Senior Optical Engineer for Brain-Scale Imaging Systems

astera; Emeryville (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Astera Neuro is hiring a world-class optical engineer to design and build large-scale optical instruments for neuroscience experiments. You will work across mechanical design, fabrication, electronics, and optics, taking ownership of instruments from concept through fabrication and reliable operation.

You will develop fast optical interfacing with brain tissue at cellular resolution, including two-photon imaging and photostimulation, collaborating with scientists and industry partners to iterate

Qualifications

• World-class generalist with hands-on problem-solving experience building precision hardware.
• Ability to machine parts, 3D-print components, and source outsourced work as needed.
• Comfort working from rough ideas toward working instruments with collaborators.
• Deep fundamentals in optical design and fabrication.
• Intellectual curiosity and collaborative spirit for science surroundings.
• Track record owning complex instruments end-to-end from concept to operation.

Responsibilities

• Build precision optical systems for neuroscience experiments (large field-of-view, high-speed two-photon imaging).
• Develop an advanced miniature two-photon microscope for simultaneous imaging and photostimulation in freely moving animals.
• Create electronics, control hardware, and software to interface optical systems with data acquisition and research stack.

Skills

Generalist

Hands-on solving

Optical design

Instrument ownership

Manufacturing know-how

Collaboration

Education

Background in optical engineering/related fields

Tools

PCB layout

CAD/CAM

3D printing

DAQ integration

TTL synchronization

Job description

Astera Neuro is hiring a world-class optical engineer to design and build large-scale optical instruments for neuroscience experiments. You will work across mechanical design, fabrication, electronics, and optics, taking ownership of instruments from concept through fabrication and reliable operation.

You will develop fast optical interfacing with brain tissue at cellular resolution, including two-photon imaging and photostimulation, collaborating with scientists and industry partners to iterate