Senior Optical Engineer — Lead Cutting-Edge Encoder Systems

Novanta Inc.; Bedford (MA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Novanta is seeking an Senior Optical Engineer to lead optical design for rotary and linear encoder systems, translating complex requirements into robust specifications and architectures. You will model, simulate, and validate optical systems using Zemax or Code V, working with cross-functional teams to balance performance, manufacturability, and cost.

The role requires hands-on lab experience, experience with diffractive optics, and collaboration with suppliers and customers.

Qualifications

• Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical or Electronics Engineering, Physics or equivalent field with at least 8 years of related experience.
• Preferred: Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical or Electronics Engineering, Physics or equivalent field with 6+ years of prior relevant experience.
• Solid understanding of diffractive optics and strong proficiency with optical design tools (Zemax, Code V)
• Hands-on lab experience in optical testing, metrology and characterization
• Hands-on experience with complex optical assembly development
• Lab and prototype development experience
• Experience working with optics vendors and manufacturing processes
• Capable of independent and team-based work with proactive problem solving
• Proficiency in Python, C++, and MATLAB
• Able to collaborate with clients, stakeholders, and management, while mentoring less experienced team members

Responsibilities

• Lead the optical design and development of rotary and linear encoder products, including diffractive optical elements, photosensors, light sources, and encoder scale designs.
• Translate system-level requirements into detailed optical specifications, including MTF, resolution, distortion, field of view, and illumination performance.
• Perform optical modeling, simulation, and analysis using Zemax to develop and optimize encoder optical architectures.
• Conduct opto-mechanical tolerance analysis, material selection, and define bonding and assembly processes to ensure robust product performance.
• Establish and manage optical performance budgets while balancing performance, manufacturability, reliability, and cost objectives; collaborate with electrical, mechanical, firmware, manufacturing, and quality teams.
• Work with external suppliers and manufacturing partners to source, qualify, and scale optical components for high-volume production.
• Support product verification, validation, calibration, and field troubleshooting activities to ensure product performance and customer satisfaction.
• Evaluate custom versus COTS optical components and technologies to optimize product cost and performance.
• Investigate and resolve technical challenges with structured engineering and root-cause analysis methods.
• Contribute to project execution by supporting requirements definition, deliverables planning, schedules, budgets, and technical risk management.

Skills

Diffractive optics

Optical design

Python

C++

MATLAB

Lab testing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical or Electronics Engineering, Physics or equivalent

Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical or Electronics Engineering, Physics or equivalent

Tools

Zemax

Code V

Job description

Novanta is seeking an Senior Optical Engineer to lead optical design for rotary and linear encoder systems, translating complex requirements into robust specifications and architectures. You will model, simulate, and validate optical systems using Zemax or Code V, working with cross-functional teams to balance performance, manufacturability, and cost.

The role requires hands-on lab experience, experience with diffractive optics, and collaboration with suppliers and customers.