Summary of position
We are building the optical layer that the next generation of AI and quantum infrastructure will run on. Our first product is an optical circuit switch built on a spatial light modulator. As Photonics Device Physicist, you will own the physics of the photonic structures at the core of our hardware. You will model electro-optic resonant devices and arrays, turn the models into fabrication-ready designs, and close the loop with measured devices. The role spans Lausanne, close to our fab, and San Francisco, close to system integration. If you like a model that survives contact with real measurements, you'll fit well here.
What you'll do
- Requirements. Derive device requirements from the system, and separate measured material parameters from assumptions.
- Device modeling. Model electro-optic photonic structures: phase, reflectance, quality factor, tuning, polarization and bandwidth.
- Design. Choose materials, stacks and geometries. Release fabrication-ready designs with tolerances and test structures.
- Array physics. Model how single-element behavior scales to large arrays, including coupling, defects and calibration.
- Model-to-measurement. Correlate fabricated devices with the model. Separate process, material-model and measurement effects.
- Experiments. Define the minimum experiments that can confirm or falsify the design.
- Signal performance. Lead the device side of high-speed optical signal validation.
- AI in the workflow. Use AI tools to speed up modeling, analysis and documentation.
- Cross-team work. Work with process, test, photonics and electronics so the device design stays tied to the product.
What we are looking for
- PhD (or Master's with equivalent experience) in physics, photonics, optics or a related discipline.
- Deep understanding of electro-optic and resonant photonic devices.
- Hands-on modeling: transfer-matrix, full-wave (FDTD or FEM), electrostatic simulations, complex multiphysics computation and sensitivity analysis.
- Proven correlation of models with fabricated, measured devices. Pure simulation is not enough.
- Ability to explain where a simple approximation failed and what you did about it.
- Clear written and verbal communication, fluent English.
- Strong problem-solving in novel or ill-defined situations.
- Comfortable using AI tools across the workflow.
- Willing to work between Lausanne and San Francisco.
Nice to have
- Experience with various photonic cavities.
- Experience with electro-optic materials. Piezoelectric and ferroelectric materials are a plus.
- Deep knowledge of metasurfaces, spatial light modulators or beam steering.
- Free-space propagation and holographic beam shaping.
- High-speed optical communication signals.
Compensation
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- Equity and benefits available, to be agreed upon.