Technologist R&D Engineer (Optical Design & Computational Photonics)

Location: Remote office in Germany, based in Ulm

Company

hirify.global develops large-scale data storage systems and infrastructure for AI-driven applications, hyperscale data centers, cloud platforms, and enterprise environments.

What you will do

• Lead optical and multiphysics simulation for next-generation photonic systems.
• Develop inverse-design, optimization, and scalable computational frameworks across optical, thermal, and electrical domains.
• Define optical architectures, conduct system-level tradeoff studies, and guide design decisions.
• Correlate simulations with experimental measurements and support device, packaging, thermal, and photonic integration co-development.
• Build reduced-order analytical models alongside full numerical simulation workflows.
• Mentor engineers, provide technical leadership, and help define AI-assisted computational photonics infrastructure.

Requirements

• PhD or equivalent experience in Physics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in optical design, computational photonics, or advanced device simulation.
• Strong background in optical simulation and numerical modeling, including electromagnetic, optical, thermal, or multiphysics tools.
• Strong programming skills in Python, MATLAB, or scientific computing environments.
• Ability to connect theoretical models with experimental validation and engineering constraints.
• Strong technical leadership and communication skills.

Nice to have

• Experience with inverse design or optimization algorithms.
• Experience with semiconductor or integrated photonic devices.
• AI/ML-assisted simulation or optimization experience.
• Experience bridging device-level and system-level optical design.
• Ability to solve difficult first-principles engineering problems.

Culture & Benefits

• Work within multidisciplinary teams spanning device physics, packaging, process development, characterization, and system integration.
• Contribute to an inclusive environment focused on diversity, belonging, respect, and contribution.
• Accessibility support is available throughout the application and hiring process.