Optical Engineer

Jobtailor

Charlottesville (VA)

On-site

USD 90,000 - 130,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Jobtailor in Charlottesville, VA, is seeking an experienced Optical Engineer to design and deliver precision optical systems for compact multi-wavelength absorbance readers. You will shape illumination, filtering, and photodetection subsystems for robust performance.

Responsibilities include specifying wavelengths, throughput, stray light and SNR; selecting components; designing alignment fixtures; and collaborating with electrical and mechanical teams to ensure manufacturability and regulatory

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
Master's degree or Ph.D. preferred.
Experience in optical system design and development.

Responsibilities

Design and develop precision optical systems for compact multi-wavelength absorbance microplate readers, including illumination, beam-shaping, filtering, and photodetection sub-systems.
Determine optical specifications and system requirements for each product design, including wavelength selection, throughput, stray light, and signal-to-noise ratio.
Select, evaluate, and qualify optical components including light sources, photodetectors, filters, lenses, apertures, and any other relevant subsystems.
Design mechanical mounts and alignment fixtures to hold optical components in precise geometric positions relative to each other and to the overall instrument, ensuring stable optical alignment through manufacturing and field conditions.
Develop and repeatable alignment procedures to achieve specified photometric performance across the full wavelength range and across all plate positions.
Design and build inspection instruments and test setups to characterize optical system performance, detect aberrations, stray light, cross-talk, and deviations from specification.
Perform optical modeling and simulation using tools such as Zemax OpticStudio, FRED, or equivalent to predict system performance and guide design decisions.
Collaborate with electrical engineers to define photodetector interface requirements, amplifier specifications, and light emission parameters.
Collaborate with mechanical engineers to achieve compact, manufacturable optical enclosures with the required positional stability and environmental sealing.
Develop test methods and acceptance criteria for optical performance at incoming inspection, production, and final qualification stages.
Troubleshoot optical performance issues identified during development, testing, or production; implement and document corrective actions.
Support regulatory documentation, risk management, and optical safety assessments as required.
Contribute to new product concept development and product roadmap planning.
Perform ad-hoc engineering tasks as directed by the Chief Executive Officer and/or Engineering leadership.

Skills

Optical System Design

Photodetector Technologies

Optomechanical Interface Design

Stray Light Analysis

Calibration

Geometric Optics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field

Master's degree or Ph.D. preferred

Tools

Zemax OpticStudio

FRED

Optical Simulation Software

Job description

Design and develop precision optical systems for compact multi-wavelength absorbance microplate readers, including illumination, beam-shaping, filtering, and photodetection sub-systems
Determine optical specifications and system requirements for each product design, including wavelength selection, throughput, stray light, and signal-to-noise ratio
Select, evaluate, and qualify optical components including light sources, photodetectors, filters, lenses, apertures, and any other relevant subsystems
Design mechanical mounts and alignment fixtures to hold optical components in precise geometric positions relative to each other and to the overall instrument, ensuring stable optical alignment through manufacturing and field conditions
Develop and repeatable alignment procedures to achieve specified photometric performance across the full wavelength range and across all plate positions
Design and build inspection instruments and test setups to characterize optical system performance, detect aberrations, stray light, cross-talk, and deviations from specification
Perform optical modeling and simulation using tools such as Zemax OpticStudio, FRED, or equivalent to predict system performance and guide design decisions
Collaborate with electrical engineers to define photodetector interface requirements, amplifier specifications, and light emission parameters
Collaborate with mechanical engineers to achieve compact, manufacturable optical enclosures with the required positional stability and environmental sealing
Develop test methods and acceptance criteria for optical performance at incoming inspection, production, and final qualification stages
Troubleshoot optical performance issues identified during development, testing, or production; implement and document corrective actions
Support regulatory documentation, risk management, and optical safety assessments as required
Contribute to new product concept development and product roadmap planning
Perform ad-hoc engineering tasks as directed by the Chief Executive Officer and/or Engineering leadership

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field required; Master's degree or Ph.D. preferred
3+ years of experience in optical system design and development, preferably in scientific instrumentation, biomedical devices, or life sciences
Deep understanding of optical theory including photometry, radiometry, geometric optics, interference, and stray light analysis
Proficiency in optical design and simulation software such as Zemax OpticStudio, FRED, or equivalent
Hands-on experience designing and assembling precision optical systems including alignment, calibration, and performance verification
Experience with absorbance-based or transmittance-based photometric measurement systems strongly preferred
Experience designing optical component mounts, alignment mechanisms, and optomechanical interfaces
Knowledge of photodetector technologies (photodiodes, silicon photomultipliers, etc.) and their integration with low-noise electronics
Ability to develop and execute detailed optical test plans
Experience working cross-functionally with electrical and mechanical engineering teams
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a rigorous, data-driven approach to engineering decisions
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced startup environment.

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in optical system design and development, including proficiency in optical modeling and simulation tools like Zemax OpticStudio and FRED. Capable of collaborating cross-functionally with engineering teams to ensure precision and performance in optical systems for scientific instrumentation.

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