Senior Scientist - Optics
About The Position
Drive innovation in optical, photonic, and opto-mechanical technologies through the design, development, and characterization of advanced components and systems. The role spans early-stage invention through prototype demonstration and validation across markets including optical communications, datacenter interconnects, AI computing, advanced optical connectivity solutions, advanced displays, life sciences, and energy. It integrates expertise in optics, applied physics, modeling, and materials. The position involves collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to develop next-generation technologies for telecommunications, data centers, solar, and displays; defining requirements and validation protocols; and applying rigorous analytical methods to understand and solve complex technical challenges. The scientist may lead or contribute to focused projects, provide technical guidance, communicate work to internal and external audiences, contribute to intellectual property, and keep current with emerging technologies. Occasional travel may be needed for collaboration, benchmarking, or conferences.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Applied Physics, Optical Engineering, or a related discipline; or an M.S. in a related field with 3+ years of relevant industrial experience.
- Hands-on experience and working knowledge of optical systems, imaging hardware, and optical test and measurement systems.
- Strong ownership and ability to deliver results with minimal supervision.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to troubleshoot complex technical challenges independently.
- Strong data analysis, technical writing, and presentation skills; proficiency with inter-office tools such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Curiosity, patience, and an innovative mindset, with a desire to learn technologies beyond current skills and experience.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in high-performance, multidisciplinary teams.
- Effective communication skills for technical and business audiences.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with optical materials, photonic components, or integrated optical systems.
- Experience designing and analyzing optical systems using modeling tools such as COMSOL, Lumerical, MATLAB, Python, or equivalent.
- Knowledge of optical connectivity, telecommunications systems, and datacenter or AI interconnect architectures.
- Familiarity with optical connectivity technologies, optoelectronics, optical waveguides, displays, or scattering optics.
- Programming skills for automation, data acquisition, and process control, such as LabVIEW, MATLAB, or Python.
- Experience in prototype development, product commercialization, and technology transfer.
- Track record of patents, publications, or external technical contributions, and benchmarking experience.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and collaborate in a small team on focused projects.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and use optical modeling and experimental techniques to develop and support next-generation technologies for telecommunications, data centers, solar, and displays.
- Work with technical leaders to define technical requirements, performance metrics, and validation protocols for optical solutions.
- Apply analytical methods to develop fundamental understanding and solve complex technical challenges through root-cause analysis and innovative solutions.
- Lead or contribute to focused technical projects, providing technical guidance to scientists, engineers, and technicians.
- Document and communicate technical work through presentations to internal teams, customers, and external forums, and contribute to intellectual property.
- Stay current with emerging technologies, tools, and industry best practices.
- Travel occasionally for collaboration, benchmarking, or conference participation.
Benefits
- Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives.
- 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions.
- 401(k) plan with matching contributions; combined retirement contributions can reach 7%–12% of pay depending on age and years of service.
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
- Paid parental leave and family building support.
- Fitness benefits.
- Company-paid life insurance and disability benefits.
- Disease management programs.
- Paid time off.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Recognition program to celebrate successes and reward exceptional contributions.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
