Optical Systems Engineer - Microplate Reader R&D

Hamilton Company; Virginia (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Hamilton Company through Cerillo seeks an R&D Engineer to design, develop, and validate precision optical systems for compact microplate readers. You will define architectures for multi-wavelength absorbance, select components, and integrate with electrical and mechanical teams to deliver robust instruments.

The role requires deep optical theory knowledge, hands-on assembly, and experience with alignment, verification, and testing in a fast-paced lab environment.

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of optical theory including photometry, radiometry, geometric optics and stray light analysis.
• Proficiency in optical design and simulation software such as Zemax OpticStudio or FRED.
• Hands-on experience designing and assembling precision optical systems with alignment and verification.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop precision optical systems for compact multi-wavelength absorbance readers.
• Determine optical specs and system requirements including wavelength, throughput, stray light, SNR.
• Select and qualify optical components like light sources, photodetectors, filters and lenses.
• Design mounts and fixtures to ensure stable alignment through manufacturing and field use.
• Develop repeatable alignment procedures to meet photometric performance across wavelengths and plate positions.
• Build inspection and test setups to characterize performance and detect aberrations.

Skills

Optical theory

Optical design

Photometry & radiometry

Cross-functional teamwork

Analytical problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering/Physics

Master's/PhD preferred

Tools

Zemax OpticStudio

FRED

Job description

Hamilton Company through Cerillo seeks an R&D Engineer to design, develop, and validate precision optical systems for compact microplate readers. You will define architectures for multi-wavelength absorbance, select components, and integrate with electrical and mechanical teams to deliver robust instruments.

The role requires deep optical theory knowledge, hands-on assembly, and experience with alignment, verification, and testing in a fast-paced lab environment.