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Metasurfaces Jobs in Santa Clara, 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 Santa Clara, CA?

For Metasurfaces jobs in Santa Clara, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Metasurfaces jobs in Santa Clara, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Metasurfaces jobs in Santa Clara, CA are:

What cities near Santa Clara, CA are hiring for Metasurfaces jobs?

Cities near Santa Clara, CA with the most Metasurfaces job openings:

Metasurfaces jobs near you
Infographic showing various Metasurfaces job openings in Santa Clara, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Internship. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Materials Research Scientist/Engineer

SRI International

Menlo Park, CA • On-site

$115K - $172K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Overview
The Optical Materials group is seeking an enthusiastic Materials Research Scientist/Engineer to join our team at SRI International's Menlo Park, California headquarters. You will have the opportunity to make important contributions to on-going and future R&D programs in nanophotonic inverse design, metasurfaces, quantum optics, and more.
SRI International is an independent nonprofit research organization with a mission to create world-changing solutions that make people safer, healthier, and more productive. From the computer mouse to robotic surgery, cancer treatments, and more, SRI's 75 years of innovation have created new industries, billions of dollars in market value, and lasting benefits to society. SRI was instrumental in the creation of the internet, high-definition television, and the U.S Postal Service's automated letter sorting system. Some of its many successful spinout companies include E-Trade, Siri, Symantec, Intuitive Surgical, and Nuance. CHECK OUT OUR HISTORY!
The Optical Materials group is part of the Space & Survivability Lab within the Advanced Technology and Systems Division at SRI. The lab is home to several collaborative groups that perform research and development in a variety of areas, including optical materials, advanced sensing systems, nanofabrication, energetic materials, radar systems, and atmospheric science. By and large, our lab is focused on applying academic research to address DoD applications. CHECK OUT OUR LAB!
Responsibilities
  • Perform numerical simulations to analyze and optimize nanophotonic devices
  • Apply your scientific creativity to develop new concepts and research areas
  • Conduct business development and contribute to white papers and proposals
  • Provide technical briefings and reports and support client engagement
  • Collaborate with multi-disciplinary staff

This is a junior PI-track (principal investigator) opportunity to be mentored to become a PI for new research thrusts; based on your own ideas and direct interactions with customers, both in and outside your area of academic expertise.
Qualifications
  • PhD in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline with 0-2 years of relevant experience required.
    • Higher levels of relevant experience with demonstrated independent work or task leadership skills will also be considered.
  • Experience with commercial full-wave electromagnetic modeling software, such as Ansys HFSS or COMSOL Multiphysics.
  • Familiarity with inverse design and/or machine learning is a plus.
  • U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain/maintain DoD security clearance required. Current clearance is a plus.
  • Limited travel required.

The salary range is: $115,710-$172,115. Salary ranges will vary and are based on several factors, including geographic location, market competitiveness and equity amongst internal employees in similar roles. Positions may also qualify for SRI's Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program. SRI also has a competitive benefits package, to view details please go to https://www.sri.com/resources/benefits/. SRI will accept applications until the position is filled.
SRI is an independent nonprofit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., with a rich history of supporting government and industry. We create and deliver world-changing solutions for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. For more than 75 years, we have collaborated across technical and scientific disciplines to discover and develop groundbreaking products and technologies and bring innovations and ideas to the marketplace.

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