Job Title: Optical Engineer III 
Location: Redmond, WA
Duration: 12 Months (possible extension up to 2 years)

Optical Engineer, Design Validation (CW)
Description:

• We are looking for an Optical Engineer with passion for new technology development to join our team, whose mission is to deliver beyond state-of-the-art Waveguide Technologies for consumer near-to-eye displays at our research and development facilities.
• We are looking for a candidate with experience in novel optical device design and metrology either as part of their PhD or industry experience.

 
Must-Have Skills:

1. Expertise in diffractive optics, free-space optics, optical alignment, or optomechanics
2. Proficiency with scientific programming languages (LabView, MATLAB, Python, Mathematica, etc.)
3. Experience in statistical data analysis
4. PhD degree in the field of Engineering, Optical Sciences, Physics, etc.

 
Nice-to-Have Skills:

1. Electromagnetic modeling and analysis of nanoscale/metastructures (RCWA, FDTD algorithms)
2. Hands-on experience with optical metrology tools (interferometry, image quality, polarization testing)
3. Proficiency in optical design software (VirtualLab, Code V, Zemax, Light Tools, FRED)

 
Minimum Years of Experience: 5–7
 
Optical Engineer Design Validation Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with technical leadership team, technical program managers, and other research scientists and engineers to devise and execute on design validation of novel optical devices towards program priorities
• Design, build, and validate novel optical metrology systems towards supporting design validation activities
• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, productization, and system engineering teams to lead and support activity on research prototypes and scale up, including pilot scale ramp and technology transfer to contract manufacturer

 
Minimum Qualifications

• PhD degree in the field of Engineering, Optical Sciences, Physics
• Experience in diffractive optics design, free-space optics, optical alignment, or optomechanics
• Years of experience with scientific programming languages such as LabView, MATLAB, Python, Mathematica, or similar
• Years of experience in statistical data analysis

 
Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in electromagnetic modeling and analysis of nanoscale structures, metastructures, anisotropic materials, films, or holographic elements, using algorithms such as RCWA or FDTD
• Experience in optical metrology tools such as interferometry, image quality testing, and polarization test
• Experience in LabView programming
• Experience in one or more optical design tools such as VirtualLab, Code V, Zemax, Light Tools, or FRED
• Experience in hardware prototyping (e.g., bench prototyping, basic electronics, and software system integration)

 
Degrees/Certifications Required: PhD degree in the field of Engineering, Optical Sciences, Physics
Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with technical leadership team, technical program managers, and other research scientists and engineers to devise and execute on design validation of novel optical devices towards program priorities
• Design, build, and validate novel optical metrology systems towards supporting design validation activities
• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, productization, and system engineering teams to lead and support activity on research prototypes and scale up, including pilot scale ramp and technology transfer to contract manufacturer

 
How Will Progress Be Evaluated?

• Fulfilling all tasks and responsibilities, working independently, and demonstrating strong problem-solving skills

 
Candidate Value Proposition

• Driving innovation in AR research by developing the next generation of Orion technology and advancing waveguide solutions for immersive augmented reality experiences

 
Screening Process:

• Format: 1 round, panel interview with 2–3 interviewers
• Duration: 1 hour
• Focus: Q&A covering diffractive optics, hands-on experimental experience, and discussion of the candidate’s PhD work

  
 
At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws. This position’s starting pay is: $ 70.00/hr.