Senior Optical Designer

Position Summary:

We are seeking an innovative and hands-on Senior Optical Design Engineer to design and optimize the next generation of 3D nanostructured optical components. This role sits at the intersection of optics, materials science, and advanced fabrication. You will work closely with our nanofabrication team to develop devices that harness the full design freedom offered by our platform. From conceptual design through simulation, layout, and prototype validation, you will be instrumental in turning ideas into real-world photonic systems.

What you’ll be doing

• Design complex novel 3D optical components and systems that take advantage of Irradiant’s unique 3D GRIN nanofabrication capabilities.
• Simulate light propagation and system performance using tools such as Zemax, Lumerical, COMSOL, or equivalent.
• Collaborate closely with fabrication engineers to ensure designs are aligned with process constraints and to iterate based on empirical results.
• Work on the co-design of systems that integrate multiple optical components into compact, high-performance assemblies.
  Analyze device performance through both simulation and experimental data, and use this feedback to refine and improve optical designs.
• Contribute to the development of design libraries, workflows, and automation tools to support scalable device design.
• Communicate design intent and results clearly across multidisciplinary teams.
• Come up with and demonstrate the feasibility of novel ideas to pitch to solve customer problems.

What experience you’ll bring

• Demonstrated experience in optical design, modeling, and simulation, particularly in optical interconnect for PICs and fibers.
• Deep experience with a range of optical design software and methods, including ray tracing, FDTD, and beam propagation.
• Experience working in close collaboration with fabrication or manufacturing teams to bring designs from concept to reality.
• Ability to balance creative, unconstrained design thinking with practical manufacturing and performance considerations.
• Strong foundation in wave optics and light-matter interaction.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative startup environment with shifting priorities and evolving technical challenges.

About Us

Irradiant Technologies is pioneering the future of nano-optics and photonics with our proprietary 3D nanofabrication platform. Our technology enables the creation of optical components with geometries and refractive index profiles previously unattainable, opening doors to entirely new classes of photonic devices. By redefining what is possible in optical design and manufacturing, we are accelerating innovations in sensing, communication, imaging, display, and computation. We are expanding our team with passionate individuals who thrive at the cutting edge of technology.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this role is $140,000 - $180,000 and we are committed to equitable compensation across our company. We handle our benefits through an annual reimbursement to give our employees greater flexibility with the plans that meet their needs. We offer a Flexible Paid Time Off policy and encourage people to take regular vacation. 

Equal Employment Opportunity

Irradiant Technologies is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive team free from discrimination or harassment. We encourage candidates of any race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status to apply. Applicants with a disability are encouraged to contact us with any requests for accommodation.