Optical R&D Engineer for Precision Microplate Readers

Cerillo; Charlottesville, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Cerillo, a Hamilton Company subsidiary in Charlottesville, VA, seeks an R&D Engineer to design, develop, and validate precision optical systems for compact microplate readers. You will define optical architectures, select components, and collaborate with electrical and mechanical teams to deliver robust, manufacturable instruments.

Strong modeling and test planning are essential. Responsibilities span from illumination design to system integration, alignment procedures, and optical safety

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; Master's or PhD preferred.
• 3+ years in optical system design and development, preferably in scientific instrumentation or life sciences.
• Hands-on experience designing and assembling precision optical systems, including alignment and verification.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop precision optical systems for compact multi-wavelength absorbance readers, including illumination and photodetection subsystems.
• Determine optical specifications and system requirements such as wavelength selection, throughput, stray light, and signal-to-noise ratio.
• Select, evaluate, and qualify optical components including light sources, photodetectors, filters, and lenses.
• Design mechanical mounts and alignment fixtures to ensure stable optical alignment through production and field use.
• Develop repeatable alignment procedures to achieve specified photometric performance across wavelengths and plate positions.
• Create inspection instruments and test setups to characterize optical performance and detect aberrations and stray light.
• Perform optical modeling using Zemax OpticStudio or FRED to predict performance and guide design decisions.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers to define photodetector interfaces and amplifier specs; with mechanical to ensure compact enclosures.

Skills

Optical design

Photometry & radiometry

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical problem-solving

Optical modeling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Zemax OpticStudio

FRED

Job description

Cerillo, a Hamilton Company subsidiary in Charlottesville, VA, seeks an R&D Engineer to design, develop, and validate precision optical systems for compact microplate readers. You will define optical architectures, select components, and collaborate with electrical and mechanical teams to deliver robust, manufacturable instruments.

Strong modeling and test planning are essential. Responsibilities span from illumination design to system integration, alignment procedures, and optical safety