Senior Optical Engineer

AVAVA, Inc.; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

AVAVA, Inc. in the United States is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to lead advanced optical design and drive development of optomechanical solutions. You will independently execute designs while collaborating with cross-functional teams to advance our energy-focused products.

The role requires 5+ years in optical design, mentoring, and a track record of taking concepts from prototype to product. You will model, simulate, specify, and collaborate with vendors, contributing to system

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 5+ years of optical design and analysis for product development.
• Proven track record of working on complex, high-impact projects.
• Experience taking a concept from prototype to product.
• Proven track record of technical leadership.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze optical components and subsystems (lenses, beam expanders, laser optics).
• Perform optical modeling and simulation using Zemax, Code V, or similar tools.
• Develop and interpret optical specifications and drawings (ISO 10110 preferred).
• Create and review mechanical CAD models and layouts using SolidWorks.
• Collaborate with senior engineers on system architecture and trade-off studies.
• Mentor engineers and support their professional development.
• Work with vendors on fabrication feasibility, materials selection, and coatings (e.g., AR coatings).
• Support prototype builds, alignment, testing, and characterization.
• Troubleshoot optical performance issues during development and early production.
• Document designs, analyses, and validation results.
• Present technical recommendations to cross-functional stakeholders.

Skills

Optical design

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical leadership

Product development

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field

Tools

Zemax

Code V

SolidWorks

MATLAB

Python

Arena

ISO 10110

Interferometers

Beam profilers

Job description

The AVAVA Way - AVAVA Energy. Delivered. Different.

AVAVA is not another device company. We are building a new category in energy-based technology. Our proprietary Focal Point Technology™ reimagines how energy is delivered, creating a differentiated platform designed for precision and control. As a growth-stage company, we are scaling both commercially and operationally with a clear focus on performance, accountability, and long-term category leadership.

We move fast. We build intelligently. We focus on outcomes.

Job Summary

The Senior Optical Engineer serves as a technical expert in optical engineering, providing leadership on high-impact projects and driving the development of innovative optomechanical designs. This role is ideal for someone who can independently execute optical designs while working with cross functional teams to advance product development.

Job Duties

• Design and analyze optical components and subsystems (lenses, beam expanders, laser optics).
• Perform optical modeling and simulation using Zemax, Code V, or similar tools.
• Develop and interpret optical specifications and drawings (ISO 10110 preferred).
• Create and review mechanical CAD models and layouts using SolidWorks.
• Collaborate with senior engineers on system architecture and trade-off studies.
• Mentor engineers and support their professional development.
• Work with vendors on fabrication feasibility, materials selection, and coatings (e.g., AR coatings).
• Support prototype builds, alignment, testing, and characterization.
• Troubleshoot optical performance issues during development and early production.
• Document designs, analyses, and validation results.
• Present technical recommendations to cross-functional stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in optical design and analysis for product development.
• Proven track record of working on complex, high-impact projects.
• Experience in taking a concept from prototype to product.
• Proven track record of technical leadership.

Skills and Experience

• Working knowledge of Optical design tools (Zemax / Code V or equivalent), SolidWorks or similar CAD tools.
• Knowledge of geometric optics and basic wave optics.
• Knowledge of lens systems, optical materials, and Optical coatings (AR, reflectivity, durability considerations).
• Solid understanding of optical drawings, tolerancing, and manufacturing constraints.
• Hands-on experience with optical alignment and lab testing.
• Experience with aspheric optics preferred.
• Familiarity with ISO 10110 standards preferred.
• Familiarity with optical metrology tools (interferometers, beam profilers) preferred.
• Working knowledge of MATLAB or Python for data analysis and modeling.
• Experience in product development environments and PLM tools like Arena.

Compensation

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $150,000–$165,000, depending on relevant experience, technical expertise and qualifications.

AVAVA, Inc. complies with all aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws. This means that we will not discriminate against qualified individuals with a disability in any phase of the employment relationship including application for employment, hiring, promotions and/or advancement opportunities, termination, compensation, training and any other conditions or privileges of employment.