About the Company

Inlighten Technologies is a Silicon Valley startup developing next-generation microLED technologies for augmented reality (AR) and AI-powered smart glasses. Our mission is to push the limits of microLED performance and manufacturing, enabling scalable, mass-market production. Join us to help create the displays that will power the future of immersive computing.

Description

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Optical Engineer to join our fast-paced, multidisciplinary team developing next-generation microLEDs and micro display technologies. In this role, you will drive the optical simulation, analysis, and modeling efforts that underpin device innovation, light-extraction enhancement, and system-level display performance. You will develop and apply advanced optical modeling frameworks spanning geometric and wave-optics to evaluate microLED emitter structures, multilayer optical stacks, and full display architectures. Leveraging tools such as Zemax/OpticStudio, Lumerical, FDTD, and custom simulation pipelines, you will generate insights that directly influence device design, process development, and hardware optimization.

Key Responsibilities

• •Develop advanced optical simulation models for microLED display architectures, leveraging geometric and wave-optics approaches to guide device design, improve light extraction, and support system-level optical integration using Zemax/OpticStudio, Lumerical and custom simulation frameworks.
• •Establish and execute modeling methodologies using techniques such as TMM, FDTD, and RCWA to assess optical behavior across multilayer stacks, emission structures, and display-level configurations.
• •Characterize and interpret microLED optical responses, analyzing emission patterns, angular distribution, polarization effects, and spectral properties to extract meaningful device-performance insights.
• •Apply semiconductor and optoelectronic device physics to model MQW behavior, carrier dynamics, recombination pathways, and light-extraction mechanisms within emitters.
• •Evaluate optical outputs within photometric and colorimetric frameworks, converting spectral and angular data into key performance indicators such as luminance, optical efficacy, chromaticity, and color-gamut compliances.
• •Model electrical transport and thermal behavior of microLED devices, including carrier injection, current spreading, junction heating, thermal resistance pathways, and electro-thermal coupling effects, to better understand device performance.
• •Develop automated simulation and analysis pipelines in Python and/or MATLAB to enable rapid parameter sweeps, efficient data visualization, optimization studies, and correlation against measured results.
• •Generate intellectual property by identifying novel device structures and optical architectures microLEDs for micro display applications.
• •Document and communicate findings effectively, preparing clear technical reports, simulation summaries, and presentations for internal teams and leadership stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

• •M.S. in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, with 3+ years of relevant industry or research experience.
• •Proven experience developing optical models grounded in both geometric and wave-optics principles.
• •Hands-on expertise with optical simulation tools and methods such as TMM, RCWA, FDTD (Lumerical), and Zemax/OpticStudio.
• •Proficiency in Python and/or MATLAB for numerical simulation, data processing, and visualization workflows.
• •Strong foundation in optics, semiconductor physics, and optoelectronic device physics.
• •Deep theoretical understanding of micro-optics, microLED architectures, and light-extraction efficiency, including electromagnetic, geometrical, and material-interaction principles governing device behavior.
• •Excellent analytical problem-solving skills, clear communication abilities, and strong organizational discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

• •Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related discipline.
• •Coursework or project experience in microLED/LED and display technologies.
• •Proven track record of publishing optical modeling and simulation research in peer-reviewed journals and conferences, with contributions focused on light-extraction physics, device-level modeling, and advanced optical design.
• •Experience using CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks) to create micro/miniature device structures and to design precision optomechanical assemblies.
• •Knowledge of display technologies and AR/VR display optics.
• •Familiarity with optical measurement techniques and characterization of micro-LEDs.

Benefits

• •Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• •401(k) retirement plan.
• •Paid holidays and vacation.
• •Employee stock option plan.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Inlighten Technologies is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.