Associate Optical Engineer

Optimax Systems•Ontario, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Optical Engineer designs and builds novel optical systems, which may involve lens design, tolerancing, specification definition, and test planning for opto-mechanical systems. The role regularly advises mechanical, manufacturing, and process engineering staff on optical performance and sensitivity. As the engineer gains experience and joins project teams, they will participate in and present during customer calls and design reviews. The role may develop toward different levels of design complexity and hands-on testing based on the candidate’s strengths. This is primarily an on-site position with approximately 10% travel, including visits to customer sites and industry or educational conferences as needed. On-the-job training covers prototype and production lens testing and troubleshooting, cleanroom work and precision-optics handling, precision metrology equipment, experiment design, customer design projects, feasibility studies, and process documentation for prototype and production builds. Other duties may be assigned. Advancement through the optical engineer ranks is based on increasing education, experience, industrial, mathematical, and computing skills, responsibility, and leadership potential and effectiveness.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Optics, Physics, or an equivalent academic program.
Knowledge of aberration theory and first-order optical layouts.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to collect, interpret, document, and present data.
Ability to work and contribute in a team setting.
Ability to assess complex issues and develop appropriate solutions.
Specific experience in lens design using Zemax or Code V.

Nice To Haves

Master’s or Ph.D. in Optics.
Prior co-op or internship experience.
Zemax lens-design experience is preferred over Code V.
Knowledge of imaging and non-imaging optics and their quality metrics.
Knowledge of metrology techniques for optical systems.
Matlab or Python programming experience.
Image-quality metrology experience, such as interferometry or MTF testing.
Prior experience with ISO 10110 optical drawings and their critical features for optical fabrication.
Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Strong desire to learn through continuing education and training.

Responsibilities

Design and build novel optical systems, including lens design, tolerancing, specification definition, and/or test planning for opto-mechanical systems.
Advise mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, and process engineering staff on optical performance and sensitivity.
Participate in and present during customer calls and design reviews as part of project teams.
Test and troubleshoot prototype or production lenses.
Work in cleanroom environments and handle precision optics.
Learn to operate and perform measurements with precision metrology equipment.
Design experiments to evaluate critical material properties or address specific customer lens-project needs.
Serve as a subject matter expert for customer-initiated design projects, including Optimax- and customer-initiated designs.
Perform design studies to assess internal or external lens-design feasibility.
Use Optimax-developed systems to write and complete process documentation for prototype and production builds.
Perform other duties as assigned.