Optical Engineer for Precision Microplate Readers

Hamilton Company; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Hamilton Company’s Charlottesville-based Cerillo division seeks an Optical Engineer to design and validate precision optical systems for compact microplate readers. You will define architectures, select components, and collaborate with electrical and mechanical teams to ensure high sensitivity, low noise, and robust packaging for field use.

The role requires hands-on design, simulation, alignment, testing, and documentation, with opportunities to influence product roadmaps and regulatory

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Design 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 theory

Optical design

Zemax OpticStudio

FRED

Photodetector integration

Alignment & calibration

Optomechanical interfaces

Cross-functional collaboration

Data-driven decisions

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's in Optical Engineering/Physics

Master's or Ph.D. preferred

Tools

Zemax OpticStudio

FRED

Job description

Hamilton Company’s Charlottesville-based Cerillo division seeks an Optical Engineer to design and validate precision optical systems for compact microplate readers. You will define architectures, select components, and collaborate with electrical and mechanical teams to ensure high sensitivity, low noise, and robust packaging for field use.

The role requires hands-on design, simulation, alignment, testing, and documentation, with opportunities to influence product roadmaps and regulatory