Sr. Optical Engineer

gener8; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k)

Life insurance

STD/LTD

FSA/HSA

Paid time off

Employee discounts

Referral program

Job summary

Gener8 in San Jose, CA, is seeking an Optical Engineer to join our life science instrumentation team. You will perform hands-on assembly and alignment of optical systems and collaborate with senior optical engineers to design instruments.

The ideal candidate has an MSc in optics with 2–5 years of relevant experience, hands-on experience with optical design and Zemax, and the ability to present data to project teams and customers.

Qualifications

• MSc with emphasis on optics.
• 2–5 years experience in a relevant field.
• Experience with optical design and Zemax (or similar).
• Clear communication with interdisciplinary teams, verbally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Hands on assembly and alignment of optical systems.
• Collaborate with senior optical engineers on instrument design.
• Perform tests, data collection, analyze results, and present data to teams and customers.

Skills

Optical design

ZEMAX

Hands-on alignment

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Education

MSc in optics

2–5 years experience

Job description

Job Description Revision Date: August 3, 2026

About us:

We know what it takes to be a key partner in life science and medical industries. Since 2002, Gener8 has guided our customers by turning their innovative concepts into reality by providing engineering design services and manufacturing complex instruments, software, and consumables. Our customers are striving for breakthroughs in research instruments and medical diagnostic and surgical devices that will help scientists and medical professionals understand patient conditions and provide better treatment. Gener8 has offices in San Jose and Carlsbad, CA, Wilmington, MA, Indianapolis, IN and Cartago, Costa Rica.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Hands on assembly and alignment of optical systems
• Ability to work with an interdisciplinary team including senior optical engineers in design of instruments.
• Perform hands-on tests, with data collection, analysis, and presentation of data to project teams and customers.

Required Education:

• Minimum MSc with emphasis on optics.
• At least 2-5 years’ experience in a relevant field.

Required Experience:

• Optical design skills and knowledge of ZEMAX or similar optical simulation packages.
• Hands on assembly and alignment of optical systems
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly with interdisciplinary teams, both verbally and in writing.

Gener8 values diversity in our workplace. Our company provides equal opportunity for employment to qualified applicants based on experience and the ability to do the available work, without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex/gender, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, or any other status protected by law. We are committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status. We are an Everify Employer. Due to the nature of our projects, you must be a US Permanent Resident or a US Citizen for consideration.

Company Benefits:

• Health, Dental and Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Life insurance
• STD, LTD
• Flexible spending account, Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Employee discounts, Referral program