Optical Design Engineer
SCOPE
Imagia seeks a highly motivated technical professional who can successfully bridge the gap between concept and implementation in novel metamaterial optical systems. Imagia designs and produces ultra-low-profile, high-performance optical lenses for use in advanced display architectures and image sensing platforms. This is a full-time position reporting to the VP of Engineering.
Work Description
The Optical Design Engineer (“ODE”) will drive the design, simulation, and characterization of revolutionary metamaterial lenses. The ODE is principally responsible for designing novel metamaterial structures that achieve high-level product objectives, subject to the constraints of available fabrication processes. The Metamaterials Specialist will validate lens performance through simulation, including assessing the contribution of fabrication imperfections and other real-world sources of error.
The ODE will play a key role in demonstrating product viability, assisting with prototype implementation and experiment design, and driving continuous improvements to lens design and production to increase optical quality and performance.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Conceive and analyze metamaterial lens designs for new and modified displays and image sensing applications.
Generate unit cell designs and full-scale masks for fabrication. Optimize designs to achieve key performance metrics. Identify trade-offs in performance and manufacturability.
Assess lens performance in simulation, including the expected impact of fabrication perfections and defects.
Develop software to automate the simulation, optimization, and mask generation to enable faster design iterations, while optimizing use of computational resources.
Collaborate with the rest of the team to determine concept viability, identify design trade-offs, conduct analyses, and complete experimental validation.
Prepare and review white papers, test plans, and design of experiments.
EXPERIENCE
Significant experience in diffractive optics, holography, computational optics, nanophotonics and/or development of optical systems.
Proficiency in design, theory, evaluation, and optimization of metamaterial structures.
Proficiency in optical modeling and simulation techniques such as RCWA, FDTD, and FEM.
Experience with imaging, display systems and human vision is a plus.
Experience in scientific programming and proficiency in Python. High performance computing or cluster computing is a plus.
Experience with nanofabrication methods (e.g. photolithography/EBL, deposition, cleanroom environment) and/or interfacing with vendors/foundries is a plus.
Creative/analytical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and creative problem-solving skills.
Good English verbal and written communication skills.
Self-motivation, time management skills, comfort working with autonomy, and the ability to “self-learn” on the job. Small team and/or start-up experience is a plus.
EDUCATION
PhD or Masters degree in a related field of applied physics or engineering.
COMPENSATION
Attractive compensation commensurate with experience with the possibility of equity shareholding. Medical, dental and vision coverage. Group term life insurance. 401(k) retirement savings plan with 4% matching. Flexible vacation plan and remote work as appropriate.