Optical Research Scientist – Volume Holography

Startup Atlas; Redmond (WA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

High-ownership technical role

Collaborative R&D environment

Cutting-edge optics and semiconductor/

Job summary

Swave Photonics seeks an Optical Research Scientist – Volume Holography to advance holographic exposures in thick photopolymer layers and design novel optical setups. You will bridge theory, materials, and experimentation within our R&D core, contributing to validated demonstrations feeding into the Swave HXR SLM ecosystem.

Your role involves simulations, experimental workflows, and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams to push manufacturability and system integration of holographic

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Optics, EE or closely related field.
• In-depth knowledge of optics, Fourier optics, holography (analog/digital).
• Direct experience with holographic exposures and optical setups.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to discussions and engineering plans aligned with the roadmap for Swave HXR SLM.
• Design, build, and use optical setups for exposures, measurements, and demos of volume holograms.
• Plan, execute, analyze, and report experiments; write code to automate workflows.
• Perform numerical simulations of light propagation (ray tracing, wave optics, RCWA, FDM).
• Handle chemical materials for volume holography; maintain lab safety and organization.
• Travel to conferences, partner sites, and customers; present results and live demos.

Education

PhD in Physics/Optics/Electrical Engineering

Tools

Python/ Matlab simulations

Optical lab experience

SLM (Spatial Light Modulators)

Fourier optics and holography

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.

The Optical Research Scientist will advance holographic exposures in thick photopolymer layers, designing optical setups, performing simulations, and handling chemical materials to integrate volume holograms into next-generation display systems at Swave Photonics.

Job Description

Optical Research Scientist

Engineering the depth of light

Why is this role exciting for you

Imagine being the scientist who unlocks the third dimension of holography. At Swave Photonics, you won’t just study holograms — you will push the physical limits of how volume holograms are recorded, measured, and integrated into next-generation display systems.

In this role, your research directly accelerates our top-priority mission: dramatically improving image quality while proving that our Spatial Light Modulator (SLM) enables radically simpler and more compact system integration. Your work will shape how holographic exposures in thick photopolymer layers become manufacturable, scalable, and system-ready.

You will operate at the intersection of optics, materials, chemistry, and hands-on experimentation — transforming complex exposure physics into robust holographic components that power immersive, life-like visuals.

The role at a glance

Embedded in the core of our R&D organization, you will focus on advancing holographic exposures in thick photopolymer layers. You bridge theory, materials, and experimentation, designing novel optical setups and metrology techniques that turn holographic concepts into validated, demonstrable systems.

From simulation to chemical handling to optical demos, your work will directly feed into the Swave HXR SLM ecosystem and its future optical architectures.

As our Optical Research Scientist – Volume Holography, you will be a key driver of our holographic exposure research.

You will:

● Contribute to scientific discussions and engineering plans aligned with the company roadmap for new optical systems around the Swave HXR SLM.

● Conceive, design, build and use optical setups for the exposures, measurements and demos of volume holograms

● Plan, execute, analyze, and report experiments, including writing code and documentation to automate experimental workflows.

● Perform numerical simulations.

● Prepare and handle chemical materials for volume holography.

● Travel to conferences and trade shows to present experimental results and live demos.

● Travels to visit our research partners and external collaborators, and you will visit some of our key customers located in the USA.

● Document progress daily in a project management system and communicate clearly with internal stakeholders.

● Manage technical communication with external suppliers and research partners.

● Contribute actively to lab organization, safety, and housekeeping.

Here, your research doesn’t live in isolation — it becomes a visible, working proof of what holographic technology can achieve.

What you bring to the table

● A PhD in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.

● In depth knowledge of optics inc. Fourier optics, holography (analog, digital), and diffractive optics proven by a track record of scientific papers/contributions.

● Direct experience with holographic exposures

● Hands-on experience in an optical lab designing and building optical setups

● Proven skills in numerical simulations, e.g., in Python/Matlab involving one or more models of light propagation: ray tracing, wave optics, RCWA, finite-differences.

● Direct experience with experimental use of spatial light modulators (SLM)

● Experience in a dark room, a clean room, chemical lab

● Structured, detail-oriented, curious, and proactive, you can move independently from concept to experiment.

● You are a clear communicator who collaborates easily with multidisciplinary teams.

Bonus points if you have direct experience with chemical formulation and handling of photosensitive materials for recording volume holograms in thick layers.

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.

What we offer you

We believe the best work happens when people feel valued and inspired.

That’s why we offer:

● Competitive compensation package aligned with experience and impact

● High-ownership technical role with visible product influence

● Collaborative, multidisciplinary R&D; environment

● Opportunity to work at the cutting edge of optics and semiconductor innovation

● Supportive team culture built on trust, authenticity, and ambition

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 Redmond, WA, USA.