Photonics Engineer, R&D

Dream Photonics is a deep-tech startup based in Vancouver, BC, developing advanced manufacturing technology for next-generation photonic systems. We are developing PICTORTM, a manufacturing platform that uses precision 3D printing to create high-efficiency, low-loss optical connections for photonic integrated circuits. Our technology addresses one of the central bottlenecks in advanced photonics: how to reliably connect light into and out of chips at scale.

Our work is directly connected to the future of AI data centres, optical modules, high-performance computing, quantum technologies, sensing, and defence. As AI infrastructure pushes beyond the limits of conventional electronics, photonics is becoming essential for moving data faster, more efficiently, and with lower power. Dream Photonics is helping make that transition possible by rethinking how optical interconnects are designed, manufactured, and packaged.

Backed by angel, venture capital, and strategic investors, and supported by active customer engagement and government funding programs, we are scaling from an R&D team into a product company. We move fast, build technology with real-world impact, and team members meaningful ownership of the problems they solve. If you are excited by the intersection of optics, semiconductors, 3D printing, and advanced manufacturing, Dream Photonics is a place where you can help define the future of photonic hardware.

The Role

We are looking for a Photonics Engineer, R&D, to support the optical design team in developing the PICTOR software solution. You will develop simulation workflows for PICTOR lenses for optical components, including lasers, PICs, and fibre. This role will focus on the design of 3D-printed couplers and PIC coupling interfaces, in addition to PIC layout for the development of PICTOR couplers.

This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys solving complex technical challenges while working closely with cross-functional teams to translate research into commercially viable products. You'll contribute to cutting-edge photonics research and development while balancing technical rigour with practical execution in a fast-moving startup environment.

As Dream Photonics transitions from an R&D-focused organization to a commercial product company, you'll help develop technologies that not only advance the state of the art but can also be manufactured, tested, and successfully brought to market.

What You Will Do

• Support the optical design team in developing the PICTOR software solution by developing simulation workflows for PICTOR lenses for lasers, PICs, and fibre.
• Focus on the design of 3D-printed couplers and PIC coupling interfaces.
• Perform PIC layout, primarily for development of the PICTOR couplers.
• Author clear technical documentation, including test plans, SOPs, and technical reports.
• Collaborate with packaging and design teams to align on product iterations.
• Present R&D summaries and design results to internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with optical, packaging, manufacturing, and software teams to ensure designs can be successfully tested, manufactured, and integrated into commercial products.
• Balance technical investigation with project priorities, delivering high-quality engineering work within evolving timelines and development milestones.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of engineering processes, documentation, and design workflows as the organization scales.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Systems Engineering, Applied Physics, Physics, Materials Science, or a related engineering or applied science discipline.
• 3+ years of experience designing photonic components, PICs, or related optical systems.
• Experience working in a laboratory or engineering R&D environment.
• Experience with photonic integrated circuits (PICs), lasers, optical fibers, and related photonic devices.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Python for data handling, automation, and analysis.
• Experience using electromagnetic simulation methods such as FDTD, beam propagation, and ray tracing.
• Proficiency with GDSII layout tools (e.g. KLayout, L-Edit) and foundry PDKs.
• Proven ability to develop clear technical documentation, including test plans, SOPs, technical reports, and design documentation.
• Experience collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams, working across design, software, manufacturing, testing, and product development.
• Demonstrated ability to balance technical rigour with practical execution, delivering high-quality engineering work in environments with evolving priorities and timelines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with optical test equipment such as lasers, power meters, spectrum analyzers, or similar instrumentation.
• Understanding of silicon photonics packaging, hybrid integration, and optical assembly processes.
• Experience developing software tools or simulation workflows supporting electromagnetic simulations, chip layout, or photonic design.
• Experience contributing to the commercialization of new technologies or transitioning research into commercial products.
• Experience working in an academic research environment, industrial R&D laboratory, or early-stage technology startup.
• Experience working in a fast-paced startup or scale-up environment where adaptability, collaboration, and initiative are essential.

Personal Attributes

• Analytical Problem Solving
• Creativity / Innovation
• Clear Written Communication.
• Initiative
• Collaboration.

Location and Work Model

This is an on-site role based in Vancouver, BC.

Compensation

$90,000 to $130,000 CAD per year, depending on experience.

Team Building

Equity, diversity and inclusion are essential to our company’s growth. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the BC Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

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