Technologist R&D Engineer — Optical Design & Computational Photonics (Fully Remote)

WD; United States; Remote; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

WD is seeking a senior Optical Architect to define and drive the optical architecture behind advanced device platforms. You will lead optical simulation, inverse design, and system-level co-development to push the capabilities of next-generation photonic systems.

Collaborating with characterization teams, you will correlate simulations with experimental measurements and advance numerical modeling in Python and MATLAB to deliver robust, scalable solutions.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent experience in Physics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, or Applied Mathematics.
• Strong background in optical simulation and numerical modeling.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or scientific computing environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead advanced optical and multiphysics simulation for next-generation photonic systems.
• Develop inverse-design and optimization methodologies for complex optical structures.
• Collaborate with characterization teams to correlate simulations with experimental measurements.

Skills

Optical simulation

Numerical modeling

Python

MATLAB

Education

PhD or equivalent in Physics/Photonics/EE/Applied Mathematics

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

• You will define and drive the optical architecture behind advanced device platforms.
• This role combines optical simulation, inverse design, electro-thermal modeling, and system-level co-development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead advanced optical and multiphysics simulation for next-generation photonic systems.
• Develop inverse-design and optimization methodologies for complex optical structures.
• Collaborate with characterization teams to correlate simulations with experimental measurements.

Qualifications:

• PhD or equivalent experience in Physics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, or Applied Mathematics.
• Strong background in optical simulation and numerical modeling.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or scientific computing environments.

WD

WD builds the storage systems and infrastructure that power the AI-driven data economy, serving hyperscale data centers and enterprise customers worldwide. It is a global company with deep engineering expertise, a culture of solving hard technology challenges, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.