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Metasurfaces Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Senior Lithography Research Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$103.60K - $142.20K/yr

Design experience with metasurfaces or metalenses We're an early-stage hardware startup with solid funding, world-class advisors, and offices in Austin, TX and San Francisco, CA. Benefits * Medical ...

Metasurfaces information

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 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 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.

Senior Lithography Research Engineer

Atomic Semi

Austin, TX • On-site

$103.60K - $142.20K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Senior Lithography Research Engineer

Atomic Semi is building a small, fast semiconductor fab. It's already possible to build this with today's technology and a few simplifications. We'll build the tools ourselves so we can quickly iterate and improve.

We're building a small team of exceptional, hands-on engineers to make this happen. Mechanical, electrical, hardware, computer, and process. We'll own the stack from atoms to architecture. Our team is optimistic about the future and we want to continue pushing the limits of technology.

Smaller is better. Faster is better. Building it ourselves is better.

Atomic was founded by Sam Zeloof and Jim Keller. Sam is best known for making chips in his garage, and Jim has been a leader in the semiconductor industry for the past 40 years.

About the Role

We are bringing on a Senior Lithography Research Engineer to lead our efforts in achieving precise geometry at lower node sizes. This is a highly autonomous, exploratory R&D role where you will drive the development of novel patterning approaches. You'll know you've succeeded in your first 6 months when you have successfully simulated, designed, and fabricated advanced patterning hardware that integrates into our existing processes.

Responsibilities

  • Own the end-to-end development, simulation, and fabrication of novel patterning hardware
  • Drive exploratory R&D autonomously across optical design and nanofabrication
  • Simulate optical and nanophotonic behavior to guide hands-on physical experimentation
  • Interface closely with the process team to seamlessly integrate patterning hardware with adjacent deposition, development, and etch steps

Requirements

  • PhD, or equivalent, in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field
  • Demonstrated command of applied optics (including sub-wavelength and nanophotonic regimes) and experimental optics/metrology
  • Deep, hands-on expertise in nanofabrication and sub-micron patterning
  • Strong background in lithography and patterning hardware design, including advanced resolution-enhancement techniques
  • Proven ability to plan and execute complex R&D work autonomously, taking generative ideas all the way to working physical prototypes

Nice-to-haves

  • End-to-end fabrication experience with nanophotonic or sub-wavelength optical devices
  • Design experience with metasurfaces or metalenses

We're an early-stage hardware startup with solid funding, world-class advisors, and offices in Austin, TX and San Francisco, CA.

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
  • Generous Paid Time Off inclusive of Holidays and Sick Time
  • Visa Sponsorship
  • Life and Disability Insurance
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Weekly Learning & Development opportunities
  • Commuter Benefits including Parking and Late Night Uber rides from the office
  • Lunches daily, Dinners 3x per week, Stocked Office Kitchen with Snacks and Spindrifts

We are an equal-opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability or other legally protected statuses.

Export Control Analysis: This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant's capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.