Optical Engineer

Photonect Interconnect Solutions; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 44,083 - 55,104; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Professional development support

Job summary

Photonect Interconnect Solutions in Rochester, NY, seeks a motivated Optical Engineer to enhance its innovative laser-based fiber-to-chip technology. You will engage in designing and optimizing optical systems, using advanced simulation tools, and integrating photonic components into larger systems.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree in relevant fields and possesses strong problem-solving and teamwork skills. The role offers a salary of $32–$40 per hour, along with health insurance and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of optics and photonics principles, including optical fibers and photonic chips.
• Experience in software development relevant to optics applications.
• Familiarity with system integration methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineers and scientists on laser adhesion technology.
• Use simulations for optimization of photonic devices.
• Test software solutions for photonic devices.

Skills

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Communication

Teamwork

Eagerness to learn

Education

Bachelor's degree in optics, photonics, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

C++

ANSYS Lumerical

FDTD Solutions

Job description

Optical Engineer

Rochester, NY, USA

Overview

Photonect is revolutionizing photonic interconnects through our proprietary adhesion‑free, laser‑based fiber‑to‑chip attachment technology. We are seeking a highly motivated Optical Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team. You will play a critical role in designing, testing, and optimizing optical systems for our photonic packaging and interconnect technologies, including mode converters, fiber alignment tools, and integrated laser systems.

Role Description

• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists to develop and optimize Photonect’s laser adhesion technology
• Intensive use of ANSYS Lumerical/PhotonD for EigenMode Expansion (EME) and Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) simulations for mode matching and rigorous optimization of photonic devices
• Design, implement, and test software solutions for controlling and monitoring the performance of photonic devices
• Integrate optical and photonic components into larger systems, ensuring seamless operation and compatibility
• Conduct system‑level simulations and analyses to evaluate the performance of Photonect’s technology under various conditions
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to optics, photonics, software, and system integration
• Contribute to the development of technical documentation, including design specifications, test plans, and user manuals
• Stay up‑to‑date with the latest advancements in optics, photonics, and related fields to ensure the continuous improvement of Photonect’s technology

Due to the nature of our work and its association with U.S. government‑funded research, applicants must comply with U.S. export control laws and regulations. This includes eligibility under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, individuals granted asylum or refugee status, or otherwise authorized to access controlled technology as defined by U.S. law.

Requirements

This role does not have fixed requirements; candidates with relevant experience are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in optics, photonics, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field
• Knowledge of optics and photonics principles, including optical fibers, photonic chips, and laser adhesion techniques
• Experience in software development, preferably in a programming language relevant to optics and photonics applications (e.g., Python, MATLAB, C++)
• Familiarity with system integration methodologies and best practices
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
• Eagerness to learn and adapt to new technologies and challenges

Preferred

• Prior experience or coursework in optical interconnects, silicon photonics, or related areas
• Familiarity with optical simulation tools and software, such as Lumerical, FDTD Solutions, or similar packages
• Experience with laboratory equipment and techniques for characterizing optical and photonic components

Salary Range

$32–$40 per hour (based on experience)

Benefits

• Health insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Competitive salary, equity options, and professional development support.