Optical Systems Development Specialist

Physical Sciences Inc.; Andover, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Physical Sciences Inc. in Andover, MA seeks an Optical Systems Development Specialist to move advanced optical technologies from concept to prototype and production, including laser and LIDAR systems and novel spectrometer architectures.

You will combine optical-design and system-level modeling with practical opto-mechanical implementation, lab experiments, system integration, and field testing to deliver robust sensing solutions for defense and industry.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Strong understanding of optical-system architecture, layout, alignment, construction, and performance metrics.
• Experience designing, assembling, aligning, and testing optical instrumentation or experimental systems.
• Proficiency with Zemax, OpticStudio, or comparable optical-design software.
• Experience with system-level optical or radiometric modeling using MATLAB, Python, or similar tools.
• Experience using CAD software, preferably SolidWorks, to design components and assemblies for fabrication, procurement, assembly, and test.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to interdisciplinary teams and sponsors.
• Willingness to support laboratory and field deployment of sensor systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, and prototype imaging and non-imaging optical systems and instrumentation.
• Use optical-design and system-level modeling tools to predict and optimize system performance.
• Translate optical requirements into practical opto-mechanical designs with component selection and CAD work.
• Specify, characterize, and integrate detectors, light sources, free-space optics, and fiber systems.
• Plan and execute laboratory and field tests; analyze data and troubleshoot hardware.
• Present technical results to sponsors, collaborators, and professional societies.
• Contribute new technology concepts for future programs and business opportunities.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in Optical/Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

Zemax/OpticStudio

MATLAB

Python

SolidWorks

Job description

We are seeking a hands-on Optical Systems Development Specialist to take advanced optical technologies from initial concept through prototype demonstration and transition to production. Current development efforts include laser systems, LIDAR systems, scene projectors, novel spectrometer architectures, and optical sensing systems for defense and industrial applications. The successful candidate will work within a multidisciplinary team and combine optical-system design and modeling with practical opto-mechanical implementation, laboratory experimentation, system integration, and field testing.

What You’ll Do

• Design, analyze, and prototype imaging and non-imaging optical systems and instrumentation.
• Use optical-design and system-level modeling tools, including Zemax/OpticStudio, MATLAB, and Python, to predict and optimize system performance.
• Translate optical requirements into practical opto-mechanical designs, including component selection, CAD modeling, procurement, assembly, alignment, and test.
• Specify, characterize, and integrate detectors, coherent and incoherent light sources, free-space optics, and fiber systems.
• Plan and execute laboratory and field tests; analyze data, troubleshoot hardware, and interpret system performance.
• Present technical results to sponsors, collaborators, and professional societies.
• Contribute new technology concepts and applications that can lead to future programs and business opportunities.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• Strong understanding of optical-system architecture, layout, alignment, construction, and performance metrics.
• Experience designing, assembling, aligning, and testing optical instrumentation or experimental systems.
• Proficiency with Zemax, OpticStudio, or comparable optical-design software.
• Experience with system-level optical or radiometric modeling using MATLAB, Python, or similar tools.
• Experience using CAD software, preferably SolidWorks, to design components and assemblies for fabrication, procurement, assembly, and test.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts, ideas, and results clearly to interdisciplinary teams, sponsors, and collaborators.
• Willingness to support laboratory and field deployment of sensor systems and to take on a range of technical responsibilities as needed.
• U.S. citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with optical sensing methods, spectroscopy, or chemical‑analysis instrumentation.
• Experience with benchtop electronics and diagnostic tools, such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, power meters, and lock-in amplifiers.
• Experience with data‑acquisition systems.
• Experience modeling physical processes, including thermal and vibrational effects.
• Experience developing or integrating ruggedized optical systems for field or defense applications.

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 $100K–$150K. The actual salary offered will depend on the candidate’s experience, education, and specialized skills.