Lidar Optical Design Engineer (Early-Career)

SiLC Technologies, Inc; Monrovia (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Health insurance

401(k)

Job summary

SiLC Technologies, Inc. is seeking an entry-level Ph.D. Optical Engineer for an on-site role in Monrovia, CA.

You will contribute to the optical design of FMCW lidar systems, including laser autofocus assemblies, beam shaping, and free-space receivers. Mentorship will be provided by senior optical engineers as you gain hands-on experience across the product lifecycle. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-performance, manufacturable optical designs and gain exposure to

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Optical Engineering or related field; 0–5 years in optical design.
• Experience with Zemax or Code V and multi-element lens design.

Responsibilities

• Design free-space optical assemblies for lidar receivers.
• Design laser autofocus and beam collimation optical assemblies for FMCW lidar systems.
• Design optical systems for laser scanners (galvo, polygon, MEMS).
• Select, design, and characterize photonic components and multi-element lenses for beam shaping and collimation.
• Perform full optical layout and system-level design integrating laser sources and receiver optics.
• Apply Gaussian beam propagation analysis and stray light/ghost image analysis using non-sequential ray tracing.
• Support optical alignment/assembly and lab characterization of wavelength, polarization, beam divergence, and beam diameter.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and PIC engineers to ensure manufacturable designs.

Skills

Gaussian beam propagation

Beam shaping

Lidar optics

Lab measurement

Non-sequential ray tracing

Kinematic mounting

Optical design basics

Education

Ph.D. in Optical Engineering (preferred)

Tools

Zemax

Code V

SolidWorks

Job description

SiLC Technologies, Inc. is seeking an entry-level Ph.D. Optical Engineer for an on-site role in Monrovia, CA.

You will contribute to the optical design of FMCW lidar systems, including laser autofocus assemblies, beam shaping, and free-space receivers. Mentorship will be provided by senior optical engineers as you gain hands-on experience across the product lifecycle. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-performance, manufacturable optical designs and gain exposure to