Staff Optical Engineer

Becton Dickinson Medical Devices • Milpitas, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Waters Corporation, a global leader in life sciences, is seeking a Staff Optical Engineer. This role involves developing and maintaining system-level optical designs for components, subassemblies, and integrated flow cytometry platforms. The engineer will perform advanced optical modeling, define performance requirements, and oversee optical integration and calibration. The position also requires supporting root cause investigations, evaluating optical suppliers, and contributing across the full product lifecycle in compliance with industry standards. Collaboration with R&D, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams is essential, as is supporting corrective actions and cost reduction initiatives. The role may require up to 5% domestic and international travel.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (minimum), Master’s degree (preferred), or PhD (desired) in Optics, Physics, or Optical/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering
• Bachelor’s degree: 10+ years of relevant industry experience
• Master’s degree: 8–9+ years of relevant industry experience
• PhD: 4–7+ years of relevant industry experience
• Strong foundation in physics or engineering with an analytical and inquisitive mindset
• Ability to apply disciplined, repeatable methods to troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues
• Experience with optical systems, alignment, and calibration processes
• Proficiency in data analysis and statistical tools for process improvement
• Ability to interpret system models, including error budgets, sensitivity analyses, and throughput considerations related to optical performance
• Strong problem-solving, cross-functional collaboration, and communication skills

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain system-level optical designs for components, subassemblies, and integrated flow cytometry platforms
• Perform Zemax (OpticStudio) modeling including performance prediction, tolerance analysis, sensitivity studies, and design trade-off evaluation
• Define optical performance requirements and acceptance criteria at system and subsystem levels in collaboration with Systems Engineering
• Define and execute optical integration, alignment, and calibration procedures to meet system-level performance requirements
• Analyze optical performance data to drive design optimization, improve system robustness, and reduce manufacturing and field variability
• Support root cause investigations for system- and subsystem-level optical and laser alignment issues
• Evaluate, test, and qualify optical components and modules, establishing acceptance criteria and improving incoming quality
• Lead technical evaluation and qualification of optical suppliers (lasers, filters, lenses, fiber optics, detection modules)
• Contribute across the full product lifecycle including concept, design, verification, and qualification in compliance with ISO 13485 and 21 CFR Part 820
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams on design changes, NPI, and product transfers
• Support development of next-generation optical architectures and platform strategies across flow cytometry systems
• Provide support to Corrective and Preventative Actions (CAPA), End-of-life (EOL) component selection, and cost reduction activities
• Lead technical initiatives to resolve performance and supplier-related issues

Benefits

• Comprehensive Total Rewards program
• Reward and recognition opportunities that promote a performance-based culture
• Competitive package of compensation and benefits programs
• Salary or hourly rate ranges reward associates fairly and competitively
• Regular review of salary ranges
• Factors such as location contribute to the range displayed
• Pay is based on the role and the necessary skills and education to perform it successfully
• Salary or hourly pay ranges are influenced by labor laws and Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) requirements applicable to the work location

What This Job Offers

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