Diffraqtion
Software Engineer - Optical Simulation
Full Time • Somerville
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Company parties
- Competitive salary
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Opportunity for advancement
- Paid time off
- Stock options plan
- Vision insurance
About Diffraqtion
At Diffraqtion, we are revolutionizing AI imaging using our breakthrough quantum technology. We are a DARPA, NASA, and VC-backed startup founded by MIT & Harvard scientists and veterans in AI, Optics, and Quantum Sensing. Inspired by the eye, we are building a Quantum Camera which replaces a conventional camera and processor. Calculating at the speed of light, we achieve orders of magnitude higher resolution, processing speed and energy efficiency for cameras. Using this camera, we will make Earth and Space Imaging satellites affordable and ubiquitous.
The Role
We’re hiring a Software Engineer to help us build reliable, reusable software for optical simulations and designs. The most important requirement is that you’ve already worked in a real, collaborative codebase (for example, a repo used by 10+ developers) and you’re comfortable with modern software development practices—structuring code, using Git well, writing tests, participating in reviews, and building tools that other people can confidently extend.
At Diffraqtion, you’ll work closely with PhD- and postdoc-level physicists to convert optics and imaging theory into simulation, analysis, and experimental software (primarily in Python). This role is central to helping our technical work scale: making it easier for researchers to build on each other’s progress, iterate faster, and run larger, more systematic simulation and optimization campaigns.
What you’ll do
What you’ll do
- Help turn theory into durable software
- Convert prototypes and research workflows into reusable components, libraries, and pipelines.
- Improve clarity and maintainability so results are easier to reproduce and extend.
- Add lightweight tests and structure so new work can build on existing work safely
2. Build simulation + analysis capabilities
- Implement and run optical simulations (primarily Python).
- Build parameter sweeps and optimization workflows to explore large design spaces efficiently.
- Support experimental analysis code and toolchains used for validation.
3. Grow into imaging & signal processing
- As we expand our experimental pipeline: pull camera frames, process signals, and contribute to image processing and machine vision workflows.
- Experience with image processing is a plus; Arducam hobby projects are a fun bonus signal.
What we need most
Top requirement: proven experience building software on a shared codebase
- Experience contributing to a team-owned repository (more than ~10 developers would be ideal), in an internship, research software group, or professional setting.
- Comfort with:
- Git workflows (branching, pull requests, code review, resolving conflicts)
- Writing clean, modular Python (libraries/modules > single scripts)
- Testing mindset (unit/integration tests, basic CI habits are a plus)
- Collaborating with others and improving codes incrementally
Second requirement: good understanding of the physical world and ability to apply physics principles with focus on optics.
- Strong ability to pick up physics concepts quickly, especially optics-related ideas.
- Related coursework in physics (preferably at minor level or above).
- You don’t need to be an optics expert on day one—this role is designed to pair you with world-class physicists and help translate theory into correct, reusable code.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Math, EE/CS, or related fields
- Roughly 1-2 years of relevant experience including internships, co-ops, or undergrad research/software roles—especially ones involving shared repos and team workflows.
- Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or eligible for authorization under U.S. export regulations.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience with numerical optimization (parameter fitting, gradient-free methods, Bayesian optimization, etc.)
- Machine learning experience (training models, evaluation, data pipelines)
- Image processing / computer vision (e.g., OpenCV, filtering, feature extraction, calibration, denoising)
- Camera interfacing / embedded-adjacent tinkering—Arducam hobby projects are a fun signal here
- Familiarity with common scientific tools: NumPy/SciPy, Jupyter, matplotlib, pandas (and optionally PyTorch/TensorFlow)
“What success looks like”
Within your first months, you’ll be helping us:
- ship simulation/analysis tools that are easier for multiple people to use and extend
- run larger simulation and optimization sweeps with more confidence and repeatability
- establish a strong foundation for upcoming image/camera processing pipelines
Tech Stack (Typical)
- Python-first scientific computing (NumPy/SciPy, Jupyter, plotting)
- Git + code review workflow
- Testing frameworks (e.g., pytest) and lightweight CI practices
- As applicable: ML tooling (PyTorch/TensorFlow), OpenCV, camera SDKs / streaming tools
Benefits
- Competitive salary and equity options.
- Medical, dental and vision on 1st day
- Company 401K match
- A collaborative and innovative work environment with opportunities for professional growth
- The chance to work on transformative technologies to be deployed in Space
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Diffraqtion is committed to fostering an inclusive and meritocratic workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify our Human Resources Department.
Who We Are
We are an early stage deeptech startup with roots in MIT, Harvard, University of Maryland, and University of Arizona.
Our Headquarters are in Boston, MA
Our Tech
Our technology was developed in partnership with DARPA and NASA for high-precision space situational awareness. It is intended to fit into the Habitable Worlds Observatory, the successor to the James Webb and Hubble space observatories, dedicated to finding exoplanets that can support life.
Let’s discover life in space and improve the world together.
(if you already have a resume on Indeed)