Senior Photonics Engineer — Quantum & LiDAR Platforms

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

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.