Optical Systems Developer

ventureLAB; Markham; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A medical device startup is searching for an Optical Systems Developer to join their team in Markham. This role involves designing, prototyping, and integrating optical components for imaging devices. The successful candidate will work closely with engineers to deliver innovative optical solutions, requiring a background in Optics or related fields. This full-time permanent position offers competitive compensation and benefits, making it a great opportunity for those eager to make a difference in ophthalmic care.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Health, dental and vision benefits

Employee stock option plan

On-site gym access

Qualifications

• Degree in Optics/Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field required.
• Experience in design and testing of optical devices.
• Knowledge of programming languages like Python, C++, MATLAB is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist in design and prototyping of optical systems.
• Conduct and document optical system test plans.
• Support system integration and comply with regulatory documentation.

Skills

Understanding of geometrical and physical optics

Optical lab experience

Experience with optical test equipment

Familiarity with optical CAD software

Experience with programming (Python, C++, MATLAB)

Education

Undergraduate or Graduate degree in Optics/Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics

Tools

CODEV

LightTools

SolidWorks

OnShape

Job description

PulseMedica, an Edmonton-based startup, is searching for a Optical Systems Developer to join our world-class team. Reporting to the Optics Team Lead, this person will support the design, prototyping, testing, and integration of optical components and subsystems into our ophthalmic imaging and treatment devices. This hands‑on role offers exposure to advanced optical system development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real‑world product innovation.

About Us

PulseMedica, proudly Great Place to Work Certified for the third consecutive year, is a fast‑growing, innovative medical device startup. We combine cutting‑edge research, advanced technology, and production excellence to tackle ophthalmic diseases and disabilities. Our mission is to provide novel treatment options through state‑of‑the‑art solutions, blending real‑time classical computer vision, deep learning algorithms, 3D eye imaging, and high‑precision laser surgery. With a commitment to revolutionizing ophthalmic treatments, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional outcomes that prevent blindness and disabilities caused by eye diseases. At PulseMedica, we foster a collaborative and supportive environment where talent thrives, and our team’s collective impact drives change in the field of eye care.

Opportunity

This role provides a unique opportunity to work closely with senior optical and systems engineers while contributing directly to the development and qualification of new optical designs. The successful candidate will support system prototyping, experiment execution, optical modeling, data analysis, and documentation—helping bring advanced ophthalmic imaging technologies from concept to integrated product.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and prototyping of optical, electromechanical, and optomechanical systems for ophthalmic imaging and surgical platforms.
• Generate, conduct, and document optical system test plans for qualification and debugging activities on devices.
• Support Senior Engineering activities, including development of optical software tools and laboratory optical instrumentation such as mechanical fixture conceptual design, Python, C++ or Matlab scripts to control and analyze optical instruments such as Shack‑Hartmann wavefront sensors, cameras, autocorrelators and motion control systems.
• Help create design specifications and component selection criteria for optical components (lenses, detectors, light sources, etc.). Interface with suppliers.
• Use optical CAD software (CODEV, LightTools) to analyze and evaluate optical subsystems.
• Collaborate with multi‑disciplinary engineering teams to integrate optical designs into products.
• Prepare and maintain technical reports, documentation, and presentations.
• Support regulatory and quality documentation related to optical design.
• Attend team meetings and engage in design reviews.
• Follow all company policies, including confidentiality, safety, and engineering procedures.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate or Graduate degree in Optics/Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, or a related field.

Experience & Skills

• Foundational understanding of geometrical and physical optics, imaging systems, and lasers.
• Optical lab experience with the design, setup, testing, and debugging of optical devices.
• Hands‑on experience with the use of optical, and electrical test equipment.
• Hands‑on experience with devising and setting up optical performance measurement breadboards.
• Basic familiarity with optical CAD software (e.g. CODEV, LightTools, and/or Zemax) with ability to understand how 1st order systems are defined, configured and evaluated within the code.
• Experience with mechanical CAD software (SolidWorks, OnShape) an asset.
• Experience with Python, C++, MATLAB is an asset.
• Ability to read ISO10110, ANSI Y14.5 and general mechanical/optical/electronic engineering documents and contribute to design documentation.
• Strong problem‑solving, analytical, and critical‑thinking skills.
• Experience with writing and presenting technical documentation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.

What you bring

• Curiosity, eagerness to learn, and comfort working in a fast‑paced R&D environment.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Ability to take direction from senior engineers while contributing your own insights.
• Strong organization, time management, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Professionalism, integrity, and respect for confidentiality.

Anticipated Start Date

as soon as a suitable candidate is found

Duration

Full time Permanent (40 hours per week)

Salary

Commensurate to experience and qualifications

Location

Edmonton

Benefits

• Competitive compensation, health, dental and vision benefits and the option to participate in our employee stock option plan
• Free on‑site gym (Jackson’s Gym)
• A role that contributes to helping change people’s lives by enhancing their vision
• A unique opportunity to build, grow, and be part of a team that is going to revolutionize a multi‑billion dollar industry

EEO Statement

We believe that diverse teams perform better and that fostering an inclusive work environment is a key part of growing a successful team. We welcome people of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply for this position.