Staff Optical Engineer

Roboticsconnected; Mountain View (WY); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock grants and competitive equity

Comprehensive benefits package

Unlimited PTO

Job summary

Roboticsconnected seeks a Staff Optical Engineer to lead advanced modeling and simulation of optical systems, from concept through production. You will guide cross‑functional teams in photonics, mechanical, and systems engineering while mentoring junior engineers.

Responsibilities include defining specifications, evaluating architectures, and conducting system‑level analyses to ensure manufacturability and performance alignment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 10+ years of relevant experience; or Master’s with 6+ years; or PhD with 3+ years; or equivalent.
• Proven track record in optical system designs from concept to production.
• Strong understanding of physical, wave, and Fourier optics principles.
• Experience with optical modeling and scripting tools (ZEMAX, Code V, FRED).
• Expertise in tolerance, stray-light and scattering analyses.
• Deep experience with precision, micro‑optic, and fiber‑optic components.
• Hands‑on lab skills for setup, testing, validation, and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Lead advanced modeling and simulation of optical systems and beam propagation.
• Review optical simulations to evaluate architectures and trade‑offs.
• Conduct system‑level analyses for manufacturability and robustness.
• Develop requirements and specs for optical components.
• Document and generate IP related to modeling techniques and concepts.
• Provide cross‑functional guidance to photonics, mechanical, and systems teams.
• Mentor junior engineers in modeling methodologies and interpretation of results.

Skills

Optical modeling

Wave/ Fourier optics

Scripting tools

Tolerance analysis

Fiber-optic components

Laboratory testing

System-level influence

Education

Advanced degree or equivalent (PhD/MSc/BSc)

Tools

ZEMAX

Code V

FRED

Job description

Staff Optical Engineer

What you'll be doing:

• Leading advanced modeling and simulation of optical systems, including beam propagation, tolerance analysis, stray‑light and scattering analysis, polarization effects, and sensitivity studies.
• Performing and reviewing optical simulations to evaluate architectures, predict performance, and identify design trade-offs.
• Conducting system‑level analyses to ensure manufacturability, robustness, and alignment with performance requirements.
• Developing requirements and specifications for optical components based on detailed analytical insights.
• Generating and documenting new intellectual property related to optical modeling, analysis techniques, and system concepts.
• Providing cross‑functional technical guidance to photonics, mechanical, and systems engineering teams.
• Mentoring junior engineers in modeling methodologies, simulation workflows, and interpretation of results.

What you have:

• Bachelor’s degree with 10+ years of relevant experience; or Master’s degree with 6+ years; or PhD with 3+ years; or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience driving optical system designs from proof‑of‑concept through high‑volume production.
• Strong proficiency with physical/wave/Fourier optics principles
• Strong proficiency with modeling and scripting tools such as ZEMAX, Code V, FRED, or similar.
• Expertise in tolerance analysis, stray‑light, and scattering analysis.
• Deep experience with precision optical, micro‑optic, and/or fiber‑optic components.
• Hands‑on laboratory skills for setting up, testing, validating, and troubleshooting optical, fiber‑optic, and opto‑mechanical subsystems.
• Knowledge of optical fabrication processes (molded, polished, diamond‑turned) as well as micro‑structured components.
• Ability to influence system‑level decisions, present technical recommendations, and work across disciplines.

What's in it for you:

• Be part of a fast paced and dynamic team
• Very competitive compensation and meaningful stock grants
• Exceptional benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and more
• Unlimited PTO: We care about results, not punching timecards

Salary Range

Salary pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, certifications, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. These ranges are subject to change in the future. Depending on the position offered, equity, bonus, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, pre‑tax commuter and health care/dependent care accounts, 401k plan, life and disability benefits, flexible time off, paid parental leave, and 11 paid holidays annually.