L
Founding Optical Engineer (Semiconductor Venture)
Accepting applicationsLiminal · San Francisco Bay Area
Full-Time Mid_senior Python
Posted
2d ago
Category
Test
Experience
Mid_senior
Country
United States
Founding Optical Engineer
TopoLight is a venture-backed deep tech startup commercializing novel InP-based high-power photonic crystal lasers (PCSELs).
We’re looking for a founding optical engineer to build, own, and continuously improve the optical test and characterization platform behind our devices. You will build, operate, and maintain the measurement backbone that tells us how every generation of laser actually performs. You’ll stand up the setups, run the measurements that guide device design and fab, and push the bench toward automated, high-throughput characterization.
Note: This job posting was placed by Liminal, we're the venture builder that is backing TopoLight.
Responsibilities
Design, build, align, and maintain the setups that measure our lasers
Run spectral, spatial, and power characterization: lasing spectra and linewidth, L-I curves, threshold and slope efficiency, and near- / far-field beam profiling
Develop measurement setups (pulsed and CW) for characterizing electrically and optically-pumped semiconductor lasers, including electrical wiring, pump delivery and thermal management
Build free-space and fiber-coupled optical trains spanning NIR/SWIR wavelengths, including confocal epi-illumination microscopy and SWIR imaging
Design and install automation — motorized stages, instrument control, and data-acquisition pipelines for repeatable, high-throughput measurement
Establish calibration, measurement protocols, statistical workflows, and standards for reliable device-to-device comparison
Close the loop between simulation, fabrication, and measurement in tight collaboration with device design and process teams
Debug and iterate quickly in a fast-moving environment
Qualifications
B.S. (+3 year experience) or M.S./Ph.D. in EE, Material Science, Physics, Applied Physics, or equivalent disciplines
Demonstrated proficiency building and aligning free-space optical setups from scratch
Strong experience with laser characterization including optical spectroscopy, beam profiling, near-/far-field imaging, and power measurements
Comfortable with NIR/SWIR optics, detectors, and cameras, and with the practicalities of coherent light and eye safety
Proficient in test automation and instrument control (Python, LabVIEW, or similar) and in analyzing the resulting data
Comfortable owning ambiguous problems in a startup environment
Strong written and verbal communication, with a collaborative working style
Direct experience with semiconductor laser or photonic device measurement, optical-pumping / pump–probe setups, or confocal microscopy preferred.
Compensation
Salary will range from $100k – $120k based on experience, with a significant stock allotment.
Show more Show less
TopoLight is a venture-backed deep tech startup commercializing novel InP-based high-power photonic crystal lasers (PCSELs).
We’re looking for a founding optical engineer to build, own, and continuously improve the optical test and characterization platform behind our devices. You will build, operate, and maintain the measurement backbone that tells us how every generation of laser actually performs. You’ll stand up the setups, run the measurements that guide device design and fab, and push the bench toward automated, high-throughput characterization.
Note: This job posting was placed by Liminal, we're the venture builder that is backing TopoLight.
Responsibilities
Design, build, align, and maintain the setups that measure our lasers
Run spectral, spatial, and power characterization: lasing spectra and linewidth, L-I curves, threshold and slope efficiency, and near- / far-field beam profiling
Develop measurement setups (pulsed and CW) for characterizing electrically and optically-pumped semiconductor lasers, including electrical wiring, pump delivery and thermal management
Build free-space and fiber-coupled optical trains spanning NIR/SWIR wavelengths, including confocal epi-illumination microscopy and SWIR imaging
Design and install automation — motorized stages, instrument control, and data-acquisition pipelines for repeatable, high-throughput measurement
Establish calibration, measurement protocols, statistical workflows, and standards for reliable device-to-device comparison
Close the loop between simulation, fabrication, and measurement in tight collaboration with device design and process teams
Debug and iterate quickly in a fast-moving environment
Qualifications
B.S. (+3 year experience) or M.S./Ph.D. in EE, Material Science, Physics, Applied Physics, or equivalent disciplines
Demonstrated proficiency building and aligning free-space optical setups from scratch
Strong experience with laser characterization including optical spectroscopy, beam profiling, near-/far-field imaging, and power measurements
Comfortable with NIR/SWIR optics, detectors, and cameras, and with the practicalities of coherent light and eye safety
Proficient in test automation and instrument control (Python, LabVIEW, or similar) and in analyzing the resulting data
Comfortable owning ambiguous problems in a startup environment
Strong written and verbal communication, with a collaborative working style
Direct experience with semiconductor laser or photonic device measurement, optical-pumping / pump–probe setups, or confocal microscopy preferred.
Compensation
Salary will range from $100k – $120k based on experience, with a significant stock allotment.
Show more Show less