Optical Simulation Engineer Jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

KYOCERA SLD Laser, Inc. (KSLD) is a global leader in the commercialization of gallium nitride (GaN) based laser light sources. As a wholly owned subsidiary of KYOCERA Corporation, KSLD combines advanced laser innovation with the strength, scale, and manufacturing excellence of a global technology leader.
KSLD develops and manufactures high performance LaserLight™ solutions engineered to deliver exceptional brightness, efficiency, and reliability. Our GaN laser technologies enable a wide range of applications, including automotive and mobility, specialty and portable lighting, projection and AR/VR displays, biomedical instrumentation, industrial imaging, and emerging communication technologies such as LiFi. With vertically integrated capabilities and deep technical expertise, KSLD collaborates closely with customers to deliver application specific laser solutions, accelerating development timelines from concept through production. The company operates advanced R&D and manufacturing facilities in Santa Barbara, CA and Fremont, CA, supporting both innovation and high volume manufacturing needs.
KSLD is ISO 14001 & 45001 certified compliant for automotive applications, and its products meet rigorous UL and IEC safety standards, reflecting a strong commitment to quality, safety, and reliability.
Recognized by Fortune magazine's Best Workplaces in Manufacturing & Production™, KSLD fosters an employee centric culture built on collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous innovation. Guided by a mission to engineer the future of light, KSLD develops laser based solutions that power next generation mobility, consumer, specialty lighting, and industrial technologies.
KSLD will continue to pioneer the future of light by developing, manufacturing and marketing innovative laser based products with high efficiency and luminance for mobility, specialty lighting, consumer, and industrial applications.
To learn more about KSLD, visit www.kyocerasldlaser.com or contact the company at info@kyocerasldlaser.com or 18667535273.
Experience and Skills
Job Description
Kyocera SLD Laser is seeking a highly accomplished MTS Engineer with deep expertise in laser physics, device design, and physics based simulation to drive next generation laser diode technologies from epitaxial concept through device fabrication and experimental validation.
This role is designed for a hands on technical leader and individual contributor who owns solutions end to end-from EPI design inputs and modeling, through device architecture, to test development, characterization, and data correlation. The position supports advanced development and product programs targeting automotive, AR/VR, industrial, biomedical, and display markets.
Specific Responsibilities
This is primarily a design and modeling role, with expected hands on engagement in device characterization, correlation, and technical problem solving.
Laser Device Design & Physics Based Simulation

• Architect advanced laser diode structures including MQW active regions, waveguides, DFB/DBR cavities, and optical confinement schemes.
• Develop and execute Multiphysics semiconductor laser modeling, epitaxial heterostructure, Band structure and wave guide optical simulation, to guide device architecture, performance tradeoffs, and risk reduction.
• Perform sensitivity and margin analysis for threshold current, slope efficiency, wall plug efficiency, wavelength stability, SMSR, linewidth, polarization, and beam quality.
• Correlate simulation predictions with experimental data and calibrate models accordingly.

Epitaxy to Device Co Design

• Translate device performance targets into epitaxial structure requirements, including layer thickness, composition, doping, and confinement design.
• Collaborate closely with the epitaxy team to define growth strategies that balance performance, yield, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Lead data driven design of experiments (DOE) to accelerate convergence from concept to robust device designs.

Testing, Characterization, reliability & Correlation

• Collaborate and contribute where possible with Test team on laser diode characterization plans and execution.
• Collaborate with test engineering to develop or refine test setups, automation, and measurement methodologies.
• Support test engineering on performance or reliability limitations diagnostic through physics based root cause analysis.
• Apply structured problem solving, statistical techniques, and continuous improvement methods.

Innovation & Technical Leadership

• Generate intellectual property and contribute to patent disclosures and technical publications.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in laser physics and device design across cross functional teams.
• Mentor junior engineers through technical guidance and example (no direct reports required).

Experience and Skills

• MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Materials Science, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in laser diode design and development (GaN / IIIV experience strongly preferred).
• Strong foundation in semiconductor laser physics, optical waveguides, and device modeling.
• Demonstrated ability to bridge theory, simulation, fabrication, and test correlation.
• Handson experience with laser device characterization and data analysis (e.g., laser diode gain and waveguide loss measurement techniques, etc.).
• Proficiency with simulation tools (e.g., Photon Design modules, COMSOL, Lumerical, or equivalent) and data analysis software (JMP, MATLAB, Python, etc.).
• Experience with DOE, SPC, and structured problem solving methodologies (Six Sigma familiarity a plus).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills-able to clearly summarize complex technical results for cross functional audiences.
• Highly self motivated, organized, and capable of managing multiple technical workstreams independently.

The full time base salary range for the position of MTS Laser Physics Design and Development Engineer is $157,000 to $185,000 per annum. The range reflects the minimum and maximum possible base salary for new hires for the role, based on the advertised location. Individual pay is determined by several factors including work location, job related skills, experience, and relevant education and training. For more information about the base salary range applicable to the work location, talk to the recruiter.
Kyocera SLD Laser, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and requirements of personnel as classified.
Job Benefits
Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k