Principal Optical Engineer

Taara Connect, Inc.; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 185,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Taara Connect, Inc. is seeking an Optical Engineer to design and validate optical assemblies for wireless optical communication systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in optical engineering, particularly in using Zemax/OpticStudio, lens design, and optical tolerancing. Responsibilities include collaboration with mechanical and manufacturing teams to ensure effective integrations. A competitive salary range of $185,000–$225,000 plus bonuses and equity is offered, and the company culture promotes innovation and interdisciplinary teamwork.

Qualifications

• Proven experience designing and integrating complex optical systems.
• Familiarity with adaptive optics or beam steering systems preferred.
• Background in high-speed photonics or outdoor/harsh-environment systems is a bonus.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive the optical hardware design for wireless optical terminals.
• Design, integrate, and test optical assemblies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for robust design solutions.

Skills

Expert-level proficiency in Zemax/OpticStudio

Lens design and optical tolerancing

Optical and mechanical athermalization

Stray light analysis and ISO 10110

Gaussian beam propagation and optical coatings

Opto-mechanical alignment and integration principles

Comfortable moving between simulation and hands-on lab work

Experience with visible and NIR lasers

Understanding of design for manufacturability

Education

M.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field

Tools

Thorlabs components

Edmund Optics components

Newport components

Job description

About Taara Connect

Born at X, Google’s Moonshot Factory, Taara is on a mission to connect the world through light. Our Wireless Optical Communication (WOC) technology uses beams of light to deliver high-speed connectivity — extending fiber networks where trenches and cables can’t go. From dense urban cores to remote rural regions, we’re helping bridge the digital divide and bring abundant, affordable internet access to billions. We’re a small, world-class team of scientists and engineers passionate about solving hard, high-impact problems. Join us as we scale Taara beyond its moonshot origins and into global deployment.

The Role

As an Optical Engineer at Taara Connect, you’ll design, integrate, and validate advanced optical assemblies that form the backbone of our wireless optical communication systems. Your work will bridge large-scale free-space optics with compact, manufacturable micro-optics for photonic integration — translating physics into production. You’ll collaborate closely with mechanical, photonics, and manufacturing teams, as well as external partners, to bring complex optical designs from concept to reality. This is a hands‑on, system‑level role for someone who thrives at the intersection of modeling, design, and experimental validation.

What You’ll Do

• Own and drive the optical hardware design and specification for Taara’s wireless optical terminals.

• Design, integrate, and test optical assemblies across afocal telescopes, beam expanders, and micro‑optics for PICs.

• Develop and refine designs in Zemax/OpticStudio, leveraging SEQ, NSC, and POP modes for simulation, tolerancing, and optimization.

• Perform detailed optical analysis, including lens design, athermalization, stray light modeling, and beam propagation.

• Prototype and validate designs in the lab using interferometers, cameras, power meters, and related optical diagnostics.

• Collaborate cross‑functionally with mechanical, photonics, and manufacturing engineers to ensure robust, scalable designs.

• Author clear documentation and present design reviews to technical and leadership teams.

• Travel occasionally to support builds, integration events, and vendor partnerships.

What You’ll Bring

• Education & Core Knowledge M.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field, or equivalent industry experience.

• Expert‑level proficiency in Zemax/OpticStudio (SEQ, NSC, POP modes).

• Deep understanding of:

  • Lens design and optical tolerancing
  • Optical and mechanical athermalization
  • Stray light analysis and ISO 10110
  • Gaussian beam propagation and optical coatings
  • Opto‑mechanical alignment and integration principles

• Familiarity with Thorlabs, Edmund Optics, and Newport components.

Experience

• Proven experience designing and integrating complex optical systems — ideally in domains such as:

  • Free Space Optical Communication (FSOC)
  • LIDAR or photonics‑based sensing
  • Semiconductor or defense optical instrumentation

• Comfortable moving between simulation and hands‑on lab work.

• Experience with visible and NIR lasers, fiber coupling, and optical alignment.

• Understanding of design for manufacturability (DFM/DFx) and collaboration with contract manufacturers.

• Demonstrated ability to take optical designs from concept through validation and production.

Bonus Points

• Experience with adaptive optics, beam steering, or PAT (pointing, acquisition, and tracking) systems.

• Knowledge of microlens arrays (refractive or diffractive) and micro‑optics for coupling to PICs or OPAs.

• Background in high‑speed photonics or outdoor/harsh‑environment systems.

• Familiarity with environmental qualification testing (thermal, vibration, or environmental stress).

Why You’ll Love Working Here

At Taara, you’ll help redefine what’s possible in connectivity. You’ll work with a deeply collaborative, interdisciplinary team at the forefront of photonics, wireless, and robotics — in a culture that values curiosity, first‑principles thinking, and fast iteration.

You’ll have the opportunity to grow your technical depth, see your designs move from simulation to deployment, and contribute to a mission that’s bringing light‑based connectivity to the world.

Salary & Benefits

The US base salary range for this full‑time position is $185,000–$225,000 + bonus + equity + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your location during the hiring process.