... Experience with metasurfaces, diffractive optics, waveguide design, or consumer optical product development Experience with engineering builds, managing cross-phase deliverables, high-volume ...
... Experience with metasurfaces, diffractive optics, waveguide design, or consumer optical product development Experience with engineering builds, managing cross-phase deliverables, high-volume ...
Metasurface Design Engineer
San Francisco, CA · Hybrid
$130K - $175K/yr
You will design, simulate, and optimize advanced metasurfaces for current and next-generation products, collaborating with process, metrology, and manufacturing teams to translate the design into ...
Metasurface Design Engineer
San Francisco, CA · Hybrid
$130K - $175K/yr
You will design, simulate, and optimize advanced metasurfaces for current and next-generation products, collaborating with process, metrology, and manufacturing teams to translate the design into ...
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?
| Aspect | Metasurfaces | Optical Engineers |
|---|---|---|
| Required credentials | Physics or engineering degree, specialization in nanophotonics | Engineering degree, optics or photonics specialization |
| Work environment | Research labs, nanofabrication facilities | Design labs, manufacturing, field testing |
| Industry usage | Research, advanced optics development | Optical 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 cities near Hercules, CA are hiring for Metasurfaces jobs? Cities near Hercules, CA with the most Metasurfaces job openings:
Apple rating
8.0
Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
7th of 30 rated technology retailers
Job description
Apple is seeking an optical engineer with a passion for translating next-generation display technologies to reality. You will bridge design, testing, and manufacturing by validating that our optical simulation models accurately predict real-world performance.
Description
You will own the end-to-end optical models that validate measured module performance, continuously improving design iteration accuracy and enabling predictive performance capability. This role balances optical simulation pipeline development with hands-on responsibility for defining engineering builds, designing experiments, conducting failure mode analysis, and translating technical findings into actionable design guidance. You are expected to establish new validation methodologies and shape technical direction across the organization, requiring deep optical expertise paired with strong cross-functional leadership skills. The ideal candidate operates independently, maintains rigorous attention to detail, and drives results through excellent communication and presentation abilities.
Minimum Qualifications
BS in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field with 3+ years of relevant experience
Established track record of correlating optical simulations with measured hardware performance in industry or R&D settings
Proficiency with one or more optical simulation tools (LightTools, FDTD, RCWA, Zemax, Code V, etc)
Hands-on experience in at least one area: optical design/metrology, display technologies, optical sensors, thin-film processes, or nanofabrication
Preferred Qualifications
Masters or PhD in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
Experience with metasurfaces, diffractive optics, waveguide design, or consumer optical product development
Experience with engineering builds, managing cross-phase deliverables, high-volume manufacturing, or module integration experience
Self-driven with excellent project management, meticulous attention to detail, and strong written and verbal communication skills
Working knowledge of optical measurement systems including light sources, microscopes, spectrometers, detectors, and free-space optics
Statistical data analysis capabilities using tools such as JMP, Matlab, Python, etc.
Description
You will own the end-to-end optical models that validate measured module performance, continuously improving design iteration accuracy and enabling predictive performance capability. This role balances optical simulation pipeline development with hands-on responsibility for defining engineering builds, designing experiments, conducting failure mode analysis, and translating technical findings into actionable design guidance. You are expected to establish new validation methodologies and shape technical direction across the organization, requiring deep optical expertise paired with strong cross-functional leadership skills. The ideal candidate operates independently, maintains rigorous attention to detail, and drives results through excellent communication and presentation abilities.
Minimum Qualifications
BS in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field with 3+ years of relevant experience
Established track record of correlating optical simulations with measured hardware performance in industry or R&D settings
Proficiency with one or more optical simulation tools (LightTools, FDTD, RCWA, Zemax, Code V, etc)
Hands-on experience in at least one area: optical design/metrology, display technologies, optical sensors, thin-film processes, or nanofabrication
Preferred Qualifications
Masters or PhD in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
Experience with metasurfaces, diffractive optics, waveguide design, or consumer optical product development
Experience with engineering builds, managing cross-phase deliverables, high-volume manufacturing, or module integration experience
Self-driven with excellent project management, meticulous attention to detail, and strong written and verbal communication skills
Working knowledge of optical measurement systems including light sources, microscopes, spectrometers, detectors, and free-space optics
Statistical data analysis capabilities using tools such as JMP, Matlab, Python, etc.
About Apple
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.
Industry
Computer and electronic product manufacturing
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Cupertino, CA, US
Year founded
1976