Optical Scientist

Purpose of the Position

This position is for an entry to mid-level individual who has an optics background.  Position entails the development and design of new products for Thorlabs Spectral Work’s (TSW) textured AR product line, as well as supporting development efforts for Reticles, Test Targets, and SERS (Surfaced Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy) product lines. The Scientist will be responsible for managing projects from concept to finished product. Although the location of the position is in Columbia, SC, in very limited cases it may be required to undertake duties at other Thorlabs locations. 

Must be US Person able to work on ITAR products

Essential Job Functions include the following, but are not limited to:

·       Maintain and adhere to stringent cleanroom protocols, including gowning, contamination control, and environmental monitoring to ensure a pristine fabrication environment.

·       Design, develop, and fabricate metasurface optics using advanced nanofabrication techniques, ensuring high precision and quality in the final products.

·       Execute photolithography processes, including mask alignment, exposure, and development, to pattern microscale and nanoscale features on substrates.

·       Operate and optimize equipment for thin-film deposition, such as sputtering, electron beam evaporation, or chemical vapor deposition (CVD), to achieve desired optical properties.

·       Perform dry and wet etching processes to transfer patterns into substrates, with a focus on achieving high resolution and accurate feature dimensions.

·       Utilize advanced metrology tools, such as optical spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to characterize the structural and optical properties of fabricated devices.

·       Analyze and optimize fabrication processes to improve yield, uniformity, and performance of metasurface/textured optics and photolithography products.

·       Collect and analyze experimental data, and prepare detailed reports and presentations on findings, process improvements, and product performance.

·       Perform regular maintenance and calibration of cleanroom equipment to ensure consistent and reliable operation.

·       Work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, physicists, and technicians, to develop innovative Metasurface/textured designs and integrate them into larger optical systems.

The Company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Qualifications

Experience:

• 2-3 years industry experience or related lab experience in the field of physics or optical engineering

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, chemistry, or related engineering field.

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Demonstrated technical background and hands on experience in such fields as optics, opto-mechanical design, laser optics, polarization, microscopy, and telecommunications. Hands on experience with optics including alignment, measurement, and testing
• Knowledge of optics theory, design, fabrication, assembly, and test techniques
• Experience with SolidWorks, CAD, or other modeling software and ability to understand technical drawings
• Experience using metrology equipment including calipers, interferometers, spectrophotometers, microscopes, lab setups, and other devices
• Strong ability to take initiative, demonstrate innovation, and flexibility/adaptability in a fast-paced & dynamic environment

Thorlabs values its diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identify or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts.  The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.

Thorlabs offers a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid life insurance, a generous PTO package, a 401(k) plan, and tuition reimbursement just to name a few.