Principal Optical Engineer

Sarmal, Inc. is a San Diego–based biotechnology company developing next-generation genomics and molecular detection platforms. Our work integrates molecular biology, chemistry, and advanced systems engineering to enable faster, more precise, and more accessible genomic insights. We are a highly collaborative, R&D-driven team operating in a fast-paced, early-stage environment.

About the role

We are seeking a Principal Optical Engineer to design and optimize the optical detection system at the heart of our next-generation DNA sequencing platform. This individual will own the optical architecture from concept through commercialization — driving the design, simulation, tolerancing, alignment, and characterization of a highly optimized, high-sensitivity detection system, and partnering closely with cross-functional and external (CRO/CDMO) teams to bring a manufacturable product to market.

Responsibilities

• Define the optical architecture and long-term technical strategy for next-generation high-throughput DNA sequencing platforms, ensuring alignment with product performance, scalability, manufacturability, and business objectives.
• Lead the end-to-end design, modeling, and optimization optical system for a high-throughput DNA sequencer, spanning the illumination, imaging, and detection paths.
• Establish the optical technology roadmap by evaluating emerging technologies, identifying technical risks, and leading feasibility studies for future platform capabilities.
• Develop breadboard systems and carry out Proof-of-Concept experiments and early prototyping prior to system integration.
• Perform optical design, ray tracing, tolerance analysis, and stray-light analysis in Zemax OpticStudio to meet resolution, field-of-view, throughput, and signal-to-noise requirements.
• Drive key optical trade studies, balancing performance, manufacturability, cost, and yield to converge on a robust, highly optimized, high-sensitivity architecture.
• Build, align, test, and characterize optical prototypes and subsystems on the bench, developing the fixturing and procedures needed for repeatable alignment.
• Define specifications for custom optical components, coatings, and sources, defining drawings, tolerances, and acceptance criteria for suppliers.
• Partner with development and manufacturing contractors to integrate optical systems and transfer the design to production, managing the tradeoffs between optical performance, manufacturability, and cost.
• Lead the optical system through all phases of the product development lifecycle, from feasibility and design verification through design transfer and commercial launch.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, assay, and manufacturing teams to integrate the optical subsystem into the full instrument to ensure overall system performance and reliability.
• Author and review optical design documentation, analyses, and test protocols.
• Lead optical system design reviews and advise on readiness for phase exits and production release.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of industry experience in optical engineering or optical system design, with multiple products successfully commercialized.
• Expert in optical design and analysis in Zemax OpticStudio, including sequential and non-sequential modeling, optimization, and tolerancing.
• Extensive hands-on experience operating a typical optical engineering workbench and equipment, with strong skills in optical alignment, testing, and characterization.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with CRO/CDMOs and contract manufacturers, and a clear understanding of the key tradeoffs in make vs. buy decisions and transferring an optical design from prototype to volume manufacturing.
• Deep understanding of optical principles including aberrations, diffraction, radiometry, polarization, and detector/sensor selection.
• Experience developing ultra-high-sensitivity detection systems (e.g., fluorescence, single-molecule, or low-light imaging) preferred.
• Working knowledge of optomechanical design, prototyping of optomechanical precision alignment, thermal effect, and system calibration method.
• Experience developing optical systems for life science instruments, diagnostics, or genomics platforms preferred.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and collaboration skills with demonstrated ability to work effectively across engineering, operations, and external partner teams.

Qualifications

• M.S., or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Optical Sciences, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10+ years of relevant industry optical engineering experience.
• Track record of leading complex optical system development programs from concept through commercialization.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Company-paid life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Generous paid time off
• Access to additional voluntary benefits, employee perks, and discount programs

Pay

$175,000 - $210,000 a year. The anticipated salary range for this position is $175,000 – $210,000, depending on experience and qualifications. Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, location, relevant experience, skill set, and internal equity considerations.

Why join us

• Work on cutting-edge genomics and molecular detection technologies
• Collaborate with a deeply technical, cross-functional team
• Contribute to foundational platform development at an early stage
• Have visibility into and impact on core technical and strategic decisions
• Help shape the infrastructure, culture, and future direction of the company