Diffraqtion · 15 hours ago
Software Engineer - Optical Simulation
Somerville, MA 02143
Full-time
Onsite
Entry Level
1+ years expDiffraqtion is a DARPA, NASA, and VC-backed startup focused on revolutionizing AI imaging with their breakthrough quantum technology. The Software Engineer will develop reliable software for optical simulations, collaborating with physicists to convert theory into practical applications, while ensuring code quality and maintainability.
HardwareSatellite CommunicationSensor
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Help turn theory into durable software
Convert prototypes and research workflows into reusable components, libraries, and pipelines
Improve clarity and maintainability so results are easier to reproduce and extend
Add lightweight tests and structure so new work can build on existing work safely
Build simulation + analysis capabilities
Implement and run optical simulations (primarily Python)
Build parameter sweeps and optimization workflows to explore large design spaces efficiently
Support experimental analysis code and toolchains used for validation
Grow into imaging & signal processing
As we expand our experimental pipeline: pull camera frames, process signals, and contribute to image processing and machine vision workflows
Qualification
Required
Proven experience building software on a shared codebase
Experience contributing to a team-owned repository (more than ~10 developers would be ideal), in an internship, research software group, or professional setting
Comfort with Git workflows (branching, pull requests, code review, resolving conflicts)
Writing clean, modular Python (libraries/modules > single scripts)
Testing mindset (unit/integration tests, basic CI habits are a plus)
Collaborating with others and improving codes incrementally
Good understanding of the physical world and ability to apply physics principles with focus on optics
Strong ability to pick up physics concepts quickly, especially optics-related ideas
Related coursework in physics (preferably at minor level or above)
Bachelor's degree in Physics, Math, EE/CS, or related fields
Roughly 1-2 years of relevant experience including internships, co-ops, or undergrad research/software roles—especially ones involving shared repos and team workflows
Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or eligible for authorization under U.S. export regulations
Preferred
Experience with numerical optimization (parameter fitting, gradient-free methods, Bayesian optimization, etc.)
Machine learning experience (training models, evaluation, data pipelines)
Image processing / computer vision (e.g., OpenCV, filtering, feature extraction, calibration, denoising)
Camera interfacing / embedded-adjacent tinkering—Arducam hobby projects are a fun signal here
Familiarity with common scientific tools: NumPy/SciPy, Jupyter, matplotlib, pandas (and optionally PyTorch/TensorFlow)
Benefits
401(k) matching
Company parties
Competitive salary
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Opportunity for advancement
Paid time off
Stock options plan
Vision insurance
Medical, dental and vision on 1st day
Company 401K match
A collaborative and innovative work environment with opportunities for professional growth
The chance to work on transformative technologies to be deployed in Space
Company
Diffraqtion
Diffraqtion is a tech company that develops quantum imaging technology with low-energy sensors and AI.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageTotal Funding
$1.15M2025-11-20Seed· $1.15M
Company data provided by crunchbase