Computational Physicist

Imagia seeks a highly motivated technical professional who can successfully bridge the gap between concept and implementation in novel metamaterial optical systems. Imagia designs and produces ultra-low-profile, high-performance optical lenses for use in advanced display architectures and image sensing platforms. This is a full-time, onsite position in Fremont, CA.

The Computational Physicist will contribute to the development of simulation pipelines, physics tools, and software infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in classical physics, expertise in building physics solvers from first principles, and proficiency in software development, particularly in Python.

• Design and implement computational pipelines for simulating the behavior of optical metasurfaces and systems. Optimize and automate simulation workflows to improve efficiency and scalability.
• Develop physics solvers from first principles to model the behavior of complex materials and optical phenomena, perform electromagnetic simulations using Maxwell’s equations.
• Collaborate with management to plan and track key development milestones 
• Collaborate on the development of novel metasurfaces and optical designs based on computational insights.
• Design, implement, and maintain software infrastructure for computational physics simulations.
• Ensure code quality, reliability, and scalability through rigorous testing and code reviews
• Leverage Python expertise to develop high-quality cloud architecture for large-scale physics simulations and software tools.
• Conceive and analyze metamaterial lens designs for new and modified displays and image sensing applications. 
• Generate unit cell designs and full-scale masks for fabrication. Optimize designs to achieve key performance metrics. Identify trade-offs in performance and manufacturability. 
• Assess lens performance in simulation, including the expected impact of fabrication perfections and defects.
• Develop software to automate the simulation, optimization, and mask generation to enable faster design iterations, while optimizing use of computational resources.
• Collaborate with the rest of the team to determine concept viability, identify design tradeoffs, conduct analyses, and complete experimental validation. 
• Prepare and review white papers, test plans, and design of experiments.
  

• Strong background in applied mathematics and Electromagnetics.
• Proficient in numerical simulations, preferably in computational Electromagnetics.
• Strong background in computer programming, especially in performance profiling, memory optimization, and parallel computing.
• Experience in semiconductors (electrical properties and manufacturing) is a plus.
• Experience in diffractive optics, holography, computational optics, nanophotonics, and/or development of optical systems is a plus.
• Proficiency in design, theory, evaluation, and optimization of metamaterial structures.
• Proficiency in optical modeling and simulation techniques such as RCWA, FDTD, and FEM.
• Experience in scientific programming and proficiency in Python. High performance computing or cluster computing is a plus.  
• Experience with imaging, display systems and human vision is a plus.
• Familiarity with nanofabrication processes (e.g. photolithography, deposition, EBL, cleanroom environment) and/or interfacing with vendors/foundries is a plus.
• Creative/analytical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and creative problem-solving skills.
• Good English verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-motivation, time management skills, comfort working with autonomy/ambiguity, and the ability to “self-learn” on the job. Small team and/or start-up experience is a plus.
  

PhD or Masters degree in a related field of applied physics, computer science or engineering.

Attractive compensation commensurate with experience with the possibility of equity shareholding. Medical, dental and vision coverage. Group term life insurance. 401(k) retirement savings plan with 4% matching. Flexible vacation plan and remote work as appropriate.