Sr. Optical Engineer

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the optical design and development of rotary and linear encoder products, including diffractive optical elements, photosensors, light sources, and encoder scale designs.
• Translate system-level requirements into detailed optical specifications, including MTF, resolution, distortion, field of view, and illumination performance.
• Perform optical modeling, simulation, and analysis using tools such as Zemax to develop and optimize encoder optical architectures.
• Conduct opto-mechanical tolerance analysis, material selection, and define bonding and assembly processes to ensure robust product performance.
• Establish and manage optical performance budgets while balancing performance, manufacturability, reliability, and cost objectives.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, firmware, manufacturing, and quality teams to integrate and validate optical solutions.
• Serve as a technical consultant and advisor to executives.

Required Experience, Education, Skills and Competencies

• Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical or Electronics Engineering, Physics or equivalent field with at least 8 years of related experience.
• Preferred: Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical or Electronics Engineering, Physics or equivalent field with 6+ years of prior relevant experience.
• Strong understanding of diffractive optics.
• Proficiency with optical design tools (Zemax, Code V, or similar).
• Hands-on lab experience in optical testing, metrology, and characterization.
• Experience working with complex optical assembly development and prototype development.
• Experience working with optics vendors and manufacturing processes.
• Capable of independent and team-based work, with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, and MATLAB.
• Able to collaborate effectively with clients, stakeholders, and management, while mentoring less experienced team members.

Pay

The salary for this role will range from $130,000 to $175,000 annually based on full-time employment. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including but not limited to location, relevant skills, training, experience, education, etc. Certain roles may be eligible for performance-based incentive compensation and/or long-term incentives.