Lead Photonics Engineer

Job Description

Location: Boulder, Colorado

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Salary Range: $145,000–$176,000

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The Opportunity

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We are seeking an accomplished Lead Photonics Engineer to join an advanced Engineering Research & Development organization in Boulder, CO . This is a senior technical leadership opportunity for an engineer with deep expertise in very low-level light detection, photonic detectors, optical imaging, low-noise electronics, and advanced scientific instrumentation .

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In this role, you will help establish technical direction for next-generation photonic detection technologies while serving as a subject matter expert and technical mentor across multidisciplinary engineering teams. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with the ability to evaluate emerging technologies, solve complex engineering challenges, and help transition advanced concepts into reliable commercial products.

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The Role

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The Lead Photonics Engineer will focus on the development of high-sensitivity optical detection systems for applications where maximizing signal-to-noise ratio is critical.

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Key technical areas include detector selection and characterization, amplifier architecture, ultra-low-noise circuit design, optical imaging and light collection, precision PCB layout, and system-level performance optimization.

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This individual will serve as a technical authority in photonic detectors and their associated interfacing electronics , working closely with Engineering, Research, Product Development, and external technology partners.

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Key Responsibilities

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• Design and develop ultra-low-noise, high signal-to-noise analog front-end electronics for optical detection systems.
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• Define requirements and specifications for photonic detectors, including photodiodes, avalanche photodiodes (APDs), single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs), silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs), and detector arrays .
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• Collaborate with detector and component vendors to evaluate technologies and define performance requirements.
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• Lead the development and evaluation of optical imaging and light-collection systems designed for weak-signal environments.
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• Analyze detector physics, electronic and optical noise sources, and system-level performance limitations.
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• Optimize detector interfaces, amplifier architectures, signal chains, and related circuitry for maximum sensitivity and signal integrity.
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• Apply precision PCB design and layout principles to sensitive analog and photonic detection systems.
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• Research and evaluate emerging photonics, detector, imaging, and optical sensing technologies to help guide future R&D direction.
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• Perform technical evaluations, experiments, and trade studies to assess new technologies and design approaches.
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• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and knowledge transfer to engineering and research teams.
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• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on the development of sophisticated scientific and analytical instrumentation.
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• Support the transition of advanced technologies from research and prototype stages into robust, manufacturable products.
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• Identify opportunities to improve system performance, engineering processes, quality, and efficiency.
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• Responsibilities may evolve based on technology development and organizational needs.
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Required Qualifications

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• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Optical Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.
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• 15+ years of relevant professional experience.
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• Significant hands-on experience with very low-level light detection systems .
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• Expertise in low-noise amplifier design and analog circuit architecture .
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• Experience with precision PCB layout for sensitive analog electronics .
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• Strong background in optical detection and imaging systems .
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• Deep understanding of photonic detector technologies and their associated electronics.
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• Experience working with technologies such as photodiodes, APDs, SPADs, SiPMs, or detector arrays .
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• Strong understanding of noise sources, signal-to-noise optimization, detector performance, and system-level tradeoffs.
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• Strong analytical, experimental, troubleshooting, and problem-solving capabilities.
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• Ability to independently evaluate advanced technologies and provide technical direction.
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• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
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• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
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• Ability to mentor and provide technical guidance to other engineers and researchers.
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Preferred Qualifications

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• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Optical Engineering, or a related discipline.
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• Experience with photon counting technologies.
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• Experience with TCSPC (Time-Correlated Single Photon Counting) .
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• Broad knowledge of modern photonics, optical sensing, imaging, and detector technologies.
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• Demonstrated experience transitioning complex technologies from R&D and prototype development into commercially viable products .
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• Experience working within multidisciplinary industrial research or advanced product-development environments.
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• Record of technical innovation demonstrated through patents, publications, inventions, or significant advanced R&D contributions .
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• Demonstrated technical leadership and successful execution of complex engineering projects.
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Work Environment

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This position is based in Boulder, Colorado and is primarily an onsite/in-office role, approximately 80–100% of the time , with limited work-from-home flexibility depending on project requirements and management expectations.

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The position operates within office, engineering laboratory, and manufacturing environments and may require extended periods of sitting, standing, and computer use.

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Occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds may be required.

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The role may occasionally involve work within controlled laboratory environments where X-rays, radiation, or biological materials are present. All work is conducted in accordance with established safety procedures and applicable regulatory requirements.

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Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

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Compensation & Benefits

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Base Salary: $145,000–$176,000 annually , depending on experience, education, technical expertise, and other relevant qualifications.

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A comprehensive benefits package is offered and may include:

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• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
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• Flexible spending accounts
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• Life insurance
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• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
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• Paid vacation, holidays, and leave programs
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• Tuition reimbursement
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• Employee recognition and professional development programs
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• Employee assistance and wellness programs
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