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Metasurfaces Jobs in Pasadena, CA (NOW HIRING)

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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 Pasadena, CA? For Metasurfaces jobs in Pasadena, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Metasurfaces jobs in Pasadena, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Metasurfaces jobs in Pasadena, CA are:
What cities near Pasadena, CA are hiring for Metasurfaces jobs? Cities near Pasadena, CA with the most Metasurfaces job openings:
Metasurfaces jobs near you
Infographic showing various Metasurfaces job openings in Pasadena, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 60% In-person, and 40% Remote job distribution.

Electrical Engineer (Defense Photonics)

Atlantic Partners

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$160K - $210K/yr

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

We are looking for an Electrical Engineer with 5+ years of experience to own the electronics that drive, control, and read out photonic missile seekers at a fast-moving defense photonics startup. You'll be the sole EE on a small interdisciplinary team building chip-based LiDAR seekers for counter-UAS interceptors and precision-guided munitions. The ideal candidate has a broad electronics background with depth in at least one area, experience designing PCBs from scratch (0 to 1), and a sensor or sensor fusion background. Prior experience at companies like Anduril, SpaceX, or one of the defense primes is highly valued — especially candidates who understand rigid military standards (WOSA/SOSA) and can translate them into working hardware.

What will you be doing?

  • Designing drive circuitry for lasers and detectors, transimpedance amplifiers, and signal chains that convert optical signals into digital data for onboard compute
  • Designing custom PCBs from scratch — taking circuits from breadboard through brassboard to integrated units, optimizing for size, weight, and power at each step
  • Solving integration challenges including grounding, shielding, EMI/EMC, and ensuring electronics meet military standards (MIL-STD, WOSA, SOSA open architecture requirements)
  • Collaborating with optical and mechanical engineers on system integration for missile-grade environments (vibration, shock, thermal)
  • Building and debugging hardware on the bench, characterizing performance, and iterating rapidly in a design-build-test cadence

About The CompanyBuilding the merchant manufacturing layer for the photonics industry — the TSMC of optical components. The company's mission is to create the large-scale nanophotonics fabrication infrastructure that doesn't yet exist, enabling the next generation of satellite communications, optical computing, AI data centers, and defense systems.

Founded as a research-first company, it takes venture capital funding, burns it into cutting-edge photonics research, and commercializes the results. Their initial products are chip-based LiDAR seekers for counter-UAS interceptors and precision-guided munitions, built around optical metasurfaces. The longer-term roadmap extends through photonic gyroscopes and complete guidance modules toward a full merchant photonics foundry serving defense, data center, and space markets.

Why candidates should join

Our client is building the TSMC of photonics — merchant manufacturing for optical components powering satellite comms, AI data centers, and defense systems. Their first products are chip-based LiDAR seekers for counter-UAS interceptors and precision-guided munitions.

You'll own the electronics of a flagship product on a tiny team where your boards literally define the system — working alongside senior engineers with decades in defense photonics.

Electrical Engineer role in Hawthorne, CA. Comp range $160K–$230K + meaningful equity, full benefits, and all meals covered. 5+ years experience preferred.

You should be proficient in:

  • Electrical / Electronic Systems
  • National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program (NADCAP)
Atlantic Partners logo

About Atlantic Partners

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Atlantic Partners was created with the clear objective of providing the most comprehensive IT staffing solutions, along with a robust executive search division. From staff augmentation to contract to hire to direct placement, Atlantic Partners offers a full range of staffing options. With over 100 years of experience, our team of account executives and technical recruiters has a proven track record of fulfilling the human capital needs of our clients, while also enhancing their professional career path. As a partner you will gain speed to the market without compromising any phase of the due diligence process. We look forward to serving you!

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Boca Raton, FL, US

Year founded

2002

Social media

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