Optical R&D Engineer: Precision Microplate Instrumentation

Hamilton Company; Hamilton (NJ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Hamilton Company’s Cerillo subsidiary seeks an R&D Engineer to design, develop, and validate precision optical systems for its compact multi-wavelength microplate readers. You will apply optical theory, select components, and collaborate with electrical and mechanical engineers to integrate optics into rugged, low-power instruments.

This role requires hands‑on assembly, alignment, testing, and modeling with Zemax OpticStudio or FRED, plus strong communication skills in a fast‑paced startup

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of optical theory including photometry, radiometry, geometric optics, interference, and stray light analysis.
• Proficiency in Zemax OpticStudio, FRED, or equivalent.
• Hands-on experience designing precision optical systems including alignment, calibration, and performance verification.
• Experience with absorbance-based photometric measurement systems preferred.
• Experience designing optical component mounts, alignment mechanisms, and optomechanical interfaces.
• Knowledge of photodetector technologies and 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 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 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.

Skills

Optical theory

Zemax OpticStudio

FRED

Precision optics

Photodetector tech

Cross-functional work

Data-driven analysis

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field

3+ years optical design experience

Tools

Zemax OpticStudio

FRED

Job description

Hamilton Company’s Cerillo subsidiary seeks an R&D Engineer to design, develop, and validate precision optical systems for its compact multi-wavelength microplate readers. You will apply optical theory, select components, and collaborate with electrical and mechanical engineers to integrate optics into rugged, low-power instruments.

This role requires hands‑on assembly, alignment, testing, and modeling with Zemax OpticStudio or FRED, plus strong communication skills in a fast‑paced startup