Optical Materials and Isolator Development

TOPTICA Photonics SE; Town of Pittsford (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

Long-term Disability

401(k) Plan

Paid Time Off

Federal Holidays

Year-end Shutdown

Job summary

TOPTICA Photonics SE seeks an Optical Materials and Isolator Development specialist to design devices for new wavelengths and form-factors, build early prototypes, and advance the supply chain for high-performance components. You will work with suppliers and partners to develop new materials and integrate magneto-optical components into laser systems.

The role requires hands-on fabrication, crystal growth knowledge, and strong data analysis with excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of optical material fabrication techniques including single-crystal growth (Czochralski, Bridgman, Float-zone, LPE) and optical ceramic pressing.
• Working knowledge of optical crystal characterization (XRD, absorption, CRD).
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with optical devices and systems.

Responsibilities

• Optical design of devices for new wavelengths and form-factors.
• Build and characterize early prototype devices.
• Maintain and further develop existing supply chain of high-performance optical components including Faraday rotators and high-extinction polarizers.
• Establish and qualify suppliers of new materials as they become available.
• Where no supply chain exists, work with industrial and academic partners on the development of new materials.
• Collaboration with other optical, mechanical, and systems engineers to integrate magneto-optical components into laser and photonic systems.
• Author technical reports, material specifications, and engineering documentation.
• Present results internally as well as at technical conferences and customer meetings.
• Work with external stake-holders to ensure products meet market needs.
• Maintain and further develop intellectual property and patent portfolio.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Optical design

Prototype device testing

Optical metrology

Crystal fabrication

XRD/absorption CRD

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Travel readiness

Communication skills

Education

PhD preferred / MS with relevant experience

Job description

TOPTICA Photonics SE is an internationally leading, mid-sized high-tech manufacturer of laser systems for science, biotechnology, and metrology, with more than 600 employees worldwide. High motivation and personal responsibility in the service of our customers shape the corporate philosophy of this privately managed “hidden champion,” which is embraced and actively lived by our employees with great commitment. Our customers include renowned industrial companies as well as numerous Nobel Prize winners.

Optical Materials and Isolator Development

What can you expect in the role of Optical Materials and Isolator Development?

• Optical design of devices for new wavelengths and form-factors
• Build and characterize early prototype devices
• Maintain and further develop existing supply chain of high-performance optical components including Faraday rotators and high-extinction polarizers
• Establish and qualify suppliers of new materials as they become available
• Where no supply chain exists, work with industrial and academic partners on the development of new materials
• Collaboration with other optical, mechanical, and systems engineers to integrate magneto-optical components into laser and photonic systems
• Author technical reports, material specifications, and engineering documentation
• Present results internally as well as at technical conferences and customer meetings
• Work with external stake-holders to ensure products meet market needs
• Maintain and further develop intellectual property and patent portfolio
• Other duties as assigned

Must-haves: What do you need for this role?

• Working knowledge of optical material fabrication techniques including single-crystal growth (Czochralski, Bridgman, Float-zone, LPE) and optical ceramic pressing
• Working knowledge of optical crystal characterization (XRD, absorption, CRD)
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with optical devices and systems
• Use of standard optical metrology to develop and fully characterize performance of devices (optical power, optical damage threshold, isolation, insertion loss, wavelength and temperature dependence, etc.)
• Travel to supplier sites, other TOPTICA locations, and customer sites
• Ability and desire to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
• Excellent data analysis, written, and oral communication skills

What would be a plus in this role?

• PhD preferred, MS acceptable with relevant experience, BS in exceptional cases with significant relevant experience

• First-hand exprience in optical material fabrication, e.g. crystal growth

• Knowledge in the design and use of optical isolators

What we offer:

• Medical Coverage: TOPTICA provides 100% employer-paid medical insurance through Excellus with a fully funded HRA for in-network expenses
• Dental Coverage: Employees receive 100% employer-paid dental coverage through Excellus Dental with a $600 annual HRA
• Life Insurance: TOPTICA offers a basic term life policy through Unum equal to two times the employee’s salary (up to $300,000) at no cost, effective after 30 days
• Long-Term Disability Insurance: Employees are covered by a Unum long-term disability policy that provides partial income if disabled, effective after 30 days
• Retirement Plan: Full-time employees can participate in the 401(k) plan, with company matching up to 6% after six months
• Paid Time Off: Employees receive 7 sick days, 3 personal days, and accrue vacation starting at 10 days per year, increasing to 15 days after two years
• Observed Holidays: Employees receive 12 paid U.S. federal holidays each year
• Company Shutdown: TOPTICA observes a year-end shutdown between Christmas and New Year’s.
• Possible Salary: $90,000 - $150,000 on an annualized basis

It’s a plus if you’ve heard of the following terms:

• Verdet constant

• Faraday effect

• Optical ceramics