Optical Engineer, Precision Instrumentation

Astera Institute•Emeryville, CA

2d•$150,000 - $250,000•Onsite

About The Position

Astera Neuro is seeking a world-class optical engineer to design and build the physical optical instruments required for large-scale neuroscience research. This role involves optimizing existing technologies like two-photon imaging and photostimulation systems, as well as developing novel technologies for high-speed optical interfacing with brain tissue at cellular resolution. The position requires a hands-on approach to problem-solving, resourcefulness in fabrication, and comfort working with evolving specifications. The work spans mechanical design, fabrication, electronics, and optics, with a focus on owning complex instruments from concept to reliable operation and driving technical direction. A background in neuroscience is not required, but a passion for challenging design problems and rapid prototyping is essential.

Requirements

World-class generalist and hands-on problem-solver who has built precision hardware in a high-precision industry (ideally medical devices, robotics, aerospace, semiconductor capital equipment, or commercial or academic scientific instrumentation).
Experience designing and building hardware that other people relied on for real work, and maintaining its operation.
Resourcefulness about getting things built quickly, utilizing machining, 3D printing, and outsourcing as appropriate.
Comfort working from a rough idea rather than a finished spec, and figuring out the path to a working instrument collaboratively.
Deep fundamentals in optical design and fabrication.
Intellectual curiosity, a collaborative spirit, and eagerness to learn the science around you.
A track record of owning complex instruments end to end, from concept through fabrication, integration, and reliable operation.
Experience making and defending design tradeoffs across performance, manufacturability, cost, and timeline.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with femtosecond lasers, nonlinear microscopy, and wavefront engineering.
Experience with optical alignment, small precise parts, and tight tolerances.
Hands-on electronics design (PCB layout, embedded systems, sensor/actuator integration).
CAD/CAM proficiency and 3D printing.
Experience integrating hardware with data acquisition systems (DAQ, TTL synchronization, serial/SPI protocols).
Experience equipping and running an optical workshop, makerspace, or prototyping facility.

Responsibilities

Build precision optical systems for neuroscience experiments, such as large field-of-view, high-speed two-photon imaging and photostimulation microscopes.
Build an advanced miniature two-photon microscope capable of simultaneous imaging and photostimulation in freely moving animals.
Build the electronics, control hardware, and software that interface the optical systems with data acquisition and the rest of the research stack.