Optical Engineer - Precision Instrumentation

Jobtailor

Charlottesville (VA)

On-site

USD 90,000 - 130,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Jobtailor in Charlottesville, VA, is seeking an experienced Optical Engineer to design and deliver precision optical systems for compact multi-wavelength absorbance readers. You will shape illumination, filtering, and photodetection subsystems for robust performance.

Responsibilities include specifying wavelengths, throughput, stray light and SNR; selecting components; designing alignment fixtures; and collaborating with electrical and mechanical teams to ensure manufacturability and regulatory

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
Master's degree or Ph.D. preferred.
Experience in optical system design and development.

Responsibilities

Design and develop 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.