Optical Engineer

Headway Technologies; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 121,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

Headway Technologies in Milpitas, CA, seeks an Optical Engineer to design and mature advanced optical delivery systems for HAMR heads. You will lead simulations, experiments, and cross-functional collaboration to translate new ideas into scalable product solutions.

The role requires a strong background in optical engineering, silicon photonics, and plasmonics, with hands-on testing and modeling. Collaboration across US, Japan, and China is expected, with a focus on robustness and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Optical Engineering or Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics and/or equivalent relevant experience; PhD preferred.
• Two years of experience in optics, plasmonics, silicon photonics, optical chip design, or related field.
• Knowledge of laser package design and assembly is a plus.
• Hands-on optical testing including transmittance, reflectance and far-field diffraction.

Responsibilities

• Develop and evaluate innovative optical design concepts for HAMR light delivery systems (waveguides, tapers, couplers, mode converters, surface plasmon excitation).
• Perform advanced optical simulations using Lumerical, Tidy3D, and COMSOL to model field propagation, coupling efficiency, loss mechanisms, and design tradeoffs.
• Apply inverse design and computational photonics to explore new design spaces and improve coupling efficiency and field confinement.
• Collaborate with process, test, metrology, and product engineering to translate ideas into scalable product solutions.
• Coordinate with testing to characterize laser diode, light path, waveguide behavior, and NFT performance; translate findings into design changes.
• Conduct FMEA and failure analysis to guide HAMR head design and roadmaps.

Skills

Optical design

Modeling & simulation

Optical testing

Generative AI

Team collaboration

Documentation

Education

Master's in Optical Engineering

Master's in Electrical Engineering

Applied Physics degree

PhD preferred

Tools

Lumerical

COMSOL

Tidy3D

TEM

EELS

XPS

Job description

REPORTS TO: DIRECTOR, ADVANCED HAMR HEAD DESIGNS

SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Director of Advanced HAMR Head Designs, the Optical Engineer is responsible for the design, innovation, characterization, and improvement of advanced optical delivery systems for HAMR heads. This role focuses on developing and maturing next-generation optical architectures that improve optical coupling efficiency, field confinement, thermal robustness, and manufacturability of HAMR devices.

The engineer will lead and support innovative optical concept development, perform advanced optical modeling and simulation, drive experimental validation, and collaborate closely with process, test, metrology, and product engineering teams to translate new optical ideas into scalable product solutions. The ideal candidate is a strong technical innovator who can combine theory, simulation, experimentation, and practical engineering judgment to advance HAMR technology. This position is located in Milpitas, CA.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Develop and evaluate innovative optical design concepts for HAMR light delivery systems, including waveguides, tapers, couplers, mode converters, and surface plasmon excitation
• Perform advanced optical simulations using tools such as Lumerical, Tidy3D, and COMSOL to model field propagation, coupling efficiency, loss mechanisms, mode behavior, and design tradeoffs
• Apply inverse design, computational photonics, and optimization methods to explore new design spaces and develop optical structures that improve coupling efficiency, reduce loss, and enhance field confinement
• Investigate and optimize new optical architectures to improve energy delivery to the NFT while reducing optical loss, reducing footprint, and improving robustness to manufacturing variation
• Use simulation and experimental data to identify opportunities for new material or geometry combinations, and performance improvements in current and future HAMR platforms
• Maintain current optical instrumentation and develop new metrologies and characterization methods for HAMR heads and related components
• Partner with the process engineering group to define, execute, and track experiments that mature emerging optical concepts toward product integration
• Coordinate with the testing group to characterize the laser diode, light path, waveguide behavior, and NFT performance, and translate findings into actionable design changes.
• Conduct failure analysis of the light delivery system and perform FMEA
• Analyze testing and failure analysis data to guide the design direction of HAMR heads and support technology development roadmaps
• Collaborate with various teams in the US, Japan, and China regarding product development and technical alignment
• Provide updates on projects, including analysis of data and results; draw conclusions, present findings, and recommend appropriate action.
• Present technical findings, innovation proposals, and design recommendations to engineering and management stakeholders
• Support invention disclosures, technical reports, and other documentation related to novel optical design concepts
• Adhere to all safety policies and procedures as required
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in Optical Engineering or Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics and/or equivalent relevant experience; PhD preferred
• Two years of experience working in optics, Plasmonics, silicon photonics, optical chip design, or similar field
• Knowledge of or hands’ on experience with laser package design and assembly
• Experience of hands-on optical testing, including transmittance, reflectance and far field diffraction.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge and experience leveraging generative AI tools such as Claude or ChatGPT to accelerate data analysis, coding, troubleshooting, research, and documentation, with the ability to review and validate outputs effectively
• Knowledge of semiconductor, HDD, or wafer manufacturing industry principles, practices, and techniques
• Knowledge and ability to track projects of various scope and complexity, including concept design, assembly, executive, and interpretation of results
• Knowledge and ability to use various failure analysis techniques and instrumentation such as TEM, EELS, EDS, SIMS, XPS, etc.
• Knowledge and ability to communicate both verbally and in writing with all levels of employees and management
• Knowledge and ability to use Microsoft Office applications to create spreadsheets, Word documents, and presentations
• Knowledge and ability to present concepts and findings effectively
• Ability to perform modeling and simulations using various software applications
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with team members
• Able to comply with all safety policies and procedures
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills
• Demonstrated problem-solving and trouble shooting skills
• Flexible and able to prioritize

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Optical Engineer works primarily in an office environment from Monday thru Friday. The schedule may be altered from time-to-time to meet business or operational needs; may travel from building-to-building as needed. May also work in an ESD sensitive laboratory or testing environment; adheres to required safety and dress standards. May be exposed to hazardous chemicals, fumes, or vapors and excessive noise from time-to-time; stands and walks; performs various fine grasping movements, bends, and twists; operates a computer and enters information using a keyboard, operates a telephone, and other office equipment. May occasionally be required to push, pull, or lift up to 10 pounds.

The annual base salary for this full-time position is between $120,819.00-$177,675.00 + bonus target + benefits. Within the range the individual pay may differ depending on additional factors including job responsibilities, job related knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience. The annual base pay range shown is subject to change and may be modified periodically.

*Other duties of a similar nature or level are duties that may be required, but may not be specifically listed in the job description or posting.

TDK/Headway Technologies, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. Applicants requiring accommodation in order to complete the application process should contact the Headway Human Resources Department.