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Metasurfaces Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Metasurfaces information

What are metasurfaces?

Metasurfaces are ultra-thin, engineered surfaces composed of arrays of subwavelength structures designed to manipulate electromagnetic waves in specific ways. Unlike traditional materials, metasurfaces can control light or other electromagnetic waves at a very fine scale, enabling applications such as advanced lenses, holography, and invisibility cloaks. Researchers and engineers working with metasurfaces often engage in designing, fabricating, and testing these nanostructures to achieve unique optical or electromagnetic properties not found in nature.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Metasurfaces Research Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Metasurfaces Research Scientist, you need a strong background in physics, optics, nanofabrication, and materials science, typically supported by an advanced degree (PhD or MSc) in a related field. Familiarity with simulation tools like COMSOL Multiphysics, Lumerical, or CST, and experience with cleanroom fabrication and characterization equipment, are crucial. Critical thinking, creativity, and strong communication skills help in developing innovative solutions and collaborating within multidisciplinary teams. These competencies enable effective research, development, and translation of metasurface technologies into cutting-edge applications.

What are some of the typical challenges faced by professionals working in metasurfaces research and development?

Professionals in metasurfaces R&D often encounter challenges related to the precise fabrication of nanostructures, as even minor deviations can significantly impact device performance. Keeping up with rapid advancements in materials science and simulation tools is essential, as the field evolves quickly. Additionally, effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including physicists, engineers, and material scientists—is crucial for translating theoretical designs into practical applications. Balancing innovative research with real-world manufacturability is a common and rewarding aspect of the role.

What is the difference between Metasurfaces vs Optical Engineers?

AspectMetasurfacesOptical Engineers
Required credentialsPhysics or engineering degree, specialization in nanophotonicsEngineering degree, optics or photonics specialization
Work environmentResearch labs, nanofabrication facilitiesDesign labs, manufacturing, field testing
Industry usageResearch, advanced optics developmentOptical system design, product development

Metasurfaces are specialized nanostructured materials used to manipulate light at a subwavelength scale, often in research settings. Optical engineers design and develop optical systems and devices, applying principles of optics in practical applications. While both roles involve optics, metasurfaces focus on nanostructure fabrication and research, whereas optical engineers work on system-level design and implementation.

What are popular job titles related to Metasurfaces jobs in Ohio? For Metasurfaces jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Metasurfaces jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Metasurfaces job openings:
Infographic showing various Metasurfaces job openings in Ohio as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 85% Physical, and 15% Remote job distribution.

Optical Characterization Engineer

Ravee Optics Inc

Dayton, OH • On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

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 hardwaresoftware 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 (UVVISIR 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 02 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.