TITLE: OPTICAL ENGINEER
FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT
REPORTS TO: DIRECTOR, ADVANCED HAMR HEAD DESIGNS
SUMMARY:
Under the direction of the Director of Advanced HAMR Head Designs, the Optical Engineer will support the development of advanced optical and photonic technologies for next-generation data-storage products. This position will contribute to the design, modeling, testing, and improvement of optical components and integrated devices used in Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR). The Optical Engineer will work closely with multidisciplinary teams to evaluate design concepts, interpret simulation and experimental results, and recommend practical improvements. This position is located in Milpitas, CA.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Design and evaluate optical or photonic components, devices, and integrated storage systems
- Use simulation and analytical methods to understand optical behavior and support design decisions
- Plan and support experiments to validate designs and investigate technical issues
- Collaborate with engineering, process, test, materials, metrology, reliability, and manufacturing teams
- Apply logical reasoning, critical thinking, and structured problem-solving methods to address technical challenges
- Document and communicate designs, results, conclusions, and recommendations through reports, presentations, and design reviews
- Support the development and improvement of optical technologies from early concepts through product implementation
- Adheres to all safety policies and procedures as required
- Performs other duties of a similar nature or level*
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree in Applied Physics, Optics, Photonics, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field and/or equivalent relevant experience; Ph.D. preferred
- Experience with optical design, integrated photonics, nanophotonics, semiconductor devices, optoelectronics, lasers, or advanced device development
- Experience with one or more modeling or data-analysis tools, such as COMSOL, Lumerical, Tidy3D, Zemax, Ansys, MATLAB, Python, or equivalent software
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft applications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong knowledge and understanding of optics, photonics, electromagnetics, or related engineering fundamentals
- Knowledge and understanding of technical modeling, simulation, laboratory testing, or data analysis
- Knowledge of magnetic recording, HAMR, near-field optics, plasmonics, thin-film devices, or nanoscale technologies
- Experience working with multidisciplinary product-development, research, or manufacturing teams
- Understanding of experimental design, optical testing, metrology, or characterization
- Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of employees and management both verbally and in writing
- Ability to analyze technical data and develop logical, evidence-based conclusions
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment
- Demonstrated critical-thinking and problem-solving skills
- Flexible and able to prioritize
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The Optical Engineer works primarily in an office environment from Monday thru Friday. The schedule may be altered from time-to-time to meet business or operational needs; may travel from building-to-building as needed. May also work in an ESD sensitive laboratory or testing environment; adheres to required safety and dress standards. May be exposed to hazardous chemicals, fumes, or vapors and excessive noise from time-to-time; stands and walks; performs various fine grasping movements, bends, and twists; operates a computer and enters information using a keyboard, operates a telephone, and other office equipment. May occasionally be required to push, pull, or lift up to 10 pounds.
The annual base salary for this full-time position is between $120,819.00-$177,765.00 + bonus target + benefits. Within the range the individual pay may differ depending on additional factors including job responsibilities, job related knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience. The annual base pay range shown is subject to change and may be modified periodically.
*Other duties of a similar nature or level are duties that may be required but may not be specifically listed in the job description or posting.
TDK/Headway Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Employment decisions are made without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Applicants and employees who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process or perform the essential functions of a position should contact Human Resources.
Skills Required
- Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or equivalent relevant experience
- PhD in a related field
- Two years of experience in optics, plasmonics, silicon photonics, optical chip design, or similar field
- Hands-on experience with optical testing including transmittance, reflectance, and far-field diffraction
- Knowledge of or hands-on experience with laser package design and assembly
- Experience performing advanced optical simulations using Lumerical, Tidy3D, and COMSOL
- Experience with inverse design, computational photonics, and optimization methods
- Experience with failure analysis techniques and instrumentation (TEM, EELS, EDS, SIMS, XPS) and FMEA
- Knowledge of semiconductor, HDD, or wafer manufacturing principles and ability to work with process and test teams
- Ability to use Microsoft Office to create spreadsheets, documents, and presentations; strong communication and documentation skills
What We Do
Headway Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of TDK Corporation, is the world's only independent manufacturer of magnetic recording heads for the disk drive industry. Based in Milpitas, California, the company designs and manufactures magnetoresistive recording heads used to read and write data on hard magnetic disks. Its products are utilized in disk drives for PCs, portable computers, and servers.
