Optical Sensors and Systems Research Scientist

Physical Sciences Inc; Andover (MA); On-site; USD 117,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee ownership

Job summary

Physical Sciences Inc. is seeking an Optical Sensors and Systems Research Scientist in Andover, MA to advance optical imaging and spectroscopy platforms from simulation to prototype.

You will lead cross-disciplinary efforts across instrumentation, imaging, OCT, and spectrometer architectures, and support business development with customers and sponsors. The role emphasizes hands-on design, system integration, and the translation of research into commercialization, with collaboration across

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent with track record in optical systems development.
• Experience leading proposals and customer relationships.
• Strong understanding of optical system layout and performance metrics.
• Hands-on instrumentation design, alignment, and integration.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, and prototype optical-based imaging/non-imaging systems.
• Model system performance with Zemax and MATLAB/Python.
• Develop sensing and spectroscopy instrumentation.
• Integrate optics with photonic circuits and fiber systems.
• Characterize detectors and light sources; define test plans.
• Present results to sponsors and collaborators; drive new ideas.

Skills

PhD in Optical Engineering

Proposal leadership

Optical system design

Instrumentation design

Zemax/OpticStudio

MATLAB/Python modeling

Excellent communication

Education

PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics or related

Tools

Zemax/OpticStudio

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Optical Sensors and Systems Research Scientist

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) is an employee-owned company located just north of Boston in Andover, MA. Our Applied Optics Division is a leader in developing cutting-edge optical technologies for biomedical, defense, sensing, and next-generation applications. We specialize in building innovative solutions that push the boundaries of optical imaging, spectral/hyperspectral sensing, and monitoring of biomanufacturing processes.

About the Role
We are seeking an experienced an Optical Sensors and Systems Research Scientist with a proven track record in taking advanced optical systems from simulation to prototype and advance them towards commercialization. Experienced in leading technical developments for complex microscopy, OCT systems, and next-generation spectrometer architectures to solve application-specific challenges

This role requires a strong foundation in optical system design and hands-on experimentation, combined with the ability to work across interdisciplinary teams. In addition to technical contributions, you will support program management, customer interactions, and business development. PSI values individuals with a strong desire to pursue novel research initiatives. As you advance in your career at PSI, we encourage and support growth in independent ideation, proposal generation, and the development of new customer relationships.

What You’ll Do

• Design, analyze, and prototype optical-based systems for imaging and non-imaging applications.
• Use optical design software (e.g., Zemax/OpticStudio) and system-level modeling tools (MATLAB, Python) to model and optimize system performance.
• Develop instrumentation for sensing and spectroscopy applications.
• Integrate free-space optics with photonic integrated circuits and fiber systems.
• Specify and characterize detectors, coherent and incoherent light sources, and subsystems.
• Define and execute laboratory and field test plans; analyze and interpret resulting data.
• Present technical results to sponsors, collaborators, and professional societies.
• Contribute new technology ideas and applications that can evolve into future business.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Track record of developing customer relationships and leading proposal efforts.
• Strong understanding of optical system layout, construction, and performance metrics.
• Experience with instrumentation design, optical alignment, and system integration.
• Proficiency with optical design software (Zemax or equivalent).
• Familiarity with system-level radiometric modeling in MATLAB or Python.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with optical imaging and spectroscopy.
• Background in integrating optics with imaging algorithms, electronics, or embedded systems.
• Knowledge of advanced photonics (PIC integration, fiber optics, laser systems).
• Strong laboratory prototyping and experimental design skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work across multidisciplinary teams and manage technical programs.

Why Join Us
At PSI, you’ll be part of a collaborative, employee-owned company where your ideas directly shape groundbreaking technologies with national security and commercial impact. We encourage our engineers and scientists to grow not only as technical experts but also as innovators and future business leaders. PSI offers career growth opportunities, hands‑on experimentation, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and engagement with customers — all while working on projects that advance the state of the art in optics.

Additional Information

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• PSI is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Pay Range: the estimated annual base salary range for this role is $117K–$130K. The actual salary offered will depend on the candidate’s experience, education, and specialized skills.