Optical Engineer

Hamilton Company•, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Cerillo is a Charlottesville, VA-based HAMILTON Company subsidiary focused on advancing human, environmental, and ecological health through its suite of innovative laboratory instrumentation. Through its Rayo platform of compact, precision microplate readers and the Canopy real-time monitoring system, Cerillo equips academic, government, and biotech/pharma researchers with affordable, accessible tools that ensure consistency and reproducibility. We are seeking an Optical Engineer which will be a specialized member of the Engineering team responsible for designing, developing, and validating the precision optical systems at the heart of Cerillo's compact microplate readers. Drawing on a deep understanding of optical theory and applied principles, particularly in commercially available instrumentation, the Optical Engineer defines optical architectures for multi-wavelength absorbance measurement, selects and qualifies optical components, and establishes repeatable system designs to achieve the high sensitivity and accuracy demanded by Cerillo’s customers. The role requires close collaboration with electrical and mechanical engineers to integrate optical systems into compact, low-power, environmentally robust instruments.

Requirements

Deep understanding of optical theory including photometry, radiometry, geometric optics, interference, and stray light analysis
Proficiency in optical design and simulation software such as Zemax OpticStudio, FRED, or equivalent
Hands-on experience designing and assembling precision optical systems including alignment, calibration, and performance verification
Experience designing optical component mounts, alignment mechanisms, and optomechanical interfaces
Knowledge of photodetector technologies (photodiodes, silicon photomultipliers, etc.) and their integration with low-noise electronics
Ability to develop and execute detailed optical test plans
Experience working cross-functionally with electrical and mechanical engineering teams
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a rigorous, data-driven approach to engineering decisions
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced startup environment

Nice To Haves

Experience with absorbance-based or transmittance-based photometric measurement systems strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Design and develop precision optical systems for compact multi-wavelength absorbance microplate readers, including illumination, beam-shaping, filtering, and photodetection sub-systems
Determine optical specifications and system requirements for each product design, including wavelength selection, throughput, stray light, and signal-to-noise ratio
Select, evaluate, and qualify optical components including light sources, photodetectors, filters, lenses, apertures, and any other relevant subsystems
Design mechanical mounts and alignment fixtures to hold optical components in precise geometric positions relative to each other and to the overall instrument, ensuring stable optical alignment through manufacturing and field conditions
Develop and repeatable alignment procedures to achieve specified photometric performance across the full wavelength range and across all plate positions
Design and build inspection instruments and test setups to characterize optical system performance, detect aberrations, stray light, cross-talk, and deviations from specification
Perform optical modeling and simulation using tools such as Zemax OpticStudio, FRED, or equivalent to predict system performance and guide design decisions
Collaborate with electrical engineers to define photodetector interface requirements, amplifier specifications, and light emission parameters
Collaborate with mechanical engineers to achieve compact, manufacturable optical enclosures with the required positional stability and environmental sealing
Develop test methods and acceptance criteria for optical performance at incoming inspection, production, and final qualification stages
Troubleshoot optical performance issues identified during development, testing, or production; implement and document corrective actions
Support regulatory documentation, risk management, and optical safety assessments as required
Contribute to new product concept development and product roadmap planning
Perform ad-hoc engineering tasks as directed by the Chief Executive Officer and/or Engineering leadership