Senior Optical Systems Engineer

Optimax Systems • Ontario, NY

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Optical Systems Engineer is responsible for all aspects of optical assembly development. The role includes designing novel lenses, conducting detailed tolerance analysis, recommending mechanical assembly methods to achieve tolerances, and presenting designs at customer reviews. The engineer plans acceptance test criteria and workflows for new and existing equipment to verify very low-aberration systems, performs initial laboratory testing, and trains manufacturing engineering staff for production handoff.

The position is primarily on-site and involves approximately 10% travel, including visits to customer sites and industry or educational conferences as needed. The engineer may lead or support projects as a customer technical point of contact, coordinate cross-functional workflow planning, develop internal test documentation and customer-compliant test plans, help multidisciplinary teams resolve complex problems, report findings, prepare and present customer-facing design review materials, and support prototype lens testing and transition to volume production. Other duties may be assigned.

The position works in a manufacturing environment where noise levels may range from quiet to loud. Work may involve oils and solvents, moving mechanical parts, and fumes. The environment is generally clean, and employees are expected to help maintain it. Area-specific safety training may be required and will be provided upon hire; personal protective equipment may also be required.

Employment is subject to export-control compliance requirements under ITAR and the Export Administration Regulations. Applicants must be a U.S. Person as defined by applicable regulations or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Optics, Physics, or an equivalent academic program.
• 5–15 years of experience in lens design using Zemax or Code V; Zemax is preferred.
• Experience with image-quality metrology, such as interferometry or MTF testing.
• Demonstrated success building prototypes.
• Knowledge of imaging and non-imaging optics and their quality metrics.
• Knowledge of metrology techniques for optical systems.
• 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.
• Ability to travel approximately 10% of the time.
• Must be a U.S. Person as defined by applicable regulations or eligible to obtain required export-control authorizations.

Nice To Haves

• Master’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 the ISO10110 format.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong desire to learn through continuing education and training.

Responsibilities

• Lead or support optical assembly development, including designing novel lenses.
• Perform detailed tolerance analysis and recommend mechanical assembly methods to achieve required tolerances.
• Present design work and findings at customer design reviews.
• Plan acceptance test criteria and workflows for new and existing equipment to verify very low-aberration systems.
• Perform initial laboratory tests and train manufacturing engineering staff for production handoff.
• Lead or support projects as a technical point of contact for customers.
• Facilitate cross-functional teams in planning workflows that meet customer timelines and 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 prototype lens testing and transition to volume production.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Monthly profit-sharing bonus of 25%.
• Tuition assistance for continuing education.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays.
• Life insurance.
• Disability insurance.
• Health Savings Account (HSA).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior