Optical Engineer

Responsibilities

• Own and continuously improve the calibration systems and processes used to characterize and validate Prolific’s illumination hardware
• Support the Lead Optical Engineer's optical simulation and modeling efforts, contributing measurements, analysis, and prototypes that inform system design and performance
• Develop and execute experiments to characterize light delivery within complex bioreactor geometries and operating conditions, analyzing the resulting measurements to identify trends, validate optical models, and improve understanding of system performance
• Collaborate closely across mechanical, electrical, firmware, data, biology, and bioprocess engineering to connect optical performance with cell culture behavior and process outcomes
• Contribute to projects that deepen Prolific’s understanding of the relationship between light, bioreactor environments, and biological response, helping translate those insights into improved illumination systems and new applications

Requirements

• PhD, MS with 2+ years, or BS with 4+ years of industry experience, in Optical Engineering, Optical Sciences, Photonics, Physics, Applied Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field
• Strong foundation in optics, including geometric optics, radiometry, and optical measurement techniques
• Hands-on experience setting up, aligning, characterizing, and troubleshooting optical systems in a laboratory environment
• Experience developing and executing calibration procedures for illumination systems, optical components, and sensors
• Experience using optical measurement equipment such as spectrometers, photodiodes, power meters, cameras, or related instrumentation
• Experience working with light sources and optical delivery components, including LEDs, lasers, and fiber optics
• Proficiency with Python for instrument control, automation, data analysis, modeling, and visualization
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute experiments, analyze data, and communicate conclusions clearly
• Ability to develop clear, reproducible documentation for calibration methods, experimental procedures, results, and technical findings
• Ability to translate physical models and experimental results into practical engineering recommendations

Nice to Haves

• Experience with tissue optics and/or scattering media optics
• Experience performing non-sequential optical modeling using software such as LightTools, SPEOS, FRED, COMSOL, or similar
• Basic laboratory skills including experience working with pipettes and making dilutions
• Experience using an integrating sphere for optical property characterization
• Familiarity with uncertainty analysis, measurement repeatability, error propagation, and calibration best practices
• Exposure to biological, biotech, pharmaceutical, or bioprocessing applications
• Experience working on multidisciplinary projects involving optical, mechanical, electrical, software, and biological systems
• Experience with CAD, mechanical prototyping, machining, 3D printing, or other techniques used to rapidly build and iterate experimental hardware