Diffraqtion
Join to apply for the
(Lead) Optical Engineer
role at
Diffraqtion Join to apply for the
(Lead) Optical Engineer
role at
Diffraqtion About Diffraqtion
At Diffraqtion, we are revolutionizing AI imaging using our proprietary breakthrough quantum technology. We are a DARPA, NASA, and VC-backed startup founded by MIT & Harvard scientists and veterans in AI, Optics, and Quantum Sensing. Inspired by the eye, we are building a Visual Processing and Sensing Unit which replaces a conventional camera and processor. Calculating at the speed of light, we achieve orders of magnitude higher resolution, processing speed and energy efficiency for cameras. Using this camera, we will make Earth and Space Imaging satellites affordable and ubiquitous. Benefits:
401(k) matching Company parties Competitive salary Dental insurance Health insurance Opportunity for advancement Paid time off Stock options plan Vision insurance
About Diffraqtion
At Diffraqtion, we are revolutionizing AI imaging using our proprietary breakthrough quantum technology. We are a DARPA, NASA, and VC-backed startup founded by MIT & Harvard scientists and veterans in AI, Optics, and Quantum Sensing. Inspired by the eye, we are building a Visual Processing and Sensing Unit which replaces a conventional camera and processor. Calculating at the speed of light, we achieve orders of magnitude higher resolution, processing speed and energy efficiency for cameras. Using this camera, we will make Earth and Space Imaging satellites affordable and ubiquitous.
As our first Engineering hire, we are seeking a highly skilled Optical Engineer to design, build, and test advanced optical systems for applications in imaging and sensing. This role is ideal if you enjoy applying your skills to build a first-of-a-kind innovative hardware device that will be shot into Low Earth Orbit. You will work closely with algorithm/software developers to translate their results into optical specifications, jointly bringing optical concepts from initial design to fully functional prototypes. You will work directly with optical hardware in the lab—aligning optics, assembling prototypes, conducting experiments, and troubleshooting complex systems.
The ideal candidate has a broad and solid understanding of physics and optics principles, extensive hands-on experience in free-space, fiber, and/or integrated optics, and is an independent learner and problem solver who can quickly devise solutions and pivot.
Key Responsibilities
Design novel diffractive neuromorphic optical systems interfacing with telescopes Select and specify optical components and manage vendors Develop alignment procedures and optomechanical mounting solutions. Assemble, align, and integrate optical subsystems and instruments. Perform optical testing and metrology using tools such as beam profilers and interferometer. Troubleshoot and optimize optical performance through iterative testing. Characterize system performance and compile detailed reports.
Qualifications
Required:
M.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field (B.S. with significant experience considered). 5+ years of hands-on experience building and aligning optical systems, including both free-space and fiber optics. Strong background in optics, imaging systems, lasers, and photonic devices. Proficiency with optical design software (e.g., Zemax OpticStudio, Code V), optical simulation tools (e.g., COMSOL, Lumerical), and CAD tools such as SolidWorks. Proficiency with simulation and analytic tools such as MATLAB and Python. Familiarity with optical metrology methods and instrumentation.
Preferred:
Experience working on telescopes. Experience with designing imaging optics, such as telescopes including folded optics, or cameras. Experience with diffractive optics, spatial light modulators, adaptive optics, interferometry. Experience with photonic integrated circuits, including coupling and testing.
Export Control
Candidates should have capacity to comply with the federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control laws.
Benefits
Competitive salary and equity options. Medical, dental and vision on 1st day Company 401K match Hybrid/flexible work environment A collaborative and innovative work environment with opportunities for professional growth The chance to work on transformative technologies to be deployed in Space
Diffraqtion is committed to cultivating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We highly value diversity in our current and future employees and do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Seniority level
Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type
Employment type Full-time Job function
Job function Research, Analyst, and Information Technology Industries Defense and Space Manufacturing Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Diffraqtion by 2x Get notified about new Optical Engineer jobs in
Somerville, MA . Photonics Engineer- Optical Link Bring-Up
Boston, MA $165,000.00-$225,000.00 6 days ago Waltham, MA $80,000.00-$130,000.00 1 month ago Cambridge, MA $82,300.00-$205,750.00 1 week ago Andover, MA $82,000.00-$164,000.00 2 weeks ago Optical - Hardware Test Development Engineer
Maynard, MA $148,800.00-$212,900.00 2 weeks ago Laser Systems Engineer - Quantum Systems
Cell Design Engineer – All Solid State Battery
Senior Engineer, Si Photonics IC Integration and Design Engineer
Wilmington, MA $108,800.00-$149,600.00 1 month ago Senior Electrical Engineer, Optical Sensor Systems
Acton, MA $128,130.00-$229,358.00 2 weeks ago Lexington, MA $120,000.00-$180,000.00 1 week ago Optical Calibration Engineer (SiPh Test Solutions, North Reading, MA)
Principal DSP Engineer – Coherent Optical Transmission Systems - Acacia
Maynard, MA $184,800.00-$325,300.00 2 weeks ago Senior Optical Systems Engineer (SiPh Test Solutions, North Reading, MA)
Marlborough, MA $130,000.00-$200,000.00 1 day ago Scientist, Opto-Mechanical Engineer (Space Optics)
Cambridge, MA $75,000.00-$150,000.00 1 week ago Lexington, MA $154,000.00-$231,000.00 1 week ago We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
(Lead) Optical Engineer
role at
Diffraqtion Join to apply for the
(Lead) Optical Engineer
role at
Diffraqtion About Diffraqtion
At Diffraqtion, we are revolutionizing AI imaging using our proprietary breakthrough quantum technology. We are a DARPA, NASA, and VC-backed startup founded by MIT & Harvard scientists and veterans in AI, Optics, and Quantum Sensing. Inspired by the eye, we are building a Visual Processing and Sensing Unit which replaces a conventional camera and processor. Calculating at the speed of light, we achieve orders of magnitude higher resolution, processing speed and energy efficiency for cameras. Using this camera, we will make Earth and Space Imaging satellites affordable and ubiquitous. Benefits:
401(k) matching Company parties Competitive salary Dental insurance Health insurance Opportunity for advancement Paid time off Stock options plan Vision insurance
About Diffraqtion
At Diffraqtion, we are revolutionizing AI imaging using our proprietary breakthrough quantum technology. We are a DARPA, NASA, and VC-backed startup founded by MIT & Harvard scientists and veterans in AI, Optics, and Quantum Sensing. Inspired by the eye, we are building a Visual Processing and Sensing Unit which replaces a conventional camera and processor. Calculating at the speed of light, we achieve orders of magnitude higher resolution, processing speed and energy efficiency for cameras. Using this camera, we will make Earth and Space Imaging satellites affordable and ubiquitous.
As our first Engineering hire, we are seeking a highly skilled Optical Engineer to design, build, and test advanced optical systems for applications in imaging and sensing. This role is ideal if you enjoy applying your skills to build a first-of-a-kind innovative hardware device that will be shot into Low Earth Orbit. You will work closely with algorithm/software developers to translate their results into optical specifications, jointly bringing optical concepts from initial design to fully functional prototypes. You will work directly with optical hardware in the lab—aligning optics, assembling prototypes, conducting experiments, and troubleshooting complex systems.
The ideal candidate has a broad and solid understanding of physics and optics principles, extensive hands-on experience in free-space, fiber, and/or integrated optics, and is an independent learner and problem solver who can quickly devise solutions and pivot.
Key Responsibilities
Design novel diffractive neuromorphic optical systems interfacing with telescopes Select and specify optical components and manage vendors Develop alignment procedures and optomechanical mounting solutions. Assemble, align, and integrate optical subsystems and instruments. Perform optical testing and metrology using tools such as beam profilers and interferometer. Troubleshoot and optimize optical performance through iterative testing. Characterize system performance and compile detailed reports.
Qualifications
Required:
M.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field (B.S. with significant experience considered). 5+ years of hands-on experience building and aligning optical systems, including both free-space and fiber optics. Strong background in optics, imaging systems, lasers, and photonic devices. Proficiency with optical design software (e.g., Zemax OpticStudio, Code V), optical simulation tools (e.g., COMSOL, Lumerical), and CAD tools such as SolidWorks. Proficiency with simulation and analytic tools such as MATLAB and Python. Familiarity with optical metrology methods and instrumentation.
Preferred:
Experience working on telescopes. Experience with designing imaging optics, such as telescopes including folded optics, or cameras. Experience with diffractive optics, spatial light modulators, adaptive optics, interferometry. Experience with photonic integrated circuits, including coupling and testing.
Export Control
Candidates should have capacity to comply with the federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control laws.
Benefits
Competitive salary and equity options. Medical, dental and vision on 1st day Company 401K match Hybrid/flexible work environment A collaborative and innovative work environment with opportunities for professional growth The chance to work on transformative technologies to be deployed in Space
Diffraqtion is committed to cultivating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We highly value diversity in our current and future employees and do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Seniority level
Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type
Employment type Full-time Job function
Job function Research, Analyst, and Information Technology Industries Defense and Space Manufacturing Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Diffraqtion by 2x Get notified about new Optical Engineer jobs in
Somerville, MA . Photonics Engineer- Optical Link Bring-Up
Boston, MA $165,000.00-$225,000.00 6 days ago Waltham, MA $80,000.00-$130,000.00 1 month ago Cambridge, MA $82,300.00-$205,750.00 1 week ago Andover, MA $82,000.00-$164,000.00 2 weeks ago Optical - Hardware Test Development Engineer
Maynard, MA $148,800.00-$212,900.00 2 weeks ago Laser Systems Engineer - Quantum Systems
Cell Design Engineer – All Solid State Battery
Senior Engineer, Si Photonics IC Integration and Design Engineer
Wilmington, MA $108,800.00-$149,600.00 1 month ago Senior Electrical Engineer, Optical Sensor Systems
Acton, MA $128,130.00-$229,358.00 2 weeks ago Lexington, MA $120,000.00-$180,000.00 1 week ago Optical Calibration Engineer (SiPh Test Solutions, North Reading, MA)
Principal DSP Engineer – Coherent Optical Transmission Systems - Acacia
Maynard, MA $184,800.00-$325,300.00 2 weeks ago Senior Optical Systems Engineer (SiPh Test Solutions, North Reading, MA)
Marlborough, MA $130,000.00-$200,000.00 1 day ago Scientist, Opto-Mechanical Engineer (Space Optics)
Cambridge, MA $75,000.00-$150,000.00 1 week ago Lexington, MA $154,000.00-$231,000.00 1 week ago We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr