Optical Engineer (Early Career) - 069QE

Quartus Engineering; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 78,279 - 127,907; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary performance-based bonus

Employee stock ownership plan

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision

401k plan with company match

Job summary

A technology firm in San Diego seeks an Optical Engineer to design and analyze optical systems. Responsibilities include providing tolerance analysis, solving design problems, and building testing stations in a cleanroom. The ideal candidate holds a BS or MS in Optics or a related field and possesses experience with optical CAD software. Compensation ranges from $78,279 to $127,907, along with comprehensive benefits and a hybrid work schedule.

Qualifications

• 0–3 years of experience in optical engineering.
• Experience with alignment and optical components for system integration.
• Strong ability to articulate complex concepts to non-engineers.

Responsibilities

• Design components and systems for customer applications.
• Provide tolerance analysis and recommendations.
• Analyze problems and design custom solutions.
• Build test stations in a cleanroom environment.
• Maintain knowledge in optical science for project completion.

Skills

Optical CAD software (e.g. Zemax, FRED)

MATLAB

Strong understanding of optical physics

Presentation skills

Education

BS or MS in Optics, Physics, or similar Engineering field

Job description

About Quartus

Quartus Engineering Incorporated (www.quartus.com) is a leading provider of engineering services and integrated hardware solutions for a wide range of clients and industries. We employ advanced computer‑aided engineering tools in the areas of optics, structural, thermal, and coupled analyses. We couple our engineering analysis capabilities with design, prototype, integration and test capabilities to create solutions for our clients that are of extraordinary value.

About the Aerospace Sector

Quartus is a key contributor to aerospace advancements, specializing in engineering simulation and custom hardware. We’ve played a vital role in a diverse range of optical systems, launch vehicle and spacecraft projects involving design, analysis, testing, and hardware assembly and integration. Our aerospace sector expertise also includes aircraft structural design, analysis, and testing, including support for FAA certifications. Quartus excels in commercial and defense aircraft applications, as well as custom optical systems like laser communications terminals and lidar payloads with both aerial and space applications.

What will you do?

As an Optical Engineer in our San Diego office, you will design, develop, analyze, and build optical systems on a project‑by‑project basis by applying principles in optics, photonics, mechanics, and materials science.

Essential Job Functions:

• Design components and systems for both short‑term and long‑term solutions for customer applications.
• Provide tolerance analysis and recommendations for tolerances required for system performance.
• Analyze problems and design custom solutions.
• Provide reports in PowerPoint or Word describing in detail the problem, design space, solutions, and limitations of a design.
• Build test stations for evaluating system performances in a hands‑on cleanroom environment.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by consistently educating oneself in areas of science necessary for completing the projects and tasks at hand.
• Educate other team members and engineers in optical science and other fundamental physics principles to build the technical capability of the company as a whole.

Location

Position is based in San Diego with a hybrid schedule.*

*The hybrid work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs including but not limited to training, performance, or other operational requirements. Any physical location change may impact future employment.

What are we looking for?

• BS or MS in Optics, Physics, or similar Engineering field and 0‑3 years of experience.
• Experience using optical CAD software (e.g. Zemax, FRED) and MATLAB.
• Experience with alignment and optical components for system integration, metrology, testing, etc.
• Strong understanding on fundamental optical physics (imaging optics, non‑imaging optics, Fourier optics, diffractive optics, etc.).
• Strong presentation skills and ability to articulate a fundamental understanding of an optical system to non‑optical engineers.
• US Person (US Citizen or US Permanent Resident).

Compensation and Benefits

Optical Engineer I pay range: $78,279 - $127,907*

*This range represents base pay. In addition, you may be eligible for additional benefits and compensation.

Referral eligibility: Tier 1

Quartus is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to employing a diverse workforce, including, but not limited to, minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. Quartus provides comprehensive benefits including competitive salary, discretionary performance‑based bonus, employee stock ownership plan, medical, dental, vision, and 401k plan with company match.