Senior Applied Optics Scientist

Arago is an AI and computer hardware company whose mission is to drive the course of history forward. We do so by accelerating breakthroughs at the intersection of AI and semiconductors.

Founded in 2024 by AI researchers and physicists with deep expertise in photonics, electronics, software, mathematics, and machine learning, Arago brings together a lean team of engineers and scientists from the world’s top companies and research labs.

Composed of nine nationalities and operating from hubs in France, North America, and Israel, we believe in great science and fast achievements. Our work is guided by these core principles:

1. Do great things: we deliver work we’re proud to sign our name to.

2. High velocity: speed matters. We move quickly, one step at a time.

3. One unit: we’re all in this together, with relationships grounded in trust, respect, and camaraderie.

Arago is backed by executives from Apple, Arm, Nvidia, Microsoft, and Hugging Face, as well as prominent US and European deeptech venture firms and exited founders.

Advance the frontier of photonics by applying deep theoretical insight into nonlinear and light-matter interaction phenomena to develop cutting-edge optical systems for real-world deployment.

• Design and develop optical systems leveraging advanced materials and engineered light-matter interactions.

• Build theoretical models and simulations to predict system behavior under real-world constraints, including dispersion, losses, and thermal effects.

• Drive lab-based experimentation to validate theory, optimize system performance, and troubleshoot experimental discrepancies.

• Collaborate across physics, systems, and product teams to integrate nonlinear optics into devices or platforms used in Arago’s R&D projects and prototype iterations.

• Publish key findings internally and externally, contribute to patent generation, and serve as a subject matter expert on advanced optical interactions.

• PhD in Physics, Optics, or Photonics with a focus on nonlinear optics, parametric processes, or ultrafast light-matter interactions.

• Strong theoretical foundation in nonlinear wave propagation, harmonic generation, parametric amplification, and quantum/classical field interactions.

• 5+ years post-PhD experience applying theoretical models to experimental platforms in an industrial or applied research setting.

• Proficient in modeling tools for nonlinear and dispersive systems (e.g., COMSOL Multiphysics, Lumerical, homemade FDTD/FEM codes) and experienced with spectroscopy setups.

• Proven track record of bridging analytical theory with hands-on lab work—aligning, tuning, and building complex optical setups.

• Competitive cash compensation, with final package based on location, experience, and the pay of team members in similar positions.

• Meaningful stock option plan offered at the earliest stage of the company (included in the majority of full time offers).

• Relocation bonus and coverage of moving expenses for relocation within 20 minutes of the company’s location.

• Healthcare coverage (including family-friendly options), pension contributions, professional development support, and 25 days of PTO, in addition to public holidays.

• Ownership of a key technical domain, with significant vertical and/or horizontal growth opportunities, based on performance and individual drive.

• A high-paced, multicultural (with 9 nationalities), and engineering-led environment.