Optical Systems Engineer

Project Canary Inc.; Hayward (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

401K with company match

Student loan assistance

Unlimited PTO

Sick time

11 paid company holidays

Parental leave

Job summary

Aeris Technologies in Hayward, CA seeks an Optical Systems Engineer to design and integrate advanced laser spectroscopy systems. You will apply optics, precision mechanics, and data-driven decisions to improve performance and manufacturability.

You’ll lead from concept through testing, build optomechanical assemblies, and partner with engineering and production teams to deliver robust instruments for customers and the market.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Eng, Optical Eng, Physics, or related field.
• 6+ years hands-on experience in prototype development and precision design.
• Experience designing, assembling, aligning, and troubleshooting complex opto-mechanical systems.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks including BOMs and drawings.
• Experience taking products from development through production.

Responsibilities

• Design next-generation laser spectroscopy optical systems and select components.
• Own optical system designs from concept through production.
• Prototype, build, align, test, and troubleshoot high-precision assemblies.
• Evaluate lasers, detectors, mirrors, lenses, coatings for performance and cost.
• Develop fixtures and packaging to improve reliability and manufacturability.
• Plan validation tests to confirm designs are production-ready.
• Collaborate with engineering and production for new architectures.

Skills

Optical instrumentation

Mechanical design

Data analysis

LabVIEW

MATLAB

SolidWorks

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Physics

Master’s degree (Nice to Have)

Tools

SolidWorks

Zemax

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Job description

Optical Systems Engineer

Department: Aeris

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Hayward, CA

Compensation: $160,000 - $190,000 / year

Description

Aeris Technologies is a leading manufacturer of laser gas analyzers serving critical applications in environmental monitoring, industrial process control, and emissions measurement. As part of the Project Canary family since 2022, we combine innovative optical sensing technology with precision manufacturing to deliver industry-leading analytical instruments. We're currently executing a comprehensive transformation to strengthen our operational foundation and accelerate growth.

About the Role

Aeris is looking for a practical, hands‑on Optical Engineer with a strong background in optics, optical alignment, and precision mechanical design. This role requires significant lab experience building and troubleshooting complex electro-optomechanical systems.

You will design and develop next-generation laser spectroscopy systems, using data collection and analysis to guide design decisions and improve performance, reliability, and manufacturability. You will work closely with the broader engineering and production teams to develop new optical architectures, alignment methods, and manufacturing processes for Aeris spectroscopy products.

Key Responsibilities

• Design next-generation laser spectroscopy optical systems, including optical architecture and component selection.
• Own optical system designs from concept through testing, production release, and ongoing manufacturing support.
• Prototype, build, align, test, and troubleshoot high-precision optomechanical assemblies.
• Research and evaluate lasers, detectors, mirrors, lenses, coatings, and other optical components to improve performance, reliability, and cost.
• Select materials and design mechanical elements that provide stable, manufacturable optical assemblies.
• Develop precision fixtures, bonding methods, and packaging techniques to improve design robustness and reliability.
• Plan and execute verification and validation testing to confirm designs are ready for production.
• Apply knowledge of laser spectroscopy technologies and methodologies across optical, mechanical, electrical, thermal, and software systems.
• Design, build, and validate tooling and fixtures for assembly, optical alignment, testing, and pilot production.
• Support manufacturing and customers by troubleshooting instrument performance and resolving optical system issues.
• Document optical testing, design results, and production procedures.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
• 6+ years of hands‑on experience in prototype development, optical instrumentation, and precision mechanical design.
• Demonstrated experience designing, assembling, aligning, and troubleshooting systems that combine optical, mechanical, electrical, thermal, and software subsystems.
• Proficiency with mechanical CAD tools such as SolidWorks, including experience creating BOMs, drawings, and assembly documentation.
• Experience taking products from development through production and into customers’ hands.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with demonstrated use of data collection and analysis to drive design and process improvements.
• Experience working in startup or small‑team environments that require rapid communication, collaboration, and problem‑solving.
• Demonstrated ability to move designs from concept through production and work through technical roadblocks.

Nice to Have:

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
• Experience with laser‑based spectroscopy, lasers, photodetectors, and precision optics.
• Experience with reliability testing, field analysis, and root cause analysis.
• Experience using LabVIEW, MATLAB, scripting, or similar tools for data analysis and automated test systems.
• Experience using optical design and simulation tools such as Zemax.

Benefits

• Salary range: $160,000 - $190,000 annual base
• Health, dental, and vision insurance with low deductibles and premiums paid by company 99% for self and 50% for dependents and/or spouse
• 401K with company match (no vesting period)
• Student loan assistance
• Generous culture around time off, including:
  • Unlimited PTO
  • 6 days of sick time per year
  • 11 paid company holidays per year
  • up to 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave (gender neutral) including adoptions