InLighten Technologies · 13 hours ago
Optical Engineer
Santa Clara, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
3+ years expInLighten Technologies is a Silicon Valley startup focused on developing next-generation microLED technologies for AR and AI-powered smart glasses. They are seeking a highly skilled Optical Engineer to drive optical simulation and modeling efforts to enhance device innovation and display performance.
Semiconductors
Responsibilities
Develop advanced optical simulation models for microLED display architectures, leveraging geometric and wave-optics approaches to guide device design, improve light extraction, and support system-level optical integration using Zemax/OpticStudio, Lumerical and custom simulation frameworks
Establish and execute modeling methodologies using techniques such as TMM, FDTD, and RCWA to assess optical behavior across multilayer stacks, emission structures, and display-level configurations
Characterize and interpret microLED optical responses, analyzing emission patterns, angular distribution, polarization effects, and spectral properties to extract meaningful device-performance insights
Apply semiconductor and optoelectronic device physics to model MQW behavior, carrier dynamics, recombination pathways, and light-extraction mechanisms within emitters
Evaluate optical outputs within photometric and colorimetric frameworks, converting spectral and angular data into key performance indicators such as luminance, optical efficacy, chromaticity, and color-gamut compliances
Model electrical transport and thermal behavior of microLED devices, including carrier injection, current spreading, junction heating, thermal resistance pathways, and electro-thermal coupling effects, to better understand device performance
Develop automated simulation and analysis pipelines in Python and/or MATLAB to enable rapid parameter sweeps, efficient data visualization, optimization studies, and correlation against measured results
Generate intellectual property by identifying novel device structures and optical architectures microLEDs for micro display applications
Document and communicate findings effectively, preparing clear technical reports, simulation summaries, and presentations for internal teams and leadership stakeholders
Qualification
Required
M.S. in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, with 3+ years of relevant industry or research experience
Proven experience developing optical models grounded in both geometric and wave-optics principles
Hands-on expertise with optical simulation tools and methods such as TMM, RCWA, FDTD (Lumerical), and Zemax/OpticStudio
Proficiency in Python and/or MATLAB for numerical simulation, data processing, and visualization workflows
Strong foundation in optics, semiconductor physics, and optoelectronic device physics
Deep theoretical understanding of micro-optics, microLED architectures, and light-extraction efficiency, including electromagnetic, geometrical, and material-interaction principles governing device behavior
Excellent analytical problem-solving skills, clear communication abilities, and strong organizational discipline
Preferred
Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related discipline
Coursework or project experience in microLED/LED and display technologies
Proven track record of publishing optical modeling and simulation research in peer-reviewed journals and conferences, with contributions focused on light-extraction physics, device-level modeling, and advanced optical design
Experience using CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks) to create micro/miniature device structures and to design precision optomechanical assemblies
Knowledge of display technologies and AR/VR display optics
Familiarity with optical measurement techniques and characterization of micro-LEDs
Benefits
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
401(k) retirement plan.
Paid holidays and vacation.
Employee stock option plan.
Company
InLighten Technologies
Inlighten Technologies is pioneering next-generation microLED display technology for augmented reality (AR) applications.
Founded in 2025Santa Clara, California, US
2-10 employeesH1B Sponsorship
InLighten Technologies has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2024 (1)
2022 (2)
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase