Senior Laser Physicist/Engineer

Israel | Full-Time | Deep-Tech / Photonics / Quantum Sensing / Laser Systems

About Us

We are a stealth-mode deep-tech startup building a breakthrough infrared (IR) sensing platform, developing next-generation photonic systems based on advanced nonlinear optics.

Our technology integrates advanced nonlinear optics, precision laser engineering, and novel system architectures to unlock a new class of high-performance IR detection capabilities. Backed by experienced leadership and strong technical foundations, we are transitioning from a proof-of-concept system to a fully proprietary architecture. We operate at the intersection of applied physics, precision optics, and system engineering, transforming cutting-edge research concepts into robust, field-deployable systems.

We are expanding our core photonics team and seeking an exceptional physicist to lead the design and development of our in-house laser platform and regenerative ring-resonator architecture. This is a rare opportunity to design and build the core photonic engine of a next-generation sensing platform from the ground up.

The Role

We are seeking a hands-on Senior Laser Physicist with extensive experience in laser cavity design and precision optical systems. The role focuses on transitioning from a commercial-off-the-shelf pump laser to a fully customized in-house laser system integrated with a regenerative multipass ring resonator.

This is a key technical leadership role with high impact on system performance, efficiency, stability, and scalability.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop a custom laser source (e.g., Q-switched / pulsed solid-state architecture) optimized for nonlinear conversion.
• Design and implement a regenerative ring resonator for multipass pump recycling.
• Perform cavity design, stability analysis, and mode control (Gaussian beam propagation, ABCD modeling).
• Optimize pump beam quality, temporal stability, and pulse-to-pulse energy consistency.
• Lead optical layout design, alignment procedures, and experimental validation.
• Develop multipass architectures to maximize nonlinear conversion efficiency.
• Conduct performance characterization (beam quality M², pulse-to-pulse stability, thermal behavior).
• Work closely with system engineers, nonlinear optics specialists, and electronics teams.
• Transition designs from laboratory prototype to robust system architecture.
• Document designs, simulations, and test results.

Requirements

• MSc (or higher) in Physics, Applied Physics, or Electrical Engineering (optics/laser specialization).
• 4+ years of hands-on experience in laser development.
• Proven experience designing solid-state laser cavities (e.g., Nd:YAG, fiber, or similar).
• Strong understanding of resonator physics and Gaussian beam optics.
• Experience with pulsed laser systems and Q-switching.
• Practical experience in optical alignment and laboratory experimentation.
• Familiarity with simulation tools (e.g., Zemax, LASCAD, COMSOL, MATLAB, or similar).
• Experience in nonlinear optics and frequency conversion – strong advantage.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced R&D environment.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with regenerative or ring resonator architectures.
• Background in multipass or pump recycling schemes.
• Knowledge of parametric processes (OPO/OPA/upconversion).
• Understanding of laser noise, pulse stability, and SNR considerations.
• Experience transitioning systems from proof-of-concept to product.
• Strong problem-solving mindset and experimental creativity.
• Startup or deep-tech company experience.

Why Join Spiral Photonics?

• Work on breakthrough photonic technology with real-world impact.
• Lead core laser architecture development.
• Collaborate with a highly skilled interdisciplinary team.
• Significant technical ownership and influence on system design.
• Opportunity to shape the future direction of a growing deep-tech company.

If you are passionate about building advanced laser systems from the ground up and pushing the limits of resonant photonic architectures, we would love to hear from you.