Lumentum Operations LLC

Optical Design Engineer

Lumentum Operations LLC$84K — $114K *
Consumer Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master’s or PhD in Optics, Photonics, Physics, Engineering Physics, Optical Engineering, or related field required.
  • 2-4 years of industry or academic experience with free-space optics and laser development.
  • Hands-on experience with optical experimentation and laser alignment essential.
  • Proficiency in optical simulation tools such as Zemax OpticStudio preferred.
  • Programming skills in C# and/or Python for data analysis and design enhancement required.
  • Strong problem-solving abilities and a passion for pushing technological boundaries.

Responsibilities

  • Design and develop innovative free-space optical devices like Optical Circuit Switches and Amplifiers.
  • Implement precision optical alignment strategies for seamless system integration.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to move designs from concept to production.
  • Conduct hands-on testing and validation to enhance manufacturability and reliability.
  • Develop optical models and simulations to optimize performance and efficiency.
  • Stay updated on emerging optical technologies and practices for continuous improvement.

Benefits

  • Flexible time off to promote work-life balance.
  • Comprehensive health and wellness benefits for mental and physical health.
  • Tuition reimbursement and support for career development.
  • On-site facilities including a gym, games room, and prayer room.
  • Subsidized meals and free coffee/tea for daily convenience.
  • Employee stock options and incentive plans to share in company success.
  • A collaborative and inclusive workplace culture that fosters innovation.
Full Job Description

Position Title: Optical Design Engineer

Employment Type: Full-time, Existing vacancy

Location: Ottawa  

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Innovate: Design and develop cutting-edge free-space optical devices, including Optical Circuit Switch (OCS), Wavelength Selective Switches (WSS), Optical Channel Monitors (OCM), and Optical Amplifiers.
  • Solve Complex Problems: Work on precision optical alignment strategies for passive and active systems, contributing to the seamless integration of optics, LCOS, MEMS, and micro-optics.
  • Bring Designs to Life: Collaborate with mechanical, automation, calibration, and manufacturing teams to take designs from concept to production.
  • Experiment & Optimize: Conduct hands-on laser alignment, optical testing, and system validation, refining designs for manufacturability and reliability.
  • Simulate & Automate: Develop and refine optical models using Ansys Zemax OpticStudio and numerical simulations to optimize performance and reduce design cycles.
  • Learn, Evolve, & Lead: Stay ahead of the curve in optical design, system integration, and emerging technologies—because at Lumentum, we never stop learning.

What We’re Looking For

Education:
Recent Master’s or PhD graduate in Optics, Photonics, Physics, Engineering Physics, Optical Engineering, or a related field.

Experience:
The ideal candidate will have:

  • 2- 4 years of industry or academic experience in free-space optics and laser development, including design, alignment, and characterization..

Skills:

  • Problem-solvers at heart - thrive on taking complex challenges and structuring solutions that work in the real world.
  • Passionate about Optical Technology - you understand optical fundamentals (Gaussian beam propagation, polarization, diffraction, aberrations) and want to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
  • Hands-on experience with free-space optics, laser alignment, and optical experimentation.
  • Proficient in optical simulation tools (Zemax OpticStudio preferred) and programming (C# and/or Python) to enhance optical design and data analysis.
  • Detail-driven & execution-focused - you take pride in ensuring solutions are precise, manufacturable, and production-ready.
  • A team player & adaptable thinker - you thrive in fast-paced, cross-functional teams and love tackling new challenges every day.

Perks You’ll Love

  • Flexible time off
  • Health and wellness benefits (physical and mental)
  • Tuition reimbursement and career growth support
  • A workplace built for you: free gym, games room, prayer room
  • Subsidized meals, free coffee/tea
  • Employee stock options and incentive plans
  • A collaborative, innovative, and inclusive culture

Salary Range: $84,650 - $114,550 CAD (flexible).

Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, and qualifications. In line with our commitment to being a great place to work, Lumentum offers competitive total rewards which may include annual bonus, equity, and comprehensive health and welfare benefits.

About Lumentum Operations LLC

Lumentum is a leading provider of photonics products for optical networking and commercial laser customers worldwide. The company designs and manufactures innovative optical and photonic products enabling optical networking and commercial laser customers worldwide. Lumentum's optical components and subsystems are part of virtually every type of telecom, enterprise, and data center network. The company's commercial lasers enable advanced manufacturing techniques and diverse applications including next-generation 3D sensing capabilities. Lumentum is headquartered in Milpitas, California, and has R&D, manufacturing, and sales offices worldwide. The company was founded in 2015 as a spinoff from JDS Uniphase Corporation.
Learn more about Lumentum Operations LLC
Size
5,618 employees
Market Cap
$3.4 billion
Industry
Net Income
$189.1 million
Founded
2015
5 Year Trend
+11.3%
Revenue
$1.7 billion
NASDAQ

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