Optics Research Scientist (Semiconductor)

Location: Milpitas, California, United States

Salary: $136,300–$231,700 annually

Company

hirify.global develops inspection and manufacturing systems for semiconductors, wafers, reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards, and displays.

What you will do

• Model and analyze advanced optical systems for wafer inspection.
• Support the design and evaluation of objective lenses and related optical subsystems.
• Perform optical simulations, tolerance analysis, and data analysis using industry-standard software and proprietary algorithms.
• Collaborate with optical engineers and multidisciplinary teams on system architecture, design, and integration challenges.
• Work with internal teams and external suppliers on optics fabrication and manufacturing considerations.
• Participate in experiments, testing, validation, technical reviews, and documentation.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Knowledge of or experience with optics, optical system design, optical metrology, or photonics.
• Familiarity with Zemax, Code V, OSLO, or similar optical design and simulation tools.
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, or similar programming environments for modeling and data analysis.
• Understanding of geometrical optics, physical optics, imaging systems, and optical tolerancing.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.

Nice to have

• Experience with UV or deep-UV optical systems.
• Experience with optical metrology and fabrication.
• Familiarity with optomechanical systems or semiconductor equipment.
• Experience with COMSOL, Lumerical, or similar physics simulation platforms.
• Internship or research experience related to optics or imaging systems.

Culture & Benefits

• Mentorship, technical growth, and hands-on experience with real-world optical engineering challenges.
• Collaboration with physicists, engineers, data scientists, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and other benefits.
• 401(k) with company matching, employee stock purchase program, tuition reimbursement, and student debt assistance.
• Paid time off, company holidays, family care and bonding leave, wellness benefits, and career development programs.

Hiring process

• Multiple interviews may be conducted in person or by video conference with hiring managers.