Work with us
Careers
PolaOptix is currently recruiting individuals who would like to work in an evolving, innovative and forward-thinking organisation.
Full-time
Senior Data Engineer (Secure Supply Chain/Anti-Counterfeit Platform)
About the role
We are building a high-integrity AWS cloud data platform to support global anti-counterfeit operations, combining physical item fingerprinting (optical labels), cryptography, and supply chain analytics.
The Data Engineer will work closely together with Laser and Optical Engineers to design and implement the encryption protocol, database structure, data ingestion pipelines, cloud-based core data infrastructure and analytics engine. This role requires strong experience in AWS cloud-based applications, database design, event-driven data pipelines, and data storage architecture.
Key responsibilities
- Design and implement a scalable data architecture combining:
- Event and data streaming
- Data lake (object storage, e.g. S3)
- Data warehouse (e.g. Snowflake)
- Transactional database (SQL or similar)
- Define database architecture for item identity, provenance and verification events
- Implement secure data handling practices, including:
- Encryption at rest and in transit
- Field-level encryption for sensitive data
- Integration with KMS / HSM systems for key management
- Integrate with permissioned ledger systems (e.g. Hyperledger Fabric) for provenance anchoring
- Enable analytics use cases by:
- Structuring data for efficient querying and reporting
- Building curated datasets and feature stores
- Support BI tools and dashboards (e.g. Power BI, Looker, Tableau)
- Implement data access layers (APIs, views) with role-based controls
- Define and enforce:
- Data validation rules
- Monitoring and alerting for pipeline failures
- Data quality metrics (completeness, consistency, accuracy)
- Maintain data catalogue and documentation
Essential experience
- 5+ years in data engineering or backend data systems in AWS cloud environment
- Proven experience building data pipelines at scale/streaming systems
- Strong SQL and experience with data modelling (OLTP + OLAP)
- Hands-on experience with:
- Distributed data processing
- Data lakes and warehouses
Essential technical skills
- Strong programming skills (Python or equivalent) for data pipelines
- Experience with API-driven data systems
- Knowledge of data formats (Parquet, Avro, JSON)
- Understanding of data partitioning, indexing, and performance optimisation
- Understanding of:
- Encryption (at rest / in transit)
- Identity and access management (IAM)
- Secure handling of sensitive data
- Awareness of data integrity concepts:
- Hashing
- Digital signatures
- Audit trails
Desirable experience
- Experience with blockchain / distributed ledger technologies (e.g. Hyperledger)
- Exposure to supply chain systems or provenance tracking
- Experience with IoT or hardware-generated data
- Knowledge of privacy-preserving analytics (e.g. differential privacy, federated learning)
- Experience with regulated environments
Soft skills
- Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving
- Ability to work across disciplines (software, hardware, security)
- Clear communication of complex technical concepts
- Attention to detail, especially around data correctness and integrity
Education
- Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or related field
(or equivalent practical experience)
Email us your CV and cover letter to:
info@polaoptix.com
Full-time
Senior Laser Engineer (Laser Writing & Readout Systems)
About the role
We are looking for a highly skilled and experienced Senior Laser Engineer to help in designing, developing and optimising an integrated system for writing and reading encoded information using laser.
The ideal candidate will possess strong hands-on experience with class 4 Nd:YAG nanosecond pulsed laser operation, frequency doubling, laser optics, polarisation control, beam shaping, combined with computer skills to automate optical components control using software.
You will join a small, interdisciplinary team and play a central role in advancing a next-generation optical security and sensing technology platform.
Key responsibilities
Design and implement optical setup for encoding and retrieval of information using laser writing.
Develop and characterise laser writing in a range of materials using nanosecond-pulsed Nd:YAG laser in a variety of optical ranges (266 nm / 532 nm / 1064 nm).
Lead a small team to build and align free-space optical systems involving apertures, waveplates, galvo mirrors, beam splitters, illumination filters, spatial light modulators, detectors, and scanning stages.
Create algorithms and control software for:
- Spatial light modulators
- Laser pulse triggering and modulation
- Galvo and waveplates control
- Develop calibration and characterisation procedures for optical components and detectors.
- Perform experiments to measure laser-written signatures, contrast, and stability.
- Document optical designs, test results, safety protocols, and build procedures.
- Contribute to IP development, patent drafts, and design reviews.
Qualifications & experience
Degree in Optics, Physics, Photonics Engineering, Laser Engineering or related discipline (PhD level).
Essential skills
Hands-on experience with class 4 Nd:YAG nanosecond pulsed lasers (setup, alignment, safety, diagnostics) and laser optics.
Strong experience with programmable spatial light modulators and modern techniques for light shaping.
Knowledge of Optical design principles
Proven ability to build and align complex optical setups on optical tables.
Experience with programming for experimental automation (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, C++).
Strong data analysis and visualisation skills.
Desirable skills
Polarisation optics (Jones/Mueller calculus, retarders, liquid-crystal optics, chiral and anisotropic materials).
Familiarity with optical simulation tools (e.g., Zemax, Lumerical, Code V, or similar).
Knowledge of laser–material modification, micro-patterning, or laser inscription.
Experience with optical metasurfaces, birefringent coatings, or structured light.
Personal Attributes
Strong experimental skills and troubleshooting ability.
Experience that enables to take a lead in a small team of laser engineers and take ownership of complex tasks.
Detail-oriented with strong documentation habits.
Creative problem solver with interest in novel optical technologies.
Email us your CV and cover letter to:
info@polaoptix.com
Full-time
Materials Engineer (Authentication Labels & Security Solutions)
About the role
The Materials Engineer will be responsible for the development, characterisation, and optimisation of novel authentication labels that incorporate advanced optical materials. The engineer will collaborate with a small label manufacturing and quality control teams to deliver innovative labels that meet performance, regulatory, and cost requirements.
Key responsibilities
- Develop and evaluate thin film materials for novel authentication labels.
- Design and optimise multilayer label constructions involving adhesives and protective coatings.
- Carry out small batch label preparation and conduct laboratory testing of labels’ durability, environmental stability, adhesion and tamper-evidence performance.
- Prepare plans to scale new materials and processes from laboratory to production.
- Prepare clear technical reports, specifications, and documentation
Essential qualifications and experiences
- PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
- Experience in thin film deposition techniques, including physical vapour deposition and spin-coating on various substrates.
- Knowledge of material characterization techniques especially spectroscopy and mechanical testing.
- Experience in adhesives and polymers.
- Understanding of product development and manufacturing processes.
- Strong presentation, documentation, analytical and problem-solving skills.
Desirable experiences
- Experience with security printing, smart packaging, authentication labels, optical materials for anti-counterfeiting technologies.
- Experience with optical memory materials.
- Experience working within a commercial product development environment.
Email us your CV and cover letter to:
info@polaoptix.com