Senior Photonics Technologist: Devices & Systems R&D

WD; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 216,000 - 288,000; Full time

Job summary

WD is seeking a Senior Technologist in photonics for data storage and communications to provide technical leadership from concept to prototype. You will drive architecture, validation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration across device, process, and system teams.

The role demands a PhD in a related field, 10+ years of experience, and a proven ability to translate photonics concepts into differentiated technology platforms with clear paths to product impact.

Qualifications

• PhD in Photonics, Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or closely related field.
• 10+ years of experience in photonic device or system development.
• Deep technical expertise in photonic device physics, optical systems, and experimental development.
• Proven leadership of multidisciplinary R&D programs from concept through prototype validation.
• Strong understanding of photonic device design, fabrication, characterization, packaging, and system integration.
• Proven ability to make sound technical decisions with incomplete data.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to influence technical direction across boundaries.
• Track record of mentoring technical contributors and building alignment among diverse engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for R&D of new photonic devices and systems for data storage and communications.
• Define technology roadmaps, device architectures, performance targets, and development plans.
• Lead concept generation, feasibility, modeling, design, fabrication, and prototype demonstration.
• Guide tradeoff studies across optical performance, electrical drive, thermal behavior, reliability, manufacturability, packaging, and system integration.
• Collaborate with device, process, test, packaging, electronics, firmware, and system teams to resolve cross-disciplinary challenges.
• Establish experimental strategies and interpret data to accelerate learning and improve decisions.
• Identify external technology trends and strategic partnerships.
• Mentor engineers, drive technical reviews, and raise photonics capability.
• Communicate strategy, risks, and progress to leadership.

Skills

Photonics expertise

Device physics

Optical systems

Experimental development

Technical leadership

Communication skills

Mentoring

Education

PhD in Photonics/Optics/Electrical Engineering

Tools

Characterization equipment

Modeling tools

Job description

WD is seeking a Senior Technologist in photonics for data storage and communications to provide technical leadership from concept to prototype. You will drive architecture, validation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration across device, process, and system teams.

The role demands a PhD in a related field, 10+ years of experience, and a proven ability to translate photonics concepts into differentiated technology platforms with clear paths to product impact.