An Optical or Laser Engineer researches and develops technology that uses the science of light (optics). Optical technology includes fiber optic cables, which enable high-speed internet connections across long distances, and lasers, which can be used to make very small incisions and measurements. Works closely with scientists and engineers from other fields on advances in technology.
Optical Engineer Ascendion Engineering - 1.0 Redmond, WA Job Details Contract $80 an hour 4 hours ago Benefits Relocation assistance Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off Qualifications MATLAB Software coding Master's degree Physics Simulation tools Electrical Engineering Semiconductor experience Python Data analysis software
Full Job Description Job Title:
Optical Engineer III - Silicon Photonics (Contract)
Company:
Meta (Reality Labs)
Location:
Redmond, WA (100% On-Site)
Job Type:
Long-Term Contract About the
Role:
Meta's Reality Labs is building the future of Augmented Reality (AR) smart glasses. To achieve a truly wearable form factor, we are moving beyond traditional optics and leveraging advanced Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) to route light with unprecedented precision. We are seeking a highly experienced Optical Engineer III to design, simulate, and execute commercial tapeouts for our next generation of waveguide-based optical chips.
What You Will Do:
Design, simulate, and optimize passive waveguide components including Ring Resonators, Mach-Zehnder Interferometers (MZIs), Grating Couplers, and Edge Couplers. Execute end-to-end commercial foundry tapeouts on Silicon, Silicon Nitride (SiN), and/or Thin-Film Lithium Niobate (TFLN) platforms. Perform rigorous FDTD and MODE simulations to optimize optical routing and minimize insertion loss. Automate DRC (Design Rule Check) and GDSII layout generation using Python, KLayout, or GDSFactory. Collaborate hands-on in the lab to test, characterize, and validate photonic chips post-fabrication.
Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. in Optics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, or Physics with 1-3 years of industry experience, OR a Master's degree with 4-6+ years of relevant industry experience. Proven track record of executing successful Multi-Project Wafer (MPW) tapeouts with commercial semiconductor foundries (e.g., GlobalFoundries, AIM Photonics, Tower Semiconductor). Deep expertise with optical simulation tools (Ansys Lumerical, Synopsys RSoft, or COMSOL). Strong proficiency in layout and DRC software (KLayout, Cadence Virtuoso, or Luceda IPKISS). Experience coding in Python or MATLAB for layout automation and data analysis. Ability to work 100% on-site at our Redmond, WA hardware lab.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with advanced co-packaged optics or AR/VR display systems.
Note:
This role is strictly focused on waveguide-based Photonic Integrated Circuits. Candidates whose primary background is in free-space optics, metasurfaces, metalenses, or purely RFIC/analog front-end design will not be considered.
Pay:
$80.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week
Benefits:
Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Relocation assistance
