Lead Opto‑Electronics Engineer

OMEGA, Inc.; Niwot (CO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage: medical, dental, vision

401(k) retirement plan with company match

Vacation, holiday, and leave policies

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

OMEGA, Inc. is seeking a Lead Opto‑Electronics Engineer to be a key player within the Engineering Research & Development team in Niwot, Colorado. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of cutting-edge photonic detection solutions, emphasizing very low‑level light detection, optical imaging, and precision PCB designs.

This full-time, hybrid role requires an MS in Electrical Engineering or a related field, and offers a salary range of $140,000 to $175,000 along with a comprehensive benefits package including health coverage and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of photonic detector devices and associated electronics.
• Strong analytical, experimental, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to independently evaluate and guide advanced photonics technology directions.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and mentoring capability.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop ultra‑low‑noise, high signal‑to‑noise analog front‑end electronics for optical detection systems.
• Define requirements and specifications for photonic detectors in collaboration with vendors.
• Lead development and evaluation of optical imaging and light collection systems for weak signal environments.
• Analyze detector physics, noise sources, and system level performance limitations.
• Research and evaluate emerging photonics and detector technologies.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and knowledge transfer to engineering and research staff.

Skills

Very low level light detection systems

Low noise amplifier design and circuit architecture

Precision PCB layout for sensitive analog systems

Optical detection and imaging systems

Education

MS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Optical Engineering, or a related field

Job description

Title

Lead Opto‑Electronics Engineer

Department: Engineering – Development

Location: Niwot, Hybrid

Reports To: Research Director

About Us

Established in 1972, Particle Measuring Systems is a global leader for micro‑contamination monitoring equipment improving the performance of clean manufacturers in the semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries. The company is a growing technology organization based in Niwot, Colorado.

Your Impact

We are looking for a Lead Opto‑Electronics Engineer who will contribute to the Engineering Research & Development team, ensuring alignment with company goals and delivery of innovative, reliable photonic detection solutions. This role is responsible for setting technical direction and providing expert guidance. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, decision‑making, and communication skills; build collaborative relationships across functions; and maintain a commitment to professional excellence, quality, and continuous improvement.

The Role

The Lead Opto‑Electronics Engineer is a senior technical leadership role focused on very low‑level light detection, optical imaging, and advanced photonic instrumentation. They will lead the development of high‑sensitivity detection systems with emphasis on maximizing signal‑to‑noise ratio through detector selection, amplifier architecture, low‑noise circuit design, and precision PCB layout. They will serve as a subject matter expert in photonic detectors and interfacing circuitry for scientific instrumentation.

Job Responsibilities

• Design and develop ultra‑low‑noise, high signal‑to‑noise analog front‑end electronics for optical detection systems.
• Define requirements and specifications for photonic detectors (photodiodes, APDs, SPADs, SiPMs, and arrays) in collaboration with vendors.
• Lead development and evaluation of optical imaging and light collection systems for weak signal environments.
• Analyze detector physics, noise sources, and system level performance limitations.
• Research and evaluate emerging photonics and detector technologies to guide R&D direction.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and knowledge transfer to engineering and research staff.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to support advanced instrumentation development programs.
• Continuously evaluate processes for improvements in efficiency, quality, and performance.
• This role is not all inclusive; responsibilities may evolve to meet organizational needs.

Required Qualifications

• MS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
• Significant experience in:
  • Very low level light detection systems
  • Low noise amplifier design and circuit architecture
  • Precision PCB layout for sensitive analog systems
  • Optical detection and imaging systems
• Deep understanding of photonic detector devices and associated electronics.
• Strong analytical, experimental, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to independently evaluate and guide advanced photonics technology directions.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and mentoring capability.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant technical discipline.
• Experience with photon counting and TCSPC (time correlated single photon counting).
• Broad knowledge of modern photonics and optical sensing technologies.
• Demonstrated success in maturing complex technologies into commercially viable products.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary industrial research environments.
• Strong innovation track record (publications, patents, or advanced R&D contributions).
• Proven leadership and project execution experience.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This is an “in‑office” position 80‑100% of the time. The remainder of the time you may work from home.

• Primarily operates in an office/lab/manufacturing environment; must be able to sit, stand, and use a computer for extended periods of time.
• Occasional lifting of up to 20 lbs. may be required.
• Involves occasional work in laboratory environments that include exposure to X‑rays, radiation, and biological materials. All work is performed following established safety protocols and regulatory guidelines.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary range: $140,000 – 175,000 depending on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package:
  • Health coverage: medical, dental, vision, FSA, onsite clinic (CO employees), life insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Vacation, holiday, and leave policies
  • Tuition reimbursement, employee recognition programs, employee assistance programs
• Relocation assistance available for many positions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Particle Measuring Systems is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to building an inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone can thrive. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to affirmative action, a discrimination‑free workplace, and fair treatment to all employees.