Senior Technologist — Photonics Device and Systems R&D

The next generation of data storage and communications technologies will depend on photonic devices that deliver higher performance, greater efficiency, and tighter integration across optical, electrical, thermal, and mechanical domains. We are looking for a Senior Technologist to provide technical leadership for the research and development of new photonic devices and systems for data storage and communications applications. This role combines deep photonics expertise, device and system architecture, experimental development, and cross-functional technical direction from early concepts through demonstrated prototypes. You will define technical direction, guide multidisciplinary teams, and translate emerging photonics concepts into differentiated technology platforms with clear paths to product impact. What you’ll be doing: • Provide technical leadership for research and development of new photonic devices and systems for data storage and communications. • Define technology roadmaps, device architectures, performance targets, and development plans aligned with long-term business and research objectives. • Lead concept generation, feasibility assessment, modeling, design, fabrication, characterization, and prototype demonstration activities. • Guide technical tradeoff studies across optical performance, electrical drive, thermal behavior, reliability, manufacturability, packaging, and system integration. • Collaborate with device, process, test, packaging, electronics, firmware, and system teams to resolve complex cross-disciplinary challenges. • Establish experimental strategies and interpret device- and system-level data to accelerate learning and improve technical decisions. • Identify external technology trends, research opportunities, intellectual-property opportunities, and strategic partnerships. • Mentor engineers and scientists, drive rigorous technical reviews, and raise the organization’s photonics capability. • Communicate technical strategy, risks, progress, and recommendations clearly to engineering and business leadership. What we need to see: • PhD in Photonics, Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a closely related field. • 10+ years of experience in photonic device or system development. • Deep technical expertise in photonic device physics, optical systems, and experimental development. • Demonstrated leadership of complex, multidisciplinary R&D programs from concept through prototype validation. • Strong understanding of photonic device design, fabrication, characterization, packaging, and system integration. • Proven ability to make sound technical decisions with incomplete data and to resolve difficult first-principles engineering problems. • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to influence technical direction across organizational boundaries. • Track record of mentoring technical contributors and building alignment among diverse engineering teams. Ways to stand out from the crowd: • Experience developing photonic technologies for data storage, optical communications, or adjacent high-volume applications. • Expertise in semiconductor lasers, modulators, detectors, integrated photonics, micro-optics, or optical interconnects. • Experience bridging device-level innovation with system architecture and product requirements. • Strong record of patents, publications, invited presentations, or recognized technical leadership in photonics. • Experience working with external research institutions, fabrication partners, suppliers, or strategic technology collaborators. • Demonstrated ability to create new technology directions and translate them into executable development programs. WD is committed to providing equal opportunities to all