Position Summary:
We are seeking a highly skilled Optical Characterization Engineer to lead the experimental validation and performance testing of advanced metasurface and meta-optic components. This role is hands-on and lab-focused, involving the design, automation, and execution of optical experiments to quantify device performance across a range of wavelengths and operating conditions.
The ideal candidate will combine strong optical physics knowledge, experimental expertise, and hardware–software integration skills (LabVIEW/Python) to build scalable, automated characterization platforms and extract meaningful insights from complex datasets.
Optical Testing & Characterization
- Design and execute experiments to characterize metasurfaces and meta-optics, including:
- Transmission / reflection efficiency
- Phase and amplitude response
- Beam steering / wavefront shaping
- Spectral performance (UV–VIS–IR as applicable)
- Set up and operate optical test benches (lasers, detectors, spectrometers, interferometers, cameras, etc.)
- Perform alignment, calibration, and validation of optical measurement systems
Test Automation & HW/SW Integration
- Develop and maintain automated test systems using:
- LabVIEW, Python, or similar tools
- Interface with lab hardware (e.g., motion stages, power meters, cameras, spectrometers, DAQ systems)
- Implement synchronized data acquisition and control loops for high-throughput testing
- Build modular, scalable test frameworks for repeated measurements and production-like environments
Data Analysis & Post-Processing
- Analyze experimental data to extract optical performance metrics and compare with simulations/design models
- Develop data processing pipelines using Python (NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, etc.) or MATLAB
- Phase retrieval / wavefront reconstruction
- Statistical analysis across wafers/devices
- Generate clear technical reports, plots, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders
Collaboration & Development
- Work closely with design, fabrication, and system teams to correlate measured performance with design intent
- Provide feedback to improve metasurface designs and fabrication processes
- Support system-level integration and validation (e.g., imaging systems, lasercom, sensing platforms)
Required Qualifications:
- M.S. or Ph.D. in Optics, Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field
- 2+ years (M.S.) or 0–2 years (Ph.D.) of hands-on optical lab experience
- Fourier optics and wave optics
- Optical instrumentation and measurement techniques
- Polarization, coherence, and diffraction phenomena
- Experience with test automation and instrumentation control:
- LabVIEW and/or Python (PyVISA, instrument drivers, etc.)
- Experience with optical lab equipment such as:
- Lasers (CW/pulsed), detectors, cameras
- Spectrometers, interferometers
- Motorized stages, beam profiling tools
Preferred Qualifications:
- Direct experience with metasurfaces / meta-optics / diffractive optics
- Experience with IR systems (LWIR/MWIR) or free-space optical systems (lasercom)
- Familiarity with optical simulation tools (e.g., Lumerical, Zemax, COMSOL)
- Experience with cleanroom-fabricated devices and wafer-level testing
- Knowledge of optical system integration (imaging, sensing, or communication systems)
- Experience with version control (Git) and structured code development
What We Offer:
- Opportunity to work at the forefront of the rapidly growing space economy
- Collaborative startup environment with high impact
- Competitive salary and benefits
- Opportunity to grow with the company as we scale
Join Us
If you're excited about building the future of connectivity in space, we'd love to talk.
About Ravee Optics:
The next space race is not about rockets. It's about data in orbit. Thousands of satellites, on-orbit compute nodes, and autonomous space systems will soon require high-speed, secure, and scalable connectivity in space. RF links cannot keep up with the data demands of this new orbital infrastructure. Ravee Optics is building next-generation optical communications terminals to power the future of inter-satellite connectivity and on-orbit data transport.
