NEURALOPTIX INC Co-Founder, Head of Intelligent Design Platform Seattle, WA · Full time Company website

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NeuralOptix is a technology start-up developing advanced head-mounted display systems. Founded by two industry leaders with decades of technical leadership in display technologies, nanofabrication, and design-technology co-optimization, we work with global AR/VR/MR partners to deliver scalable photonics solutions. We are expanding our leadership and engineering teams to support globally positioned partners and accelerate platform development.

We’re seeking a co-founder and Optical Scientist to design and optimize display waveguides for next‑generation AR/VR/MR systems. You’ll own the physics, modeling, and design of waveguide components—couplers, gratings, combiners—and their integration into imaging pipelines. This role blends electromagnetic theory, imaging & illumination optics, computational modeling, and software development to achieve thin, bright, color-accurate, and manufacturable display subsystems. 

Responsibilities 

• Design and simulate diffractive waveguide components; run RCWA/FDTD to optimize grating parameters. 
• Build automated pipelines for ray/physical optics simulations on HPC clusters. 
• Collaborate with manufacturing to specify tolerances and metrology; analyze yield/risk. 
• Conduct optical bench experiments to validate models; maintain results dashboards. 
• Write technical reports; present design reviews; mentor junior team members. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Optics/Applied Physics/Electrical Engineering (or related), with 3–8+ years in optical design or waveguide/displays. 
• Strong foundation in electromagnetic theory and imaging & illumination optics. 
• Hands‑on experience with ray tracing and physical optics modeling, including tolerance/sensitivity analysis. 
• Proficiency in software development (Python and/or C++; familiarity with modern software practices). 
• Experience building and running computational infrastructure/HPC (e.g., Slurm, Kubernetes, GPU acceleration). 
• Practical knowledge of grating/waveguide design (RCWA/FDTD), and materials. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience designing surface-relief or holographic gratings, pupil expanders, or waveguide combiners for AR/VR displays. 
• Familiarity with polarization management and color management techniques. 
• Background in optimization and ML-assisted design. 
• Experience with manufacturing processes and DFM for high-volume production. 
• Strong experimental skills: optical bench setup, metrology, and data analysis. 

Competencies 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. 
• Strategic thinker (ability to plan ahead for challenges) 

Work Environment 

• Seattle-based Founders, Remote work considered; 
• Normal business hours with weekly morning or evening calls with global partners. 
• Ability to travel as needed to support partners. (Expect 25% on average) 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced technical environment where everyone is expected to stretch and learn quickly.