Sr. Optical Systems Engineer

Det-Tronics (Detector Electronics, LLC); Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company is seeking a Sr. Optical Systems Engineer to lead the development of optical systems for cutting-edge products. This role emphasizes hands-on experience with optical principles, simulation, and data analysis. The ideal candidate will collaborate across teams to define future products while ensuring compliance with industry standards. Join a forward-thinking organization that prioritizes safety and sustainability in high-hazard applications, and make a significant impact in a dynamic environment where your expertise will shape the future of optical technology.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in optical system design and development.
• Hands-on experience with simulation and data analysis tools.
• Strong background in non-imaging optical systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and test optical detection systems for industrial applications.
• Develop computational models for new product algorithms.
• Provide technical leadership on optical subsystems.

Skills

Optical System Design

Data Analysis

Simulation Tools

Matlab

Python

C Programming

CAD Software

Communication Skills

Education

Advanced Degree in Physics or Engineering

Tools

FRED

Tracepro

Doors

Jama

Jira

SolidWorks

Creo

LabView

Job description

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Det-Tronics (Detector Electronics, LLC) provided pay range

This range is provided by Det-Tronics (Detector Electronics, LLC). Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$95,000.00/yr - $130,000.00/yr

About Spectrum Safety Solutions

With approximately 1,500 employees operating in more than 20 countries, Spectrum Safety Solutions is a global leader in fire detection and suppression solutions for high-hazard applications such as critical infrastructure, oil and gas, marine, and clean energy. Our global team leverages strong customer relationships across four recognized brands: Det-Tronics, Marioff, Autronica, and Fireye, to deliver differentiated lifecycle solutions and foster growth across key segments. Carved out from Carrier’s Fire & Security business in July 2024, Spectrum Safety Solutions is now a privately-held company under Sentinel Capital Partners.

About Det-Tronics

We make the world a better place to live! At Spectrum’s Det-Tronics, we build and maintain comfortable, accessible, efficient, healthy, safe, secure, and sustainable environments. Det-Tronics is a $180M technologically innovative, projects-based global brand protecting customers in many challenging environments with high-end flame and gas detection products and systems. Det-Tronics has a global footprint with manufacturing sites in the U.S. and sales presence in all key geographies.

Role Overview

The ideal candidate should be an enthusiastic experimentalist, expert in optical principles, and possess hands-on experience with simulation, design, and data analysis tools. The Sr. Optical Systems Engineer owns the development of optical systems for new product development and supports sustaining engineering efforts on existing products. Responsibilities include developing top-level and sub-system optical requirements, detailed test cases, and ensuring these meet product and business objectives. The role involves acting as the technical lead on projects, maintaining a deep understanding of product requirements, and collaborating across teams to define future products and derivatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, prototype, and test optical detection systems for industrial applications.
• Develop and validate computational models for new product algorithms and sensor technology roadmaps.
• Develop and document requirements, architectures, and optical system designs, including simulations and analyses.
• Provide technical leadership for optical subsystems on flame or gas detector projects, collaborating with mechanical, electrical, and firmware engineers.
• Conduct research on sensors and components to support future development, developing necessary software and test instrumentation.
• Participate in strategic planning, concept generation, and architecture definition for reliable, safe, manufacturable, cost-effective, and sustainable optical systems.
• Lead optical CAD modeling efforts, supporting iterative mechanical design based on testing results.
• Ensure full traceability of requirements and develop experiments for verification and validation.
• Use analysis-based design methodologies, including mathematical models and tolerance analyses, to balance manufacturability and cost.
• Support risk analysis development and documentation.
• Act as a technical point of contact to ensure standards compliance, supporting approvals and certification testing.
• Manage multiple product development programs simultaneously.
• Track progress and outcomes regularly.
• Participate in evaluating technical talent.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Advanced degree in physics or engineering.
• At least 5 years of professional experience.
• At least 2 years of direct experience in non-imaging optical system design.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree focus in Optics, Applied or Experimental Physics, Material Science, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering with research on non-imaging optical systems.
• Experience with optical simulation and data analysis tools in Matlab, Python, or C.
• Experience with non-sequential ray-trace software such as FRED or Tracepro.
• Experience with Requirements/Test Case Management tools like Doors, Jama, or Jira.
• Experience with optical sensors and materials in SWIR to LWIR range.
• Familiarity with CAD software (SolidWorks or Creo) and test automation tools (LabView, Matlab, Python).
• Strong communication skills to translate market needs into design requirements.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Experience across all phases of program development lifecycle.
• Self-motivated with leadership in process and requirements efforts.
• Familiarity with high hazard applications or regulated industries (e.g., aerospace, medical devices).

Additional Details

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Information Technology
• Industries: Appliances, Electrical, and Electronics Manufacturing