Staff Optical Design Engineer

Neurophos • Austin, TX

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The optical team is responsible for the optical design and simulation of the OPU’s free-space optical path. This system is critical to enabling our optical processing engine to meet the performance requirements for analog compute. The Staff Optical Design Engineer will own the optical architecture and performance of the optical system and/or components from concept through production and will be an expert in optical design and simulation, working closely with optomechanical design, photonics, electrical, and system engineering teams.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Optical Science, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a tightly relevant technical track.
• 5+ years of industry experience as an optical design engineer developing advanced optical systems from concept to market introduction.
• Deep expertise in imaging optical system design, including beam shaping.
• Advanced knowledge of aberration theory, tolerancing, DFx, and ghost/straylight simulation.
• Proficiency using Zemax, LightTools, or other optical design software for sequential and non-sequential ray tracing.
• Programming skills like Python, Zemax Macro language.
• Strong communicator, able to convey complex optical design concepts to both technical and executive audiences.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in a fast-moving startup environment.
• Experience in designing freeform optical systems.
• Advanced knowledge of optical metrology, alignment, and assembly concepts.

Responsibilities

• Optical design/optimization and simulation of complex optical systems and components.
• Utilize Zemax or other optical design tools to perform tolerance analysis, sensitivity, and stray light simulations.
• Collaborate directly with external suppliers on technical specifications (DFM).
• Partner closely with optomechanical, photonics, electrical, and system engineering teams.
• Support laboratory efforts to align, debug, and characterize optical systems and components.
• Represent optical design in system reviews, own relevant sections of system requirement documents, and communicate status and risk to engineers and executives.

Benefits

• 100% coverage of base health plan premiums for you and your dependents, plus HSA contributions.
• Unlimited PTO.
• 401(k) matching and stock option opportunities.
• Full suite of voluntary benefits, including Dental, Vision, Life, Hospital, Critical Illness, and Accident insurance.
• Personalized Benefits. Choose the plans that fit your life and take the cash back for those that don’t.

What This Job Offers

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