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.