Senior Optical Systems Engineer, Flow Cytometry

bdx; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 136,000 - 217,000; Full time

Job summary

Waters invites experienced optical engineers to join our Milpitas site. You will develop and maintain system-level optical designs for flow cytometry platforms, work with Zemax modeling, and define performance requirements in collaboration with Systems Engineering.

This on-site role emphasizes rigorous qualification, supplier evaluation, and end-to-end product lifecycle compliance with ISO 13485 and 21 CFR Part 820.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optics, Physics, or Optical/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering.
• Master’s degree preferred; PhD desired.
• 10+ years of experience for a Bachelor's track; 8–9+ years for Master; 4–7+ years for PhD.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain system-level optical designs for components, subassemblies, and integrated flow cytometry platforms
• Perform Zemax (OpticStudio) modeling including performance prediction, tolerance analysis, sensitivity studies, and design trade-off evaluation
• Define optical performance requirements and acceptance criteria at system and subsystem levels in collaboration with Systems Engineering
• Define and execute optical integration, alignment, and calibration procedures to meet system-level performance requirements
• Analyze optical performance data to drive design optimization, improve system robustness, and reduce manufacturing and field variability
• Support root cause investigations for system- and subsystem-level optical and laser alignment issues
• Evaluate, test, and qualify optical components and modules, establishing acceptance criteria and improving incoming quality
• Lead technical evaluation and qualification of optical suppliers (lasers, filters, lenses, fiber optics, detection modules)
• Contribute across the full product lifecycle including concept, design, verification, and qualification in compliance with ISO 13485 and 21 CFR Part 820
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams on design changes, NPI, and product transfers
• Support development of next-generation optical architectures and platform strategies across flow cytometry systems
• Provide support to CAPA, End-of-life (EOL) component selection, and cost reduction activities.
• Lead technical initiatives to resolve performance and supplier-related issues
• Travel domestically and internationally up to approximately 5% as required

Skills

Optical systems

Data analysis

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Zemax OpticStudio

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

Zemax OpticStudio

Job description

Waters invites experienced optical engineers to join our Milpitas site. You will develop and maintain system-level optical designs for flow cytometry platforms, work with Zemax modeling, and define performance requirements in collaboration with Systems Engineering.

This on-site role emphasizes rigorous qualification, supplier evaluation, and end-to-end product lifecycle compliance with ISO 13485 and 21 CFR Part 820.