Optical Metrology Scientist

The scientific responsibility

Close the optical momentum account. Quantify incident, reflected, transmitted and scattered power, including angular distributions and power that misses the intended surface.

Technical depth we are looking for

Radiometry; photodetector linearity; beam profiling; angular scatter; integrating spheres; polarization; optical-power uncertainty.

We expect research-level command of the relevant physics and methods, plus the ability to explain assumptions to adjacent specialists. A doctorate or equivalent demonstrated achievement is appropriate; the evidence of your work matters more than a particular institution.

Evidence to bring

A measurement where collection geometry, detector response or stray light materially changed the answer. Include a complete power balance and residual bounds.

Provide public or authorized links and distinguish your individual contribution from the team’s work. Include a failure, correction or negative result that improved your judgment. Do not send confidential material.

Your first design assignment

Design the low-power mirror-versus-grating comparison with remounts, angular collection and a defensible missing-light bound.

This is a proposed priority after appointment, not an unpaid application assignment. The exact scope follows funding, access to appropriate facilities and an agreed work plan.

The failure mode you must be able to expose

Treating missing detected power as known absorption, or substituting total reflected power for its vector momentum.

A concrete first deliverable

A power-accounting protocol, detector calibration plan, collection geometry and uncertainty model.

Acceptance should be based on inspectable records, stated limitations and independent technical review. A positive propulsion result is not a prerequisite for useful scientific work.

A question for our technical conversation

Which unobserved light paths could dominate the inferred momentum difference?

Appointment and compensation

This is a proposed capability profile within the founding priorities. Selected full-time founding appointments are proposed at USD $1M starting annual base salary with a USD $10M+ milestone bonus opportunity, subject to secured funding and signed terms. Location, benefits, start date and exact scope remain to be agreed. Read the complete compensation framework.