Principal Photonics R&D Engineer

Salary Range: $140K - $175K DOE

Mostly In-Office / Occasional Work from Home

Reports to Research Director

Relocation Assistance Available.

Our client is seeking a Principal Photonics/Electronics Engineer who will contribute to the Engineering Research & Development team, ensuring alignment with company goals and delivery of innovative, reliable photonic detection solutions. This role is responsible for setting technical direction and providing expert guidance. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, decision making, and communication skills; build collaborative relationships across functions; and maintain a commitment to professional excellence, quality, and continuous improvement.

The Role

The Principal Photonics/Electronics Engineer is a senior technical leadership role focused on very low level light detection, optical imaging, and advanced photonic instrumentation. They will lead the development of high sensitivity detection systems with emphasis on maximizing signal to noise ratio through detector selection, amplifier architecture, low noise circuit design, and precision PCB layout. They will serve as a subject matter expert in photonic detectors and interfacing circuitry for scientific instrumentation.

Job Responsibilities

• Design and develop ultra low noise, high signal to noise analog front end electronics for optical detection systems

• Define requirements and specifications for photonic detectors (photodiodes, APDs, SPADs, SiPMs, and arrays) in collaboration with vendors

• Lead development and evaluation of optical imaging and light collection systems for weak signal environments

• Analyze detector physics, noise sources, and system level performance limitations

• Research and evaluate emerging photonics and detector technologies to guide R&D direction

• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and knowledge transfer to engineering and research staff

• Collaborate with cross functional teams to support advanced instrumentation development programs

• Continuously evaluate processes for improvements in efficiency, quality, and performance

• This role is not all inclusive; responsibilities may evolve to meet organizational needs

Required Qualifications

• MS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Optical Engineering, or related field

• Significant experience in:

o Very low level light detection systems

o Low noise amplifier design and circuit architecture

o Precision PCB layout for sensitive analog systems

o Optical detection and imaging systems

• Deep understanding of photonic detector devices and associated electronics

• Strong analytical, experimental, and problem solving skills

• Ability to independently evaluate and guide advanced photonics technology directions

• Strong communication, collaboration, and mentoring capability

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant technical discipline

• Experience with photon counting and TCSPC (time correlated single photon counting)

• Broad knowledge of modern photonics and optical sensing technologies

• Demonstrated success in maturing complex technologies into commercially viable products

• Experience working in multidisciplinary industrial research environments

• Strong innovation track record (publications, patents, or advanced R&D contributions)

• Proven leadership and project execution experience