Application & Support Engineer, Photonics Engineer

PADT, Inc; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

PADT, Inc. is seeking a Photonics Engineer to provide technical expertise in Ansys photonics and optical simulation; work with customers and the Ansys sales team to scope and support photonics projects.

The role focuses on simulation, model setup, analysis, and interpretation for devices such as lasers, waveguides, PICs, sensors, and resonators, leveraging Python/MATLAB for workflows and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field; master’s preferred.
• Strong theoretical understanding of photonics and EM propagation.
• Experience with optics/photonics simulation tools (Ansys Lumerical, Zemax, CODE V).
• Ability to work independently and in diverse teams.
• Excellent verbal and written communication in English.
• Proficiency with PowerPoint, Word, and Excel; scripting (Python, MATLAB) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Scope optics/photonics simulation solutions for customers and align with PADT and Ansys products.
• Support pre-sales with technical scoping and proposals.
• Provide technical support, identify workarounds, and document customer workflows to drive tool adoption.
• Develop and deliver technical trainings, product demos, and use-case presentations (lasers, PICs, waveguides, sensors).
• Create technical collateral (notes, tutorials, blogs, webinars).
• Conduct benchmarking and proof-of-concept studies with Ansys tools; report performance metrics.
• Maintain knowledge of Ansys optics and photonics offerings and related multiphysics workflows.

Skills

Photonics

Optics simulation

Python

MATLAB

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor of Science in Optics/Physics/Electrical Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Ansys Lumerical

Zemax

CODE V

Job description

Summary

The Photonics Engineer provides technical expertise, primarily in Ansys photonics and optical simulation tools, to support PADT's customers while also assisting PADT's Ansys sales team through strategic pre-sales and technical scoping activities, utilizing engineering knowledge, simulation experience, problem solving, enthusiasm, written and verbal communication, and eagerness to learn. Experience with photonics and optics simulation software is required, with preferences for tools such as Ansys Lumerical, Zemax, or similar industry-standard software.

Description

Summary: The Photonics Engineer provides technical expertise, primarily in Ansys photonics and optical simulation tools, to support PADT's customers while also assisting PADT's Ansys sales team through strategic pre-sales and technical scoping activities, utilizing engineering knowledge, simulation experience, problem solving, enthusiasm, written and verbal communication, and eagerness to learn. Experience with photonics and optics simulation software is required, with preferences for tools such as Ansys Lumerical, Zemax, or similar industry-standard software. The Photonics Engineer is responsible for helping customers solve complex photonics engineering problems using Ansys software products. The position involves working closely with customers and internal teams in a consultative and supportive technical role, including simulation, model set-up, analysis, and interpretation of results for photonic devices and systems such as lasers, waveguides, gratings, photonic integrated circuits, CMOS sensors, and resonators. The ability to research technical issues, learn new methods, and find practical solutions for a wide variety of customer challenges is paramount.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Work with potential and current customers to scope optics/photonics simulation solutions and identify opportunities that match PADT and Ansys products to their design needs.
• Collaborate with account managers to technically drive new optics/photonics opportunities, support ongoing accounts, and contribute to formal sales proposals.
• Provide, track, and document technical support for optics and photonics customers, including answering questions on software utilization, identifying workarounds, and developing a working understanding of their workflows to drive tool adoption and elevate when appropriate.
• Develop and deliver technical training courses, product demonstrations, and presentations focused on optics and photonics use cases such as lasers, PICs, waveguides, sensors, and resonators.
• Create technical collateral including application notes, tutorials, blog posts, and webinars to support customer engagement and technical adoption.
• Perform benchmarking and proof-of-concept studies with Ansys tools, reporting relevant performance and accuracy metrics.
• Maintain a working understanding of Ansys optics, photonics, and related multiphysics offerings and how they fit into customer workflows.
• Participate in ongoing training to expand Ansys skill areas and share optics and photonics expertise with colleagues.

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Education/Experience

• Bachelor of Science in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field; master’s degree preferred.
• Strong theoretical understanding of photonics, such as electromagnetics, wave propagation, and light–matter interaction.
• Minimum of one year of experience with optics and/or photonics simulation tools (e.g., Ansys Lumerical, Zemax, CODE V, or similar).
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in diverse team environments.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to develop practical engineering solutions for challenging optics and photonics problems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills in English.
• Proficiency with Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
• Familiarity with scripting or programming (Python, MATLAB, or similar) for workflow automation and data processing.
• Availability for occasional travel (approximately 25–30%).

Preferred Education/Experience

• 3.0 GPA or higher.
• Experience using photonics simulation for one or more of: lasers, photonic integrated circuits, fiber-optic systems, or optical sensors.
• Familiarity with Linux operating systems.
• Laboratory experience with optical characterization, measurement, or alignment.
• Experience with additional Ansys products or multiphysics workflows that couple optics/photonics with thermal, structural, or electrical behavior.
• Familiarity with version control and basic software development or data analysis practices for simulation post-processing.

This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. Therefore, for applicants who are not asylees, refugees, lawful permanent residents or U.S. Citizens (i.e., not a protected individual under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), otherwise known as a U.S. Person), final offers will be contingent on the ability to obtain authorization for access to U.S. export-controlled information from the U.S. Government.