Senior/Staff Optical Engineer

About QuantumCell

We are a dynamic tech company in the biology space on a mission to decode and defeat the most complex brain disorders of our time. By converging next-generation sensing technologies, autonomous robotics, and cutting-edge AI, we are building the world's first high-fidelity virtual cell and virtual system model: a mechanistically anchored simulation of human biology that can predict how drugs will behave in a patient before a single trial is run.

Role Summary

We are seeking an exceptional, forward-thinking Senior or Staff Optical Engineer to design and implement Raman Spectroscopy methods for characterization of biological samples. This is a hands-on role at the core of our quantum sensing team — working with other team members to implement innovative ideas into benchtop setups for testing real samples.

Responsibilities

• Design, procure, set up, and conduct optical testing on biological samples
• Perform optical alignment for complex optical systems such as high-resolution microscope and Raman spectroscopy
• Develop specifications for components, subsystems etc. and work with suppliers to procure such
• Work with firmware/software engineers to set up computer-controlled tests
• Analyze test results and generate test reports for internal and external stakeholders
• Generate design documents and test procedures
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet business goals

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in engineering, physics, or a related field, with significant experience in optical systems - 5 years of experience (PhD and Postdoc experience are acceptable).
• Hands-on experience in optical system design, alignment and tests
• Experience in high resolution microscopy and/or Raman Spectroscopy is a plus
• Hands-on experience in building laser-based optical test setup that includes laser sources, beam shaping optics, detection sensors/cameras, controllers and data acquisition instruments
• Proven track record of conducting independent tests and delivering test results
• Comfort working at the interface of biology and emerging technologies
• Experience collaborating with automation or software engineers to design experiments that generate model-ready data
• A startup company mindset: comfortable operating in a fast-moving, early-stage environment where you'll help define processes, not just follow them
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across functions

Qualifications

• Experience in optical engineering and systems design
• Knowledge of Raman spectroscopy principles and applications
• Experience with high-resolution microscopy techniques
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Skills

• Optical system design and alignment
• Raman spectroscopy expertise
• High-resolution microscopy techniques
• Project management and organizational skills
• Collaboration with cross-functional teams

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package (salary, equity, bonus) based on experience
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Access to world-class scientific collaborators and leading computational infrastructure, including large-scale GPU clusters and proprietary biological datasets of exceptional scale and resolution
• A unique opportunity to help define how AI learns from biology at one of the most ambitious companies in CNS drug discovery
• The chance to contribute to a deeply mission-driven organization focused on transforming patient outcomes and advancing treatments for complex diseases
• Support for conference attendance and active participation in the scientific community
• A collaborative, inclusive, and fun culture where you’ll play a key role in building the team, shaping the environment, and driving meaningful impact from the ground up

How to Apply

Send your CV to: careers@qcell.ai

We are an equal opportunity employer.