Optical Engineer

The Optical Engineer will be responsible for the design, analysis, and test of integrated laser-based systems, supporting the improvement of existing products as well as the development of new products and custom solutions. This role involves modeling and part selection, benchtop demonstration, and build support for optical systems being developed under R&D or as custom production solutions. The candidate will work closely with the mechanical, electrical, and production teams across the product lifecycle—from concept to launch readiness.  

Duties and responsibilities will include but are not limited to

- Define system, sub-system, and component interfaces and specifications

- Perform design and simulations of new technologies

- Define internal benchmarks to meet external customer requirements

- Perform technical risk assessment; develop and execute mitigation plans

- Lead benchtop demonstration and prototyping efforts

- Generate technical reports and support design reviews

- Support troubleshooting of production builds

- Work closely with project management and other subject matter experts to ensure technical goals are being met

- Communicate technical progress to senior management and external stakeholders

 Skills/Experience Requirements

- Ph.D. in Physics, Engineering, or related field with 3 years experience; or M.S. in the above fields with 5 years experience; or B.S. in the above fields with 7 years experience

- Experience with design and assembly of free-space and fiber-based optics and opto-electronic components, including but not limited to lasers, photodiodes, modulators, and optical amplifiers

- Familiarity with technical risk management

- Strong written and verbal communicator

- Good attention to detail

- Ability to multitask in a fast paced, changing environment

- Ability to problem solve under pressure

- Ability to build strong business relationships with various levels of customers

- Strong work ethic with the capacity to work independently as well as part of a team

Additional Considerations

- Experience or familiarity of atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics applications

- Experience or familiarity with optical communications applications

- Proficiency with optical simulation (e.g. Zemax)

- Experience with micro-optics

- Experience with photonic integrated circuit (PIC) design and testing

- Familiarity with MIL-STD, NASA/ESA, IEC laser safety, and/or CE requirements

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C.1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Salary Range

$120K - $150K