Staff Optical Engineer

Optikos Corporation; Wakefield (MA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading optical technology company in Massachusetts seeks a Staff Optical Engineer to lead the design and analysis of advanced optical systems. The role involves mentoring engineering teams and driving innovation in imaging and illumination systems. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering or related fields, with 10+ years of experience. The position offers a stimulating environment, competitive compensation, and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in optical design, analysis, and testing.
• Deep proficiency with optical simulation tools.
• Experience guiding products from development to manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of advanced optical systems.
• Perform optical modeling and optimization.
• Mentor junior engineers in design and laboratory techniques.

Skills

Optical simulation tools proficiency

Optical alignment

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics

Master’s or PhD preferred

Tools

Zemax

Code V

FRED

LightTools

Job description

The Staff Optical Engineer serves as a senior technical expert responsible for leading the architecture, design, analysis, and delivery of advanced optical systems and technologies. This role drives innovation across imaging, illumination, and opto‑mechanical systems while mentoring engineering teams and guiding complex product development from concept through manufacturing release. The Staff Optical Engineer is recognized as a key technical expert and collaborates cross‑functionally to influence product strategy, solve high‑impact engineering challenges, and ensure world‑class optical performance.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead the development of next‑generation optical architectures, imaging systems, illumination systems, and custom opto‑mechanical assemblies.
• Define optical system requirements and translate them into detailed design specifications.
• Serve as a subject‑matter expert on geometrical optics, physical optics, laser systems, and optical metrology.
• Drive innovation by evaluating emerging technologies, materials, and design methodologies relevant to product roadmap needs.
• Perform advanced optical modeling, simulation, and optimization using industry tools such as Zemax, Code V, FRED, and LightTools.
• Conduct complex tolerance analyses, sensitivity studies, stray‑light analysis, and system performance modeling.
• Lead root‑cause investigations for optical performance issues across prototypes and production systems.
• Establish optical design, best practices, quality standards, and review processes.
• Oversee and participate in hands‑on laboratory work, including optical assembly, alignment, and performance characterization.
• Guide development of metrology methods and test stations using interferometers, autocollimators, spectrophotometers, lasers, and custom equipment.
• Validate system performance through data analysis of MTF, wavefront error, distortion, noise, and other key metrics.
• Partner with mechanical, electrical, systems, and manufacturing engineering teams to ensure robust opto‑mechanical integration.
• Provide strategic technical input during concept reviews, design trade studies, risk assessments, and product design reviews.
• Work closely with vendors and suppliers to evaluate components, materials, and manufacturing capabilities.
• Mentor junior and mid‑level optical engineers in design methodology, laboratory techniques, modeling, and best practices.
• Lead technical reviews, provide constructive feedback, and foster growth of optical engineering competencies across the organization.
• Act as a technical representative during customer engagements, requirement discussions, and design presentations.
• Support transition from prototype to high‑throughput manufacturing, including tolerance optimization, process documentation, and production troubleshooting.

Skills and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or related discipline; Master’s or PhD strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in optical design, analysis, and testing.
• Deep proficiency with optical simulation tools (Zemax, Code V, FRED, LightTools, or equivalent).
• Extensive experience in imaging optics, illumination design, and opto‑mechanical integration.
• Proven ability to lead complex optical development programs with minimal oversight.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to create high‑quality technical reports and documentation.
• Hands‑on laboratory experience with optical alignment, metrology equipment, and prototype testing.
• Experience guiding products through full development lifecycle into manufacturing preferred.
• Background in system‑level engineering and multidisciplinary design preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership of technical teams or project initiatives preferred.
• Experience collaborating with customers, external vendors, and cross‑functional stakeholders preferred.

We offer competitive compensation packages along with a challenging and stimulating environment.

Optikos is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status. We do not sponsor employment visas for this position.