Associate Optical Engineer

Optimax Systems Inc.•Ontario, NY

2d•$75,000 - $100,000•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 grows into the role and joins project teams, they will participate in and present during customer calls and design reviews. The work may develop toward different levels of design complexity and hands-on testing, depending on the candidate’s strengths. This is a primarily on-site position with approximately 10% travel, including visits to customer sites and industry or educational conferences as needed. Through on-the-job training, the Associate Optical Engineer will test and troubleshoot prototype or production lenses; work in cleanrooms and handle precision optics; learn and use precision metrology equipment; design experiments concerning material properties or customer lens needs; serve as a subject matter expert on customer-initiated design projects; conduct lens design feasibility studies; and use Optimax-developed systems to prepare 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, as well as responsibility, leadership potential, and effectiveness. Employment is subject to applicable export control requirements. Applicants must be a U.S. Person under applicable regulations or eligible to obtain the required authorizations.

Requirements

B.S. 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 lens design experience using Zemax or Code V; Zemax is preferred.
Must be a U.S. Person as defined by applicable regulations or eligible to obtain the required U.S. Department of State authorizations.

Nice To Haves

M.S. or Ph.D. in Optics.
Prior co-op or internship experience.
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.
Experience with ISO 10110 optical drawings and 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 addressing critical material properties or specific customer project lens needs.
Serve as a subject matter expert for customer-initiated design projects, including Optimax- and customer-initiated designs.
Perform internal or external lens design feasibility studies.
Use Optimax-developed systems to write and complete process documentation for prototype and production builds.
Perform other duties as assigned.