Optical System Engineer

Job Title

Optical System Engineer

Role Summary

Design, integrate, and optimize optical systems for semiconductor photonics, with emphasis on fiber-coupling optics for photonic chips. Collaborate with mechanical, process, and supplier teams to define system requirements, develop test plans, and ensure components meet performance and manufacturability targets.

Experience Level

Mid-level. Years of experience not specified.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include optical design, testing, supplier coordination, and technical support for integration and manufacturing.

• Perform optical simulations and design fiber coupling optics using Zemax (geometric and physical optics).
• Perform statistical tolerancing analyses in Zemax.
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate optical components and fiber coupling performance.
• Design, assemble, align, and validate optical test setups.
• Develop instrument control and test automation for characterization tasks.
• Work with suppliers to define specifications and optimize component performance.
• Provide technical support to mechanical and process engineers to ensure performance under realistic manufacturing conditions.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and tools are listed first; preferred skills follow.

• Must-have: Proficiency with Zemax (both geometric and physical optics) and experience with statistical tolerancing analysis in Zemax.
• Hands-on experience in optical testing setup design, assembly, alignment, and validation.
• Programming skills for instrument control and test automation.
• Data processing and analysis using Python, MATLAB, or equivalent high-level languages.
• Nice-to-have: Experience with fiber coupling designs and fiber attach processes in advanced packaging.
• Knowledge of optical communication standards and pluggable, NPO, CPO technologies.
• Experience with passive and active photonic integrated circuit (PIC) design and layout.
• Familiarity with common semiconductor process flows and foundry PDKs.

Education Requirements

Not specified.

About the Company

Company: Applied Materials

Headquarters: Santa Clara, CA, United States

Global leader in materials engineering solutions for the semiconductor and display industries, designing, manufacturing, and servicing equipment used to produce chips and advanced displays worldwide. Enables customers' production of semiconductor devices and display technologies and supports innovations like AI and IoT.