Principal Optical Engineer

BioTalent; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

BioTalent is seeking a Principal Optical Engineer in San Diego, CA to own the optical architecture of a next-generation DNA sequencing platform from concept to commercialization.

You will drive design, simulation, tolerancing, and characterization of a high-sensitivity detection system, collaborating with cross-functional and CRO/CDMO teams to bring a manufacturable product to market.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Optical Engineering or related field.
• 5–10+ years of optical engineering experience with multiple products commercialized.
• Expert-level Zemax OpticStudio knowledge.
• Hands-on bench alignment, testing and characterization.
• Experience with CRO/CDMOs and contract manufacturers on design transfer.
• Strong knowledge of aberrations, diffraction, radiometry, polarization and detectors.
• Experience in ultra-high-sensitivity detection and life science instruments (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Define optical architecture and strategy for high-throughput DNA sequencing platforms.
• Lead end-to-end design, modeling, and optimization of illumination, imaging, and detection paths.
• Perform optical design, ray tracing, tolerance analysis, and stray-light analysis in Zemax OpticStudio.
• Build, align, test, and characterize optical prototypes and subsystems on the bench.
• Define specs for custom optical components, coatings, and sources; own supplier drawings and acceptance criteria.
• Partner with manufacturing contractors to transfer designs from prototype to volume production.
• Lead the optical system through feasibility, design verification, design transfer, and commercial launch.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, and assay teams for full instrument integration.

Skills

Optical design

Zemax OpticStudio

Bench testing

Tolerance analysis

Design transfer

Education

MS/PhD in Optical Engineering or related field

Tools

Zemax OpticStudio

Job description

Principal Optical Engineer | San Diego, CA (Onsite)

We're hiring a Principal Optical Engineer to own the optical architecture of a next-generation DNA sequencing platform — from concept through commercialization. You'll drive the design, simulation, tolerancing, and characterization of a high-sensitivity optical detection system, partnering closely with cross-functional and external CRO/CDMO teams to bring a manufacturable product to market.

What You'll Do

• Define optical architecture and technical strategy for high-throughput DNA sequencing platforms
• Lead end-to-end design, modeling, and optimization of illumination, imaging, and detection paths
• Perform optical design, ray tracing, tolerance analysis, and stray-light analysis in Zemax OpticStudio
• Build, align, test, and characterize optical prototypes and subsystems on the bench
• Define specs for custom optical components, coatings, and sources; own supplier drawings and acceptance criteria
• Partner with manufacturing contractors to transfer designs from prototype to volume production
• Lead the optical system through feasibility, design verification, design transfer, and commercial launch
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, and assay teams for full instrument integration

What You Bring

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Optical Sciences, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• 5-10+ years of optical engineering/system design experience with multiple products commercialized
• Expert-level Zemax OpticStudio (sequential and non-sequential modeling, optimization, tolerancing)
• Hands-on bench experience with optical alignment, testing, and characterization
• Experience working with CRO/CDMOs and contract manufacturers on make-vs-buy and design transfer
• Deep knowledge of aberrations, diffraction, radiometry, polarization, and detector/sensor selection
• Preferred: experience with ultra-high-sensitivity detection (fluorescence, single-molecule, low-light imaging) and life science/genomics/diagnostics instruments
• $175,000-$210,000/year (DOE)