Optical Engineer

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 is a silicon photonics and optical sensing company building next-generation coherent lidar solutions. We have an immediate opening for a full-time, on-site (in Monrovia, CA) entry-level Ph.D. Optical Engineer. This is a laser and coherent optics role, not a classical imaging optics position — candidates should have a background in laser-based optical systems. This person will be a key individual contributor in the optical design of complex FMCW lidar products, including laser autofocus assemblies, laser scanners, free-space optical receivers, and collimating/beam-shaping lenses, and will be responsible for the full optical system analysis and layout. As an early-career hire, this person will receive close mentorship from senior optical and photonics engineers while gaining broad, hands-on exposure across the full product lifecycle. The candidate should have strong communication skills and be able to own all aspects of the optical design lifecycle.

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 (DFB lasers, isolators, polarizers, circulators, mirrors, prisms) and design multi-element lenses for beam shaping and collimation.
• Perform full optical layout and system-level design integrating laser sources, beam-shaping optics, scanning elements, and receiver optics.
• Apply Gaussian beam propagation analysis and perform stray light/ghost image analysis using non-sequential ray tracing.
• Support optical alignment/assembly of free-space subsystems and perform lab characterization of wavelength, polarization, beam divergence, and beam diameter.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and PIC engineers to ensure manufacturable, high-performance optical designs.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Optical Engineering (preferred), Mechanical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering; 0-5 years of relevant optical design or research experience.
• Experience with lens design and optical layout in Zemax (preferred) or Code V, including multi-element lens design and optimization.
• Strong understanding of Gaussian beam propagation, beam shaping, and free-space optical components (lenses, mirrors, polarizers, gratings).
• Proficiency in lab measurement of optical/laser parameters (wavelength, polarization, beam divergence/diameter).
• Basic knowledge of PICs, optical waveguides, and fibers, and strong understanding of photonic components (DFB lasers, isolators, waveplates, circulators, SOAs, photodetectors).
• Familiarity with stray light/non-sequential ray tracing and tolerance analysis in Zemax.
• Basic knowledge of opto-mechanics, including mounting and kinematic constraint principles for optical components and assemblies.

Bonus Skills:

• Basic knowledge of dTOF or FMCW lidar systems.
• Experience with SolidWorks.

Compensation

• Base salary: $100,000 - $130,000 based on experience level and qualifications
• Stock options
• Other benefits include health/vision/dental insurance, 401(k), etc.