Lead Optical Engineer

TRL11, Inc.; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

401k

Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Job summary

TRL11, Inc. in Irvine, California is seeking an Optical Engineer to develop and optimize optical systems involving lenses and sensors. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a related field and 5-10+ years of experience in optical design. Responsibilities include conducting simulations, designing test setups, and supporting root-cause investigations for performance deviations. Benefits include a fast-paced startup culture, unlimited paid time off, and a health care plan.

Qualifications

• 5-10+ years of experience in optical design or a related field.
• Proficiency in optical design software, strong understanding of thermal and structural analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize systems involving lenses, sensors, or imaging devices.
• Conduct optical system modeling, simulation, and performance analysis.
• Design and implement optical test setups and define optical acceptance criteria.

Skills

Optical design software proficiency (Zemax, Code V)

Experience with imaging or laser systems

Optomechanical alignment skills

Strong understanding of physics and optics materials

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics/Electrical Engineering

Tools

OnShape

Solidworks

Zemax

Code V

Job description

Responsibilities

1. Develop and optimize systems involving lenses, sensors, or imaging devices
2. Conduct optical system modeling, simulation, and performance analysis using tools such as Zemax, Code V, FRED, or similar optical analysis software.
3. Develop and execute optical test plans to validate system performance at component, subsystem, and payload levels.
4. Design and implement optical test setups including alignment tools, calibration methods, and metrology procedures.
5. Define optical acceptance criteria and support verification activities for payload integration and end‑of‑line testing.
6. Support manufacturing and assembly processes involving optics, including defining handling procedures, contamination control, and alignment processes.
7. Analyze test data and troubleshoot optical performance issues during development, integration, and production.
8. Support root‑cause investigations for optical performance deviations and recommend corrective actions.
9. Conduct research on new materials and emerging optical technologies to keep R&D aligned with the latest advancements.
10. Ideal candidates will be able to contribute in areas of secondary responsibility, such as structural or thermal simulation, manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, or systems engineering.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics/Electrical Engineering or a related field
2. 5-10+ years of experience in optical design or a related field
3. Strong understanding of physics, optics materials, and/or laser systems; Proficiency in optical design software (Zemax, Code V, Light tool or similar)
4. Experience with imaging systems or laser systems
5. Experience with OnShape, Solidworks, or similar CAD
6. Strong understanding of thermal and structural analysis of optical designs
7. Experience with optomechanical alignment, calibration and testing procedures

Benefits

• Fast paced, energetic startup culture, where you'll learn a lot, have great impact, and have fun doing it
• Bonus, 401k, Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Unlimited Paid Time Off (with prior approval), for Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays, Maternity, Paternity
• Possible Stock Option Plan participation, based on performance and tenure.