R&D Engineer - VCSEL

Job Description

Job Description

Location: Sherman, TX

Work Setting: Hybrid – 3 days onsite, 2 days remote

Relocation: Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates

Compensation: $130,000 – $155,000 (target compensation around $142,000)

Bonus: Annual bonus target of 16% plus equity eligibility (~$23K target equity package)

Benefits: Full medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with employer match, paid time off, equity participation, and comprehensive employer benefits package

Sponsorship: Will consider H1b- transfers /TN-1 Visas

Position Summary

The R&D Engineer – VCSEL Development is a highly technical semiconductor laser design role focused on developing next-generation VCSEL (Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser) devices supporting advanced sensing, AI, and high-performance optoelectronic applications. This position plays a key role in the design, simulation, characterization, and commercialization of cutting-edge semiconductor laser technologies within a fast-growing market.

This engineer will work closely with customers and cross-functional engineering teams to design and optimize VCSEL devices across the full product lifecycle, including epitaxy, wafer fabrication, testing, characterization, and reliability. The role requires strong expertise in semiconductor laser physics, device modeling, and experimental analysis combined with the ability to translate simulation results into manufacturable, high-performance products.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a highly technical engineer who wants direct ownership over advanced semiconductor laser technologies and visibility into customer-facing development efforts supporting AI and next-generation sensing applications.

What You’ll Do

• Design and develop next-generation VCSEL devices for advanced sensing and AI applications
• Utilize simulation and modeling tools to predict device behavior and optimize semiconductor laser designs
• Plan, execute, and oversee experiments validating VCSEL device performance and manufacturability
• Support new product introduction (NPI) activities including epitaxial design, chip layout, fabrication setup, and engineering change management
• Analyze wafer, device, and characterization data to guide design and optimization decisions
• Conduct DOE-driven experiments and statistical analysis to improve device performance and yield
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Epitaxy, Integration, Reliability, Test, and Program Management teams
• Engage directly with customers to understand technical requirements and support development initiatives
• Characterize and evaluate VCSEL device performance including optical and electrical behavior
• Support product reliability analysis and long-term device performance optimization
• Present technical findings internally and externally to engineering leadership and customers
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across design, manufacturing, and product development workflows

What You Bring

• PhD in Semiconductor Physics, Laser Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or related technical discipline
• Minimum 5+ years of optoelectronic device development experience
• Strong experience with VCSEL or semiconductor laser design and simulation
• Deep understanding of semiconductor laser physics and device operation
• Experience supporting semiconductor epitaxy, wafer fabrication, device characterization, and testing activities
• Strong analytical and data-driven problem-solving capabilities
• Experience with DOE methodologies and statistical data analysis
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively across teams and customers
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills within cross-functional engineering environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with edge-emitting laser design or related optoelectronic device technologies
• Background supporting both R&D and high-volume semiconductor manufacturing environments
• Experience with customer-facing technical development programs
• Strong modeling and simulation expertise for semiconductor laser devices
• Familiarity with reliability analysis and device qualification methodologies
• Experience balancing advanced technical design with practical manufacturability considerations

What You Get

• Competitive base salary with strong bonus and equity opportunity
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) match
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge VCSEL technologies supporting AI and advanced sensing markets
• Direct impact on next-generation semiconductor laser product development
• Exposure to the full semiconductor product lifecycle from design through high-volume production
• Collaborative environment with highly technical PhD-level engineering teams
• Strong visibility with customers and leadership teams
• Fast-growing market exposure with long-term technology investment and stability
• Clear technical leadership and advanced R&D growth opportunities within the organization