Senior Photonics Engineer

Inuplands; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 82,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Draper in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Senior Photonics Engineer to advance photonic platforms for sensors, LiDAR and quantum systems. You will model, design, develop, and characterize prototype devices with support from engineers and physicists, using tools like Lumerical and MATLAB.

The role requires strong programming and data analysis skills, plus familiarity with microfabrication processes to guide design work.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor's or master's degree in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, optics, or similar; PhD preferred.
• 5–7 years experience with a bachelor’s degree or 3–5 years with a master’s degree.
• Proficiency in programming and ability to develop software for lab experiments.
• Experience with photonic design tools and microfabrication knowledge is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develops and applies advanced design methods for photonic sensors, LiDAR, and quantum systems.
• Models, designs, develops, and characterizes prototype sensors and platforms.
• Collaborates with engineers/physicists and guides microfabrication processes.
• Provides technical leadership and contributes to reports/presentations.
• Identifies challenges and communicates them to project leadership.

Skills

Programming

Laboratory data collection

Technical writing

Oral communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physics/Applied Physics/EE/Optics

Master's degree in Physics/Applied Physics/EE/Optics

PhD preferred

Tools

Lumerical

MATLAB

Job description

Senior Photonics Engineer### Senior Photonics EngineerApply: Hybrid Available: Cambridge, MA: Full time: Posted Today: JR002966**Overview:**Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.**Job Description Summary:**As a Senior Photonics Engineer in the Photonic Systems Group, the candidate will play a critical role in the development of advanced photonic platforms for sensors, LiDAR, and quantum systems. The candidate will work closely with a team of engineers and physicists to model, design, develop, and characterize prototype sensors, systems, and technology platforms. Experience with simulating photonic components and systems with tools (ex. Lumerical, Rsoft, Tidy3D) or other computing environments is desired. Competency in a computing environment such MATLAB, Mathematica, or similar is desired. Knowledge of microfabrication processes sufficient to guide design work is desired.**Job Description:****Duties/Responsibilities** • Develops and applies advanced design methods, theories, and research techniques. • Analyzes, develops, and recommends design approaches to meet prototype or production requirements. • Responsible for planning and conducting hardware projects or phases of projects. • Develops and applies advanced design methods, theories, and research techniques. • May provide technical consultation and work leadership to other team members. • Development of quantum, optical, and/or photonic sensors and instruments. • Provide recommendations for performance improvements and cost reduction efforts. • Apply quantitative analysis in determining root cause of highly technical problems and propose, develop and implement solutions for corrective action. • Develop and maintain effective internal/external relationships. • Independently execute analysis assignments under the oversight of program leadership. • Contribute content for technical reports and presentations with appropriate guidance. • Adapt appropriately to changes in program requirements. • Identify challenges associated with assigned work and communicate them to project leadership. • Performs other related duties as assigned. **Skills/Abilities** • Proficiency in programming language. • Ability to write software routines to run laboratory experiments including data collection, storage, and basic data reduction. • Demonstrated consistency, accountability and flexibility managing multiple and competing priorities. • Proven ability to lead technical solutions to complex user requirements. • Excellent communication, technical writing, oral presentation, and interpersonal skills. **Education** Requires a bachelor's or master's degree in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, optics, or similar. PhD degree preferred. **Experience** 5-7 years experience in Physics Engineering or related with a bachelor's degree. 3-5 years experience in Physics Engineering or related with a master's degree.**Additional Job Description:**Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. Secret clearance is preferred.Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you don't find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration.**Job Location - City:**Cambridge**Job Location - State:**Massachusetts**Job Location - Postal Code:**02139-3563The US base salary range for this full-time position is$82,300.00 - $220,000.00*Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations.* *Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.*Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now www.draper.com/careers.Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact [e-mail] are in the business of redefining what is possible. Join our inclusive, multidisciplinary team to engineer the groundbreaking solutions of tomorrow. Explore life at Draper with our unique culture and benefits at draper.com.