Optical Characterization Engineer

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:
• Optics testing
• Transmission / reflection efficiency
• Phase and amplitude response
• Beam steering / wavefront shaping
• Polarization response
• 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
• Perform:
• Fourier optics analysis
• 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
• Strong understanding of:
• 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.