Sr. Optical Systems Engineer

We are building the optical layer that the next generation of AI and quantum infrastructure will run on. Our first product is an optical circuit switch built on a spatial light modulator. As Senior Optical Systems Engineer, you will turn our switch architecture into a working optical engine. You will own the free-space optical path, fiber coupling and the loss, crosstalk and polarization budgets, and prove them with measurements. This is a hands-on role at an early-stage company, so you'll own real decisions and help set the technical bar as we grow. If you like building a demanding optical system and making it work on the bench, you'll fit well here.

• Optical design. Design the free-space and Fourier optics of the switch: relay, fiber and lens arrays, and beam steering.
• Budgets. Own the loss, crosstalk, polarization and signal-penalty budgets, and close them with measured data.
• Tolerances. Run tolerance analysis and set alignment requirements with the optomechanical team.
• Build and debug. Assemble, align and debug optical demonstrators. Make core measurements reproducible by a second operator.
• Calibration. Define optical calibration requirements and work with test engineering to implement them.
• Characterization. Measure worst-route loss, crosstalk, stability and switching transients across the port matrix.
• AI in the workflow. Use AI tools across design, simulation and analysis to move faster.
• Cross-team work. Work with device physics, electronics, optomechanics and network systems so the optical engine meets product requirements.

• Master's degree (or higher) in optics, photonics, physics or a related engineering discipline.
• Hands-on experience designing, building and debugging free-space optical systems.
• Fiber coupling and loss-budget closure on real hardware.
• Tolerance analysis and optical design tools (Zemax, Code V or similar).
• Experience with repeatable alignment and calibration.
• Clear written and verbal communication, fluent English.
• Strong problem-solving in novel or ill-defined situations.
• Comfortable using AI tools across the workflow.

• Spatial light modulators, holographic beam steering or wavefront shaping.
• Optical circuit switches, MEMS or other optical switching systems.
• Experience with various photonic cavities.
• Optical communication links and transceivers.
• Scripted optical modeling in Python.

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Equity and benefits available, to be agreed upon.