Senior Staff Optical Engineer, Geo

Google•Mountain View, CA

2d•$236,000 - $329,000

About The Position

Geo Hardware creates devices that provide detailed imagery of the planet for mapping and other partner and consumer uses. Imagery quality depends significantly on the optical path, and Geo’s optical requirements are unique. The role calls for mastery across optical disciplines, including theoretical and physical foundations, optical materials and coatings, design and simulations, opto-mechanics and packaging, sources, detectors and opto-electronics, fabrication and manufacturing, and metrology and characterization. As a Senior Staff Optical Engineer, you will provide technical execution and leadership, with strong communication skills, to guide optical engineering for Geo Hardware. The role includes advancing optical systems from early planning through manufacturing and integration, supporting product delivery and research, and developing optical capabilities and concepts.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a specialized field such as Optics, Sensors, or Audio/DSP, or equivalent practical experience.
8 years of experience working in an optical engineering technical environment.
5 years of experience in technical leadership.
Strong communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a specialized field such as Optics, or equivalent practical experience.
Consummate knowledge of lens and optical systems across physics, materials, and techniques.
Understanding of the industry, technologies, and technical partners capable of executing across design and manufacturing stages.
Ability to transform theoretical advances into real-world opportunities aligned with Geo’s strategic goals.
Solid communication and troubleshooting skills across teammates, vendors, and stakeholders to iteratively improve systems, processes, and relationships.
Organizational capacity to maintain a portfolio of metrology and design capabilities for ongoing product experimentation and engagement.

Responsibilities

Serve as process lead for optical and optical systems engineering in Geo Hardware, managing optical engineers across manufacturing and unit camera systems.
Drive early opto-mechanical alignment with mechanical and manufacturing teams, guiding optical designs from initial planning through lens manufacturing and sensor-lens integration.
Optimize equipment and metrology resources to support active projects, define upcoming requirements, de-risk new concepts through experimentation, and share Geo Hardware’s capabilities across Google.
Own state-of-the-art optical system designs, balancing real-world limitations, Geo’s operational needs, and external partner capabilities during joint development.
Balance product delivery (ISDT) and research (TAG) agendas, execute end-to-end delivery for nebulous system goals, and lead resource-aligned exploration of new materials, tools, and techniques for TAG’s roadmap.