor and Inspire: Provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams, elevating scientific excellence and fostering a culture of innovation, curiosity, and continuous advancement.