Lead Optical Systems Architect & Team Mentor

GPD Optoelectronics Corp.; Salem (NH); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

GPD Optoelectronics Corp. in Salem, NH seeks a Principal Optical Scientist to design and deliver advanced optical systems while leading an electro-optical design team. This hands-on player-coach role requires defining architecture, guiding production, and driving innovation.

You will own the optical technology roadmap, perform rigorous trade studies, and mentor engineers across disciplines, with strong emphasis on lab work and modeling. A PhD is preferred and 15+ years in the field are ideal.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Optics, Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field is required.
• PhD is strongly preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in design, test, and transfer to production of complex electro‑optic systems.

Responsibilities

• Define and own optical architecture and technology roadmap for complex systems from concept through production.
• Drive trade studies balancing performance, manufacturability, cost, size, weight, and reliability.
• Perform advanced optical analysis including tolerance, stray light, polarization, diffraction, thermal, and environmental effects.
• Lead optical packaging design, including fiber alignment, coupling, and hermetic packaging.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, systems, and manufacturing teams for DFM.
• Hands-on testing and prototyping at the optical bench to characterize performance.

Skills

Optical design

Hands-on bench work

Team leadership

Technical communication

Prototyping and testing

Education

Master's degree in Optics/Engineering/Physics

PhD preferred

Tools

Optical design software

Python scripting

MATLAB scripting

Optical test equipment

Job description

GPD Optoelectronics Corp. in Salem, NH seeks a Principal Optical Scientist to design and deliver advanced optical systems while leading an electro-optical design team. This hands-on player-coach role requires defining architecture, guiding production, and driving innovation.

You will own the optical technology roadmap, perform rigorous trade studies, and mentor engineers across disciplines, with strong emphasis on lab work and modeling. A PhD is preferred and 15+ years in the field are ideal.