Staff Optical Systems Engineer

Element Biosciences; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 133,000 - 173,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Discretionary annual bonus

No cost health insurance plans

401k with company match

Flexible paid time off

Job summary

Element Biosciences in San Diego seeks a Staff Optical Systems Engineer to drive optical systems development for our multiomic discovery platforms from concept to commercialization. The role focuses on imaging, illumination, autofocus, and integration across disciplines, reporting to the Senior Director, Systems & Optical Engineering.

The ideal candidate brings 7+ years in optics, deep experience with Zemax or Code V, and strong data-driven troubleshooting.

Qualifications

• Minimum bachelor's degree in engineering or related field with 7+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Experience commercializing world-class scientific imaging devices, preferably involving fluorescent microscopy.
• Extensive knowledge of optical design principles, practices and tools such as geometrical optics, physical optics, and optical materials.

Responsibilities

• Drive requirements gathering, design, review, and verification of optical components and systems.
• Develop and implement testing methodologies and breadboards to characterize optical component and system performance.
• Build and integrate complex optical systems including imaging, illumination, and autofocus systems.
• Collaborate across hardware, firmware, software, supply chain, manufacturing and field service functions.
• Stay up to date with advancements in optics, photonics and imaging.

Skills

Imaging systems

Optical design

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Tools

Zemax

Code V

Job description

At Element Biosciences, we are passionate about our mission to empower the scientific community with more freedom and flexibility to accelerate our collective impact on humanity. We have built a highly efficient product-driven organization where employees can learn, grow, and thrive in a challenging but encouraging environment. We are committed to scientific integrity, collegiality, honesty, objectivity, and openness.

We are seeking a talented Staff Optical Systems Engineer to join our team to drive optical systems development of our multiomic discovery platforms, from concept to commercialization. This is a great opportunity for candidates with a strong background in optics, expertise in imaging systems and passion for technology development. Strong engineering fundamentals, rigorous critical thinking, and a methodical approach to troubleshooting and data analysis are essential skills.

This role will report to our Senior Director, Systems & Optical Engineering and will be an on-site San Diego based role.

If you possess the following and want to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to explore this role.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Drive requirements gathering, design, review, and verification of optical components and systems
• Contribute to the development of optical modules, schematics, simulations, analysis and technical specifications
• Build and integrate complex optical systems that include imaging, illumination, and autofocus systems
• Develop and implement testing methodologies and breadboards to characterize optical component and system performance
• Perform troubleshooting and root cause analysis
• Evaluate design trade-offs for performance, cost, and manufacturability and ensure successful production transfer (NPI activities)
• Undertake vendor identification, evaluation, selection, and collaborative project management activities
• Conduct theoretical and experimental research into new imaging technologies and approaches that support innovation in our product roadmap
• Collaborate across hardware, firmware, software, supply chain, manufacturing and field service functions
• Stay up to date with the latest advancements in the field of optics, photonics and imaging

Education and Experience

• Minimum bachelor's degree in engineering or related field with 7+ years of relevant industry experience (or equivalent combination of advanced education and industry experience)
• Experience commercializing world-class scientific imaging devices, preferably involving fluorescent microscopy
• Extensive knowledge of optical design principles, practices and tools such as geometrical optics, physical optics, and optical materials.
• Expertise in optical component selection such as lenses, mirrors, prisms, filters, mounts, sensors and light sources
• Proficient in using optical design software such as Zemax or Code V to analyze optical systems
• Proficient with programming tools/languages for image and data analysis
• Track record of hands‑on optical and optomechanical system integration and alignment
• Strong problem‑solving, critical thinking, and decision‑making skills
• Ability to work in a fast paced, interdisciplinary environment and quickly adjust to rapidly evolving technology and priorities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of clearly explaining technical issues and ideas to peers and management

Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.

Location: San Diego - on-site Travel: Up to 5%, if any.

Job Type: Full-time, Exempt Base Compensation Pay Range: $133,000 - $173,000

• In addition to base compensation noted above, you will be eligible for stock options, discretionary annual bonus, no cost health insurance plans, 401k with company match, and flexible paid time off.

Please note: Base compensation will depend on multiple factors, including geographic location, qualifications, and experience.

We foster an environment such that all people are afforded the freedom to pursue their passions without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.