Field Application Engineer

Startup Atlas; San Jose (CA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Swave Photonics seeks a Field Application Engineer to work closely with customers, assisting system architects in integrating our holographic chips into their products. You will travel to build relationships, primarily in the US, and participate in a thorough training track designed to develop your expertise in holographic display systems.

You will collaborate with partners and internal teams, explaining complex concepts, gathering feedback, and ensuring successful deployments.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s degree in a technical field such as applied physics, electrical engineering, optical sciences, computer engineering or related field.
• 0-3 years of relevant professional experience is acceptable, internships or academic projects count.
• Foundational knowledge in optics/photonics, semiconductor physics, SoC/processor architecture, embedded systems, or hardware/software integration.

Responsibilities

• Engage with customers to understand technical challenges and system requirements.
• Show how holographic chips can be integrated into customer products.
• Provide structured feedback from the field to design, marketing, and product teams.
• Coordinate collaboration with AR application processor suppliers and partners.
• Travel about 20–30% of your time, primarily in the US, with some Asia travel.

Skills

Explain concepts

Communication

Prototyping

AR/VR knowledge

Scripting languages

Lab equipment

Travel readiness

Education

PhD or Master's in Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Sciences, Computer Engineering or related field

Tools

Optical design tools

Job description

Swave Photonics develops chipsets to deliver reality-first spatial computing powered by AI. The company’s Holographic eXtended Reality (HXR) display technology is the first to achieve true holography by sculpting lightwaves into natural, high-resolution images. The proprietary technology will allow for compact form factors with a natural viewing experience.

As a Field Application Engineer at Swave Photonics, you will engage with customers to integrate holographic chips into their products, provide feedback to internal teams, and travel 20-30% to build relationships, primarily in the US. This role offers intensive training and is ideal for early-career professionals with a Master's or PhD in relevant technical fields.

Job Description

Field Application Engineer

Why this role is exciting for you

Imagine working directly with some of the world’s most innovative technology companies — including close collaboration with leading semiconductor companies in Silicon Valley — showing them how holographic displays can transform their products and redefine entire industries. At Swave Photonics, you won’t just be explaining chips.

You’ll be assisting system architects and engineers in integrating our breakthrough technology, helping partners unlock the impossible: true holographic visualization where digital content floats naturally in front of your eyes.

This is your chance to launch your career at the intersection of cutting-edge engineering and market adoption, supported by an intensive training track designed to build your expertise.

Your role: connecting technology with customers

As our Field Application Engineer, you will be trained to become a trusted technical resource for our customers.

You will:

• Engage with customers to understand their technical challenges and system requirements.
• Show how Swave’s holographic chips can be seamlessly integrated into their products.
• Provide structured feedback from the field to our design, marketing, and product teams.
• Coordinate collaboration with leading AR application processor suppliers and partners.
• Travel about 20% to 30% of your time (mainly to the US, occasionally Asia) to build strong customer relationships.

Here, your expertise becomes the key to turning innovation into impact.

What you bring to the table

We know innovation thrives on diversity of experience and perspective. We are looking for candidates who are excited to learn and grow.

If you recognize yourself in the points below, we’d love to talk:

• A PhD or Master's degree in Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Sciences, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 0-3 years of relevant professional experience (internships, academic projects, or early-career roles in the semiconductor or high-tech industry are a plus).
• Foundational knowledge or strong academic experience in one or more of the following areas: optics/photonics, semiconductor physics, SoC/processor architecture, embedded systems, or hardware/software integration.
• Hands-on experience gained through coursework, labs, or projects in prototyping, testing, or system bring-up environments (e.g., using optical design tools, scripting languages, or lab equipment).A conceptual understanding of AR/VR display systems (light engines, waveguides, processor interfaces) is beneficial, but not required.
• Strong ability and desire to explain technical concepts and ask clarifying questions.
• Proactive, curious, and a collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills.
• Comfortable with moderate travel (~25% US, occasionally Asia) after the initial training period.
• Excellent communication skills and a willingness to learn the art of customer engagement.

About Swave Photonics

We are a fabless semiconductor company headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, with a growing presence in the US. Backed by seasoned leaders and a team of passionate engineers, we’re pioneering holographic technology at the intersection of optics, semiconductors, and systems design.

At Swave, you’ll find:

• A culture built on authenticity, trust, and openness.
• A small but ambitious team with a bias for action.
• An environment where creativity and purpose drive everything we do.
• Space to take ownership, experiment, and see your ideas come to life.

What we offer you

We believe the best work happens when people feel valued and inspired. That’s why we offer a competitive salary package tailored to your skills, expertise, and impact.

At Swave, you’ll work at the cutting edge of optics and semiconductors, where every customer engagement drives adoption of technology that changes the world. We know life doesn’t fit neatly into a 9-to-5 schedule, so we put results before hours — with flexibility and remote options where it makes sense. Our headquarters in Leuven, a city alive with technology, culture, and creativity, provides the perfect backdrop for innovation and connection.

Most importantly, you’ll be part of an informal and supportive team where authenticity matters. Here, you can bring your true self to work, share your ideas openly, and celebrate successes together.

Location: This role is based in the US - Silicon Valley.

Ready to shape the future?

Join us in building holographic technology that will change how the world sees, works, and connects.