Optical Engineer

Neuralink; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 86,000 - 143,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid holidays

Meals provided

401(k) plan

Flexible time off

Job summary

Neuralink in South San Francisco is seeking an Optical Engineer to develop custom optics for our surgical robots. You will work with engineers across various disciplines and focus on both design and implementation of optical systems.

The role requires significant optical engineering experience, proficiency in Zemax, and an educational background in Physics or Mechanical Engineering. The anticipated salary ranges from $86,000 to $143,000, along with equity and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of optical engineering experience.
• 2+ years simulate and design optics in Zemax or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Develop custom optics for surgical robots and manufacturing systems.
• Design and simulate optical imaging systems.
• Research new imaging technologies for robotic surgeries.

Skills

Optical engineering

Zemax or equivalent software

Testing optical systems

Google Docs proficiency

Education

Bachelor of Science in Physics, Optical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

We are creating devices that enable a bi-directional interface with the brain. These devices allow us to restore movement to the paralyzed, restore sight to the blind, and revolutionize how humans interact with their digital world.

Team Description

The Robot Optics Team is seeking Optical Engineers passionate about shaping the future of operating rooms. We are responsible for all optical engineering aspects of Neuralink surgeries, which includes working on our surgical robotics, supporting operating room equipment, and manufacturing custom consumables. The core device we work on is the robotic system that performs implant insertions. Key subsystems include 2D and 3D machine vision cameras, optical coherence tomography, and surgical site illuminators.

Our team oversees the entire product lifecycle of all optical subsystems across multiple robot versions, from ideation and design through production, testing, and maintenance. We also design hardware for producing and inspecting consumables, such as laser‑machined needle cartridges. As we manufacture a significant portion of our hardware in‑house, our core activities include bring‑up testing, designing hardware acceptance testers, and overseeing manufacturing processes.

Job Description and Responsibilities

As an Optical Engineer at Neuralink, you will develop custom optics and imaging systems used directly in our surgical robot and associated consumables‑manufacturing systems. These systems impact everything from sub‑micron conventional imaging and laser scanning imaging to non‑imaging optical power delivery. You will have the opportunity to work closely with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers on the Robotics Team and collaborate with neuroscientists and biologists in the rest of the company. You will be responsible for designs from conception through to implementation as well as prototyping and building these optical systems quickly with the rest of the team. Other job responsibilities will include:

• Designing and simulating optical imaging systems
• Testing, verification, and maintenance of robot vision systems
• Designing and developing custom laser interferometry systems and manufacturing systems
• Testing and verification of optics consumables
• Building and testing of beam‑scanning instruments
• Developing image acquisition and processing software
• Researching and developing new imaging technologies for robotic surgeries
• Preparing relevant documentation and SOPs for robot optics

Required Qualifications

• Evidence of exceptional ability in optical engineering or a related field
• Bachelor of Science or higher‑level degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering
• 3+ years of optical engineering experience
• 2+ years of experience simulating and designing optics in Zemax or equivalent software
• Practical experience in designing, testing, and reliability hardening optical systems
• Basic computer skills and proficiency in Google Docs, Google Drive, and Gmail

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in designing and testing of in‑vivo imaging systems
• Experience in handling high power laser instruments
• Basic understanding in laser interferometry or optical coherence tomography
• Hands‑on experience in fabricating, terminating, and splicing optical fibers
• Software engineering experience in developing scripts for instrument testing

Expected Compensation: The anticipated base salary for this position is expected to be within the following range. Your actual base pay will be determined by your job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. We also believe in aligning our employees’ success with the company’s long‑term growth. As such, in addition to base salary, Neuralink offers equity compensation (in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSU)) for all full‑time employees.

Base Salary Range: $86,000 USD - $143,000 USD

What We Offer

Full‑time employees are eligible for the following benefits listed below.

• An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and most talented experts from different fields
• Growth potential; we rapidly advance team members who have an outsized impact
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan
• Paid holidays
• Meals provided
• Equity (RSUs) *Temporary Employees & Interns excluded
• 401(k) plan *Interns initially excluded until they work 1,000 hours
• Parental leave *Temporary Employees & Interns excluded
• Flexible time off *Temporary Employees & Interns excluded