Optical Engineer I
About Diffraqtion
At Diffraqtion, we are revolutionizing AI imaging using our proprietary breakthrough quantum technology. We are a DARPA, NASA, and VC-backed startup founded by MIT & Harvard scientists and veterans in AI, Optics, and Quantum Sensing. Inspired by the eye, we are building a Quantum Camera which replaces a conventional camera and processor. Calculating at the speed of light, we achieve orders of magnitude higher resolution, processing speed and energy efficiency for cameras. Using this camera, we will make Earth and Space Imaging satellites affordable and ubiquitous.
The Role
We are seeking a Junior Optical Engineer to help build, align, and test the advanced optical systems at the heart of our Quantum Camera. This is a hands-on, bench-first role: you will spend most of your time in the lab—mounting and aligning optics, assembling prototypes, running experiments, taking measurements, and troubleshooting hardware that does not yet behave the way the model says it should. You will work side by side with senior optical engineers and with the algorithm/software team, learning to translate their results into real optical hardware. This is an early-career role with real ownership and real mentorship: you will start by executing well-defined experiments and grow into owning subsystems of a first-of-a-kind device that will be shot into Low Earth Orbit.
The ideal candidate has a solid foundation in physics and optics fundamentals, genuine time logged at an optical bench—from research, lab coursework, internships, or personal builds—and the curiosity and persistence to keep debugging a setup that is not cooperating. We care more about your lab instincts, care with hardware, and appetite for learning than about the length of your résumé. Formal training on our design and simulation tools will be provided.
Note: This position requires U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent resident status, or eligibility for authorization under U.S. export control regulations (ITAR/EAR).
Note: This position requires U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent resident status, or eligibility for authorization under U.S. export control regulations (ITAR/EAR).
Key Responsibilities
- Build, mount, and align free-space and fiber optical setups on the bench, working from procedures and with guidance from senior engineers.
- Assemble and integrate optical subsystems—handling, cleaning, and mounting precision optics and opto-mechanics.
- Run experiments and collect data using lab instrumentation such as beam profilers, power meters, cameras, spectrometers, and interferometers.
- Troubleshoot setups iteratively: isolate variables, find the root cause, and re-align and optimize until performance is met.
- Help develop and document repeatable alignment procedures, and iterate on simple optomechanical mounts and fixtures (3D-printed or machined).
- Support component selection and sourcing—request quotes, track lead times, and receive and inspect incoming optics.
- Reduce and analyze measurement data in MATLAB or Python, and compare results against optical models.
- Keep a rigorous lab notebook, write up test results clearly, and present findings to the team.
- Help build and run test setups for prototype qualification as hardware matures toward flight.
Qualifications
Required:
- B.S. or M.S. in Optical Engineering, Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- 1–2 years of hands-on optical lab experience—academic research, lab coursework, co-ops, and internships all count.
- Demonstrated bench experience aligning free-space optics (lasers, lenses, mirrors, beamsplitters) and/or working with fiber optics.
- Experience with laboratory equipment such as oscilloscopes, detectors and power sources
- Working knowledge of optics fundamentals: imaging, diffraction, interference, polarization, and Gaussian beam propagation
- Comfort using MATLAB or Python for data analysis and basic modeling.
- Careful, organized, and safety-conscious lab habits, including laser safety awareness.
- Eagerness to be in the lab on-site in Somerville, MA—this is a hardware role, and the hardware lives here.
Preferred:
- Coursework, research, or project experience with optical design and simulation software (e.g., Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, COMSOL, Lumerical).
- Exposure to CAD such as SolidWorks for optomechanical mounts and fixtures.
- Hands-on experience with telescopes, imaging optics (including folded optics), or camera systems.
- Familiarity with diffractive optics, spatial light modulators, adaptive optics, or interferometry.
- Experience coupling into and testing photonic integrated circuits.
- Familiarity with optical metrology methods, instrumentation, and measurement uncertainty.
- Practical shop skills: machining, 3D printing, soldering, or basic electronics.
Soft Skills
- Curiosity and persistence in troubleshooting—you want to know why the fringes disappeared.
- Excellent attention to detail and disciplined documentation habits.
- Eagerness to learn from senior engineers, ask questions early, and act on feedback.
- Ability to work independently on well-scoped tasks while collaborating across a small, cross-functional team.
- Clear technical communication—both written and verbal.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and equity options.
- Medical, dental and vision on 1st day
- Company 401K match
- Direct, day-to-day mentorship from senior optical engineers and the founding team.
- A collaborative and innovative work environment with a clear path for technical growth.
- The chance to work on transformative technologies to be deployed in Space
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Diffraqtion is committed to cultivating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We highly value diversity in our current and future employees and do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Diffraqtion is committed to cultivating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We highly value diversity in our current and future employees and do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Who We Are
We are an early stage deeptech startup with roots in MIT, Harvard, University of Maryland, and University of Arizona.
Our Headquarters are in Boston, MA
Our Tech
Our technology was developed in partnership with DARPA and NASA for high-precision space situational awareness. It is intended to fit into the Habitable Worlds Observatory, the successor to the James Webb and Hubble space observatories, dedicated to finding exoplanets that can support life.
