Laser Engineer

Beacon Photonics; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Parental leave

Job summary

Beacon Photonics in Santa Barbara, CA, seeks a PhD-level laser systems expert to design, integrate, and validate high-performance lasers based on integrated photonics. You will simulate architectures, test components, and translate system requirements into laser designs.

Join a pioneering team delivering engineered laser solutions to commercial and government customers, with opportunities to build lab capabilities and advance photonics technology. Competitive compensation and benefits.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, electrical engineering, or similar.
• Expertise in design, simulation, and experimental characterization of optical hardware (semiconductor, solid-state, fiber lasers).
• Proficiency with Python, Simulink, VPI, Lumerical, and Matlab.

Responsibilities

• Design, integrate, and validate high-performance laser systems based on integrated photonics.
• Simulate laser architecture, cavity, and component performance to guide design decisions.
• Test and characterize lasers and optical microsystems against design requirements.
• Translate system-level requirements into laser architectures and component specifications.
• Develop and deliver engineered laser solutions to commercial and government customers.
• Collaborate with a team of integrated photonics, electrical, and test engineers.
• Build lab capabilities, lead development activities, and improve engineering processes.

Skills

Laser design

System integration

Experimental characterization

Python

Education

Ph.D. in physics/EE

Tools

Python

Simulink

VPI

Lumerical

Matlab

Job description

Beacon Photonics is creating revolutionary optical microsystems to disrupt traditional laser markets. Founded by pioneers in the field of integrated photonics, we are a dynamic tech startup at the forefront of optical innovation. Our heterogeneous photonics technology enables high-performance products that provide unparalleled advantages in cost, size, and functionality for communications, sensing, and quantum systems. We are a dedicated group of world-class engineers and scientists devoted to realizing transformative capabilities and solving real-world problems.

Responsibilities

• Design, integrate, and validate high-performance laser systems based on integrated photonics
• Simulate laser architecture, cavity, and component performance to guide design decisions
• Test and characterize lasers and optical microsystems against design requirements
• Translate system-level requirements into laser architectures and component specifications
• Develop and deliver engineered laser solutions to commercial and government customers
• Collaborate with a team of integrated photonics, electrical, and test engineers
• Build laboratory capabilities, lead development activities, and improve engineering processes

Requirements

• Ph.D. degree in physics, electrical engineering, or a similar field (or equivalent background)
• Expertise in the design, simulation, and experimental characterization of optical hardware including semiconductor, solid-state, fiber lasers and optoelectronic components
• Scripting and simulation tools such as Python, Simulink, VPI, Lumerical, and Matlab
• Hands-on experience building, integrating, and characterizing laser systems using optical test equipment and automated data acquisition

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Design and fabrication of photonic integrated circuits and semiconductor optoelectronics
• Narrow linewidth lasers and stabilization techniques such as self-injection locking and PDH
• Design and characterization of ultrafast, pulsed, and high-power lasers
• Strong understanding of nonlinear optics including down-conversion and frequency combs

Beacon Photonics has offices in Arlington, VA and Santa Barbara, CA. We value innovation, collaboration, open and honest communication, and a passion for technology. Come build your future with us! Our benefits include competitive compensation and employee stock ownership. We provide generous family medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) matching, holidays, parental leave, and paid time off. Beacon is an equal-opportunity employer, committed to sustaining a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by law.

Estimated Salary Range: $130K – $230K

Actual compensation for the role will be commensurate with the candidate’s education, work experience, skills, incoming position, and responsibilities.

This position involves access to technology that may be subject to U.S. export controls. Such access is granted to U.S. citizens (born or naturalized), lawful permanent residents, certain categories of refugees and asylees, and those who can obtain appropriate export control licenses from the U.S. Departments of State and Commerce.