Senior Optical Systems Engineer
About The Position
The Senior Optical Systems Engineer is responsible for developing optical assemblies, including designing novel lenses, performing detailed tolerance analysis, recommending mechanical assembly methods to achieve tolerances, and presenting work at customer design reviews. The role also plans acceptance test criteria and specifies workflows for new and existing equipment to verify very low-aberration systems. The engineer performs initial laboratory tests and trains manufacturing engineering staff for production handoff. This is primarily an on-site position with approximately 10% travel, including visits to customer sites and industry or educational conferences as needed. The role supports projects as a technical point of contact for customers, coordinates cross-functional teams to meet customer timelines and cost and delivery requirements, develops test documentation and customer-compliant test plans, and helps teams solve complex problems. It also includes presenting findings, testing prototype lenses, and transitioning them to volume production.
Requirements
- B.S. in Optics, Physics, or an equivalent academic program.
- 5–15 years of experience in lens design using Zemax or Code V.
- Image quality metrology experience, such as interferometry or MTF testing.
- Demonstrated success building prototypes.
- Knowledge of imaging and non-imaging optics and their quality metrics.
- Knowledge of optical systems metrology techniques.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to assess complex issues and develop appropriate solutions.
- Ability to collect, interpret, document, and present data.
- Ability to work and contribute in a team setting.
- Must be a U.S. Person as defined by applicable regulations or eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations for export-control compliance.
Nice To Haves
- M.S. or Ph.D. in Optics.
- Previous experience with telescope and off-axis design forms.
- Previous experience with space applications.
- Prior experience as a program technical lead.
- Familiarity with clean room protocols.
- Experience creating optical drawings, preferably in ISO10110 format.
- Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Strong desire to learn through continuing education and training.
- Zemax is preferred over Code V.
Responsibilities
- Lead or support projects as a technical point of contact for customers.
- Facilitate cross-functional teams to plan workflows that meet customer timelines, cost, and delivery requirements.
- Develop internal test documentation and compose test plans that meet customer requirements.
- Help multidisciplinary teams solve complex problems and report results verbally and in writing.
- Prepare customer-facing design review materials and present findings in large-group review settings.
- Lead or support testing of prototype lenses and transition them to volume production.
- Design novel lenses and perform detailed tolerance analysis, including suggesting mechanical assembly methods to achieve tolerances.
- Plan acceptance test criteria and specify workflows on new and existing equipment to verify very low-aberration systems.
- Perform initial laboratory tests and train manufacturing engineering staff for production handoff.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- 25% monthly profit sharing bonus.
- Tuition assistance for continuing education.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
- Generous vacation and paid holidays.
- Life insurance.
- Disability insurance.
- Health Savings Account (HSA).
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
