Optical Physicist - Systems & Metrology Engineer

Optical Society of Southern California; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement savings plan

Paid time off and holidays

Life and disability insurance

Opportunities for professional growth

Job summary

OptoSigma Corporation in Costa Mesa, CA is seeking a Physicist to support design, analysis, and characterization of optical and optomechanical systems. The role collaborates with optical, mechanical, and systems teams on challenging projects from research instrumentation to production systems.

The candidate will analyze systems using first-principles physics, develop experiments to validate designs, and mentor junior engineers, translating theory into practical test plans and robust designs.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Physics, Optics, Optical Engineering, or related field, or a bachelor's with 5+ years of directly relevant experience.
• Strong foundation in optics, electromagnetics, and/or photonics.
• Experience with optical design/simulation software or optical test and measurement equipment.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and model optical and optomechanical systems using first-principles physics and simulations.
• Design, specify, and characterize optical assemblies and systems.
• Develop experiments to validate designs, troubleshoot performance, and characterize components.
• Collaborate on system-level design trade-offs and tolerancing.
• Provide technical guidance on optical design, metrology, and testing methodologies.
• Support new product development from concept through validation.
• Document analysis, test methods, and results for internal and customer use.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians on best practices.
• Translate theoretical analysis into practical designs and test plans.
• Communicate technical results clearly in writing and verbally.

Skills

Optics fundamentals

EM/Photonics

Analysis & modeling

Education

MS/PhD in Physics/Optics/Optical Eng

BA with 5+ years directly relevant exp

Tools

Optical design software

Test & measurement equipment

Job description

OptoSigma Corporation in Costa Mesa, CA is seeking a Physicist to support design, analysis, and characterization of optical and optomechanical systems. The role collaborates with optical, mechanical, and systems teams on challenging projects from research instrumentation to production systems.

The candidate will analyze systems using first-principles physics, develop experiments to validate designs, and mentor junior engineers, translating theory into practical test plans and robust designs.