Optical Test Engineer

Kaleidoscope Innovation; North Reading (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaleidoscope Innovation is seeking an Optical Test Engineer to support the validation and characterization of camera systems in lab environments. The role requires hands-on testing, fixture setup, and collaboration with engineering teams.

The ideal candidate has over 3 years of experience in manual testing, a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, and strong skills in optical systems and image evaluation.

This position is onsite in North Reading, Massachusetts, within a fast-paced lab environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in manual testing of hardware or embedded systems.
• Hands-on experience building test setups and executing test cases.
• Background in camera testing, image science, or optical system validation.
• Familiarity with optics fundamentals and common test methods.

Responsibilities

• Build and modify test fixtures and lab setups for repeatable testing.
• Execute manual test cases and perform validation and regression testing.
• Analyze and interpret image and sensor data based on test requirements.
• Collaborate with teams to debug and resolve issues.

Skills

Manual testing

Optical system testing

Image science

Camera performance evaluation

Python scripting

Technical documentation

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Image analysis software

Camera modules and sensors

Job description

We are seeking an Optical Test Engineer to support the validation and characterization of camera and imaging systems in a hands‑on lab environment. This role builds on the core responsibilities of a Manual Test Engineer, including fixture setup, test execution, and documentation, while adding specialization in optical systems, image science, and camera performance evaluation. The engineer will work closely with hardware, firmware, and algorithm teams to test, analyze, and validate imaging systems based on high-level or evolving requirements.

Responsibilities – Manual Test Engineering (Core Responsibilities)

• Build, assemble, and modify basic test fixtures and lab setups to support repeatable testing
• Execute manual test cases for hardware and software systems in a lab environment
• Perform validation and regression testing to verify compliance with system and subsystem requirements
• Operate devices under test, including setup, configuration, troubleshooting, and issue reproduction
• Document test procedures, results, defect reports, and validation summaries clearly and professionally
• Collaborate with hardware, software, firmware, and integration teams to debug and resolve issues
• Contribute to improvements in test processes, workflows, and lab practices
• Support system‑level testing and release readiness activities as needed

Optical and Imaging System Specialization

• Execute camera and optical system tests, including sensor bring‑up, configuration, and evaluation
• Capture, analyze, and interpret image and sensor data based on high-level or loosely defined test requirements
• Evaluate image quality metrics such as noise, sharpness, exposure, dynamic range, and visual artifacts
• Perform focusing, calibration, and alignment of camera sensors and optical assemblies
• Apply optical test methods to characterize camera and imaging performance
• Test and evaluate image sensor and camera evaluation kits (eval kits)
• Work with engineers to refine test approaches when requirements are ambiguous or evolving

Essential Skills

• 3+ years of experience in manual testing of hardware or embedded systems in lab environments
• Hands‑on experience with building test setups and fixtures and executing manual test cases
• Background in camera testing, image science, or optical/imaging system validation
• Understanding of image sensors, camera pipelines, and signal processing fundamentals
• Familiarity with optics fundamentals and common optical test methods
• Ability to translate high‑level or vague requirements into practical test procedures
• Basic to intermediate proficiency in Python or shell scripting for data collection and analysis
• Strong technical documentation and communication skills
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Image Science, Physics, Computer Engineering, or related field

Additional Skills And Qualifications

• Experience with image processing pipelines, ISP evaluation, or image quality tuning
• Familiarity with camera‑related tools and image analysis software
• Exposure to Linux or embedded systems used in camera or sensor validationExperience working with camera modules, sensors, or optical assemblies
• Ability to operate effectively in fast‑paced R&D environments with evolving requirements

Work Environment

This role is onsite in active lab environments, requiring hands‑on interaction with camera hardware, sensors, and optical systems. The environment is fast‑paced and collaborative, demanding attention to detail, adaptability, and structured test execution. You will play a key role in ensuring the performance, reliability, and quality of next‑generation optical and imaging systems.