Senior Optics Engineer

Hach•Bellevue, WA

8d•$130,000 - $150,000•Onsite

About The Position

Imagine yourself… Collaborating with a vibrant, diverse team. Joining a company with a proven track record of success and an exciting future. Contributing to a brighter, more sustainable future. It’s possible with a role at Sea-Bird Scientific . Headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, Sea-Bird Scientific , a Veralto company, is the world’s largest developer and manufacturer of products for the measurement of salinity, temperature, pressure, dissolved oxygen, fluorescence, nutrients and related oceanographic parameters in marine waters. We offer products to support best-in-class oceanography and climate science. We offer an entrepreneurial environment that is team-centered, customer-driven, quality-focused, and growth-oriented. At Sea-Bird Scientific and Veralto, you’ll be part of a unique culture and work environment where purpose meets possibility : where the work you do every day directly supports the health and sustainability of our oceans and their ecosystems, and where you’ll have access to robust opportunities to deepen your skillset and develop your career. Are you passionate about advancing ocean science through cutting-edge optical technology? Join our R&D team as a Senior Optics Engineer , where you'll lead the development of next-generation submersible sensors that enable precise measurement of oceanographic parameters using fluorescence, transmissometry, and radiometry. In this highly specialized role, you’ll serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for optical components and sensing systems, with a strong focus on opto-electronics. You’ll architect innovative, compact, and energy-efficient platforms designed to perform reliably in harsh underwater environments. This position report to the VP R&D, and will be located in Bellevue, WA a nd will be on-site.

Requirements

MSc in physics electro-optics, optical engineering, or related field (PhD preferred).
7+ years of demonstrated experience in electro-optical sensor design and development.
Proven expertise in physical optics, with ability to design high-sensitivity, low-noise, and high- accuracy sensors.
Strong experience with LEDs, lasers, detectors, optical glasses, gratings, fibers, and optical filters.
Proficiency in optical modeling and system design tools.
Demonstrated ability to incorporate low-cost, low-power, and modularity considerations into sensor design.

Responsibilities

Act as the SME for optical systems, guiding selection and integration of spectrometers, detectors, light sources, fibers, gratings, and related technologies.
Design, model, and prototype optical and opto-electronic subsystems for underwater instruments (e.g., fluorescence, backscatter, absorption).
Develop and validate electronic interfaces for optical sensors, including analog front-end circuitry, photodiode amplifiers, and A/D conversion stages.
Collaborate cross-functionally with electrical and mechanical engineers to ensure low-noise signal acquisition and long-term reliability.
Create algorithms and firmware for signal conditioning, noise filtering, and calibration of optical data streams.
Lead lab and field calibrations, ensuring traceability and repeatability across optical systems.
Support PCB layout and thermal design for opto-electronic modules operating under high-pressure, low-temperature conditions.
Innovate new optical architectures focused on miniaturization, energy efficiency, and ruggedness.
Design and execute experiments to validate performance at both component and system levels.
Document designs, test results, and analysis to support product development and internal knowledge sharing.
Provide technical leadership in root-cause analysis of field failures and warranty claims.
Stay ahead of advancements in optical science and component technologies, identifying opportunities for innovation.