Optical Engineer III

Position: Optical Engineer III
Location: Redmond, Washington (Onsite)
Duration: Contract (24+ Months)
Job ID: 178675

Job Overview:
The Optical Engineer III will play a critical role in developing new concepts and technologies for next-generation Near-Eye Displays (NEDs), projectors, cameras, and sensors. This includes work in integrated optics, structured light, depth sensing, polarization optics, and optical system design. The ideal candidate will collaborate with a team of optical scientists and engineers to create innovative solutions for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications.

Must-Have Skills
1. PIC Design & Simulation: 3+ years designing, simulating, and laying out photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for visible/IR wavelengths.
2. Photonic Modeling Tools: Proficiency with tools like Lumerical, Ansys Photonics, Synopsys RSoft, or COMSOL for device/circuit analysis.
3. PIC Layout & Tapeout: Experience with layout tools (KLayout, Cadence Virtuoso, gdsfactory), GDSII generation, and supporting tapeouts at commercial foundries.

Nice-to-Have Skills
1. Active PIC Design & Validation: Experience in active PIC design, fabrication, and validation, especially for visible wavelengths.
2. Device Characterization: Skills in optical/electro-optic measurements, fiber optics, free-space optics, and PIC packaging.
3. Statistical Modeling & Sensitivity Analysis: Experience in design space exploration, yield modeling, and incorporating fabrication constraints

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with a team of optical scientists to develop imaging systems for AR and VR applications.
• Model and prototype critical technologies to enhance system performance and validation.
• Research and develop emerging concepts in imaging and optical systems to support NEDs.
• Evaluate and characterize optical components and system integrations.
• Work with the larger research team to explore concepts and drive optical system development for compelling user experiences.
• Manage supplier selection, interaction, and delivery of prototypes for concept demonstrations.
• Establish specifications for display and imaging systems to ensure successful product outcomes.

Qualifications:

• Experience in applied research and/or product development of optics or photonic systems.
• Proficiency in one or more optics technologies, such as illumination, radiometry/photometry, stray light analysis, physical optics, or imaging.
• Hands-on experience in laboratory settings, including setting up optical systems and using methods and tools for optics fabrication (e.g., molded, polished, diamond-turned optics, and microstructures).
• Proficiency in designing optical tools and methods such as FRED, ASAP, LightTools, or Zemax.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction and manage projects from start to finish.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills in a cross-functional team environment.
• Experience in radiometric calibration, signal-to-noise measurement, and modeling of imaging systems.
• Proven ability to define system performance and component specifications.
• Experience in measuring and modeling optical scatter.

Education/Experience:

• Advanced degree in Optical Sciences, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

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Pay Range: $70 - $75/ hour

The specific compensation for this position will be determined by several factors, including the scope, complexity, and location of the role, as well as the cost of labor in the market; the skills, education, training, credentials, and experience of the candidate; and other conditions of employment. Our full-time consultants have access to benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and 401K contributions, as well as PTO, sick leave, and other benefits mandated by applicable state or localities where you reside or work.

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