[Hiring] R&D Engineer - Optical Design & Computational Photonics @Western Digital

Role Description

The next era of intelligent systems will require entirely new approaches to photonic device design, optical architectures, simulation, and system integration. Solving these problems demands deep physical intuition, advanced computational modeling, and the ability to bridge simulation with experimental reality.

We are looking for a Principal R&D Engineer to lead advanced optical design and computational photonics development for next-generation semiconductor and photonic systems. This role combines:

• optical simulation,
• inverse design,
• electro-thermal modeling,
• computational optimization,
• experimental interpretation,
• system-level co-development.

You will define and drive the optical architecture behind advanced device platforms and work across multidisciplinary teams spanning device physics, packaging, process development, characterization, and system integration.

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead advanced optical and multiphysics simulation activities for next-generation photonic systems.
• Develop inverse-design and optimization methodologies for complex optical structures.
• Build scalable computational frameworks spanning optics, thermal, and electrical domains.
• Drive architecture-level tradeoff studies and system-level optical design decisions.
• Collaborate closely with characterization teams to correlate simulations with experimental measurements.
• Support co-development between devices, packaging, thermal systems, and photonic integration platforms.
• Develop reduced-order analytical models alongside full numerical simulation workflows.
• Mentor engineers and provide technical leadership across optical design and simulation activities.
• Help define future AI-assisted computational photonics workflows and design infrastructure.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent experience in Physics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related field.
• 8+ years experience in optical design, computational photonics, or advanced device simulation.
• Strong background in optical simulation and numerical modeling.
• Experience with electromagnetic, optical, thermal, or multiphysics simulation tools.
• Strong programming capability in Python, MATLAB, or scientific computing environments.
• Ability to connect theoretical modeling with experimental validation and engineering constraints.
• Strong technical leadership and communication skills.

Requirements

• Experience with inverse design or optimization algorithms.
• Experience with semiconductor or integrated photonic devices.
• Strong multiphysics modeling capability.
• AI/ML-assisted simulation or optimization experience.
• Experience bridging device-level and system-level optical design.
• Demonstrated ability to solve difficult first-principles engineering problems.

Benefits

• WD thrives on the power and potential of diversity.
• Commitment to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect, and contribution.
• Opportunities for applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and hiring process.