Photonics & Optics Sr. Staff Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 3, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 30, 2026.
About our group:
Seagate Research develops next-generation photonics technologies that enable future storage, sensing and physical-intelligence platforms. Our team conducts advanced research spanning photonic devices, integrated photonics, optical systems, precision sensing, optical interconnects and emerging technology concepts. We work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and external research partners to mature innovative concepts into technologies that can influence future Seagate products and platforms.
About the role - you will:
- Design, develop, optimize, and characterize photonic devices, photonic integrated circuits (PICs), and optical subsystems.
- Perform photonic modeling, simulation, layout, verification, and performance trade-off analysis.
- Develop free-space and fiber-based optical experiments for proof-of-concept demonstrations and technology validation.
- Lead laboratory activities including optical alignment, laser-based measurements, noise analysis, environmental testing, and system characterization.
- Investigate advanced materials, novel device architectures, and emerging photonic platforms.
- Collaborate with electronics, firmware, controls, packaging, manufacturing, and reliability teams.
- Define experiments, analyze data, communicate results, and drive technical decision-making.
- Work with foundries, suppliers, universities, and strategic partners to evaluate new technologies.
- Support intellectual property creation through invention disclosures, patent filings, and technical publications.
- Drive technology maturation from exploratory research through prototype development and scalable implementation.
- Mentor engineers and researchers while providing technical leadership across multiple programs.
About you:
- Passionate about solving complex technical challenges using first-principles engineering and experimentation.
- Strong communicator capable of influencing cross-functional technical teams.
- Hands-on technical leader who balances innovation with execution.
- Curious, collaborative, and comfortable operating in ambiguous research environments.
- Committed to continuous learning and mentoring others.
Your experience includes:
- Experience with PIC design, optical modeling, simulation, and verification.
- Hands-on laboratory experience with lasers, detectors, instrumentation, optical test systems, and data analysis.
- Demonstrated ability to move technologies from concept through validated prototypes.
- Experience presenting technical results to senior leadership, peers, and external partners.
- Strong understanding of optical, electrical, thermal, and mechanical interactions within complex systems.
- Bachelor’s degree in Optics, Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or related discipline and 12+ years of experience or master’s degree in the same and 8+ years’ experience or PhD and 5+ years’ experience or equivalent experience and education.
You might also have:
- Experience with silicon photonics, silicon nitride, III-V photonics, thin-film lithium niobate, or heterogeneous integration.
- Experience using Lumerical, Ansys, COMSOL, RSoft, Zemax, MATLAB, Python, or equivalent tools.
- Knowledge of optical packaging, fiber coupling, reliability, and manufacturing considerations.
- Experience working with semiconductor foundries and photonics fabrication partners.
- Experience in sensing, optical communications, photonic computing, optical storage, or quantum-related technologies.
- Record of patents, publications, or significant technical contributions.
Location:
Our Shakopee campus is located 25 minutes southwest of Minneapolis in a setting with a rural vibe - it overlooks a horse racing track and stables, yet it has great entertainment venues close by as well. With wide-open spaces, the campus has plenty of space for running, biking, shooting some hoops or playing volleyball over lunch. If working out is your thing, the on-site fully equipped fitness center hosts wellness programs, tournaments and group workouts. Hungry? Seagate offers an on-site café with freshly sourced foods and specialty coffees, or if you prefer, drive to one of many restaurants just minutes away.
The estimated base salary range for this position is $147,035.00 - $214,316.00. The individual salary is based on work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
Seagate offers comprehensive benefits to its eligible employees, including, but not limited to, , eligibility to participate in discretionary bonus program, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, short-and long-term disability, 401(k), employee stock purchase plan, health savings account, dependent care, and healthcare spending accounts. Seagate also offers paid time off, including 12 holidays, flexible time off provided pursuant to Seagate policy, a minimum of 48 hours of paid sick leave, and 16 weeks of paid parental leave. The benefits for this position are based on a full-time schedule for a full calendar year and may differ depending on work location.
Location: Shakopee, United States
Travel: Up to 10%