Optical Engineer

SiLC Technologies, Inc; Monrovia (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision & dental insurance

401(k)

Job summary

SiLC Technologies, Inc. in Monrovia, CA is seeking an Optical Engineer to join on-site. You will design and layout optical systems for FMCW lidar, develop multi-element lenses, and select photonic components while shaping beams and ensuring alignment procedures.

Ideal candidates hold a BS in Physics or Engineering (MS preferred) with 4+ years in optical design, strong Zemax/CODE V experience, and hands-on lab skills to analyze laser parameters and beam quality in dedicated test setups.

Qualifications

• BS in Physics, Electrical, Mechanical, or Optical Engineering; MS preferred.
• 4+ years of relevant optical design experience.
• Strong understanding of Gaussian beam propagation and beam shaping.

Responsibilities

• Perform optical design and layout in Zemax or CODE V for lidar assemblies.
• Design multi-element lenses for beam shaping and collimation.
• Select and characterize photonic components (DFB lasers, isolators, polarizers, circulators, mirrors, prisms).
• Develop alignment procedures for optical components and subassemblies.
• Characterize lidar optical performance (beam quality, scanner accuracy, polarization).
• Troubleshoot optical alignment and performance issues.

Education

BS/MS in Physics or 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 Optical Engineer in Monrovia, CA. 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 beam scanners, free-space optical receivers, and collimating/beam-shaping lenses, and will be responsible for optical system analysis and layout. The ideal candidate has strong communication, lab, and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform optical design and layout in Zemax or CODE V for new and existing SiLC lidar assemblies.
• Design multi-element lenses for beam shaping and collimation.
• Select and characterize photonic components (DFB lasers, isolators, polarizers, circulators, mirrors, prisms).
• Develop alignment procedures for optical components and subassemblies.
• Characterize the lidar's optical performance (beam quality, scanner accuracy and stability, laser power, and polarization).
• Troubleshoot optical alignment and performance issues.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Physics, Electrical, Mechanical, or Optical Engineering (M.S. preferred); 4 or more years of relevant optical design 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 optical waveguides and 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.

Bonus Skills

• Experience with SolidWorks.
• Experience with lidar.

Compensation

• Base salary: $110,000 - $140,000 based on experience level and qualifications
• Other benefits include health/vision/dental insurance, 401(k), etc.