Senior Principal Scientist - Holographic Systems and Grating Fabrication

A Day in Your Life at MKS:
As a Senior Principal Research Scientist, Holographic Systems & Grating Fabrication at MKS Newport’s Richardson Gratings, you will help shape the future of advanced photonics. Lead breakthrough innovation in holographic diffraction gratings that power some of the world's most demanding applications in spectroscopy, lasers, semiconductor manufacturing, space exploration, and scientific research.
Working at the intersection of optical physics, nanofabrication, and advanced manufacturing, you will collaborate with Engineering, Production, and Commercial teams to transform novel concepts into next-generation products. From designing sophisticated grating architectures to driving cutting-edge fabrication processes in the cleanroom, your work will directly influence the performance limits of optical systems used around the globe.
You Will Make an Impact By:
Working on technologies that expand the limits of optical performance while collaborating with some of the brightest minds in photonics. This role is ideal for a scientist who thrives on solving difficult problems, translating theory into reality, and leaving a lasting impact on the future of holographic and diffractive optical technologies.
Advance the Science of Diffraction Gratings
Lead the design and optimization of innovative holographic grating solutions using advanced optical modeling and simulation techniques. Apply tools such as RCWA, FEA, and physical optics methods to push boundaries in diffraction efficiency, wavefront quality, spectral performance, and manufacturability.
Engineer World-Class Holographic Recording Systems
Own the development and continual refinement of sophisticated interferometric exposure platforms. Design highly stable optical recording environments that enable precise, repeatable holographic fabrication while mitigating vibration, thermal effects, and environmental drift.
Drive Next-Generation Nanofabrication
Lead advanced cleanroom processes spanning substrate preparation, photoresist coating, holographic exposure, development, etching, and thin-film deposition. Transform breakthrough R&D concepts into scalable, robust manufacturing technologies.
Unlock Performance Through Precision Metrology
Utilize state-of-the-art characterization techniques to validate and improve grating performance. Leverage AFM, SEM, wavefront sensing, diffraction efficiency testing, and custom optical metrology systems to align fabricated structures with theoretical design intent.
Shape Technology Strategy and Innovation
Serve as a leading scientific authority for holographic optics and grating fabrication. Develop patentable technologies, publish technical papers, influence technology roadmaps, and translate complex scientific concepts into actionable solutions for engineering, manufacturing, and customer-facing teams.
Mentor and Inspire
Provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams, elevating scientific excellence and fostering a culture of innovation, curiosity, and continuous advancement.
Travel:
Up to 10%
What You Bring:
PhD in Physics, Optical Sciences, Electrical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline strongly preferred. We are seeking a technical expert with a record of impact in holographic diffraction grating fabrication.
Candidates should possess 12 years of relevant scientific, research, and engineering experience, or an equivalent combination of advanced education, research accomplishments, publications, patents, and industry leadership.
Core Optical Expertise: Expertise in physical optics, interferometry, and holographic recording materials (photoresists).
Software & Simulation: We are open to experience with tools like MATLAB or Python for data analytics, Zemax, Code V, or similar optical design software.
Cleanroom Operations: Experience with photolithography, wet/dry etching, and thin-film deposition techniques.
Metrology Tools: Understanding the physics and best practice of diffraction gratings. Ideally experience utilizing wavefront sensors, custom Littrow efficiency benches, and advanced analytical tools like Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
Specialized Testing: General competency in thin-film and optical characterization.
Preferred Skills: (Optional)
Reactive Ion Beam Etching (RIBE); replication techniques.
Hands-on experience with AFM and SEM instrumentation.
Laser-Induced Damage Threshold (LIDT) testing for high-power laser applications.
MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.
Compensation and Benefits:
Salary Pay Range:
Total Base Pay Range $155,250.00 - $210,000.00 per year. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law.  At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role
Bonus:
This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable].
Benefits:
MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.].

Salary : $155,250 - $210,000