Senior Optical Engineer

We are searching for motivated Senior Optical Engineer to join our Optical Engineering team!

As a Senior Optical Engineer at Ultima Genomics, your central responsibility will be to develop, refine, and commercially deploy sophisticated optical systems for high-speed biological imaging applications. Engaging with multidisciplinary teams, you'll play a key role in technological advancements that enhance our DNA sequencing platform.

How You’ll Contribute

• Play a key role in the conceptualization, simulation, design, prototyping, testing, and validation of advanced high throughput fluorescence imaging systems.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, systems, and software engineering teams to integrate the optical subsystem into the sequencer.
• Continuously monitor technological progressions in the field of optics and strategically incorporate these developments into the product roadmap.
• Implement design-for-manufacturing (DFM) principles specifically tailored to optical systems, including the development of specialized alignment and assembly tooling as well as automation and validation scripts.
• Engage in the prototyping and empirical testing phases for optical subsystems and complete systems.
• Perform root cause analysis in conjunction with empirical validation.

Qualifications, Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• BA/BS in optical engineering, physics, or related field and 5+ years of relevant work experience (industry preferred).
• Some experience in the application of optical design and simulation software (e.g. Zemax or Code V), coupled with expertise in analysis script development (e.g. Python or Matlab).
• Exceptional interpersonal communication abilities tailored to both technical and executive audiences and adeptness in interdisciplinary team engagement.
• Solid grasp of both ray optics and Fourier optics principles.
• Experience in the assembly, calibration, and diagnostics of complex optical systems.
• Analytical capabilities to resolve complications within optical systems.
• Other duties as assigned.

Preferred

• PhD in optical engineering, physics, or related field and 2+ years of relevant work experience (industry preferred).
• Demonstrated expertise in the engineering and advancement of optical systems featuring laser illumination and fluorescence imaging.
• Proactive approach, intellectual curiosity, and growth mindset.
• Excel in a team environment and can swiftly adapt to shifting objectives and challenges.
• Proficient in the design processes tailored for the manufacturing of high-precision optical devices.
• Experience with jigs, metrological instrumentation such as autocollimators, interferometers, and wavefront sensors, and diffractive optics.
• Experience with collaborative and project management platforms such as MS Project and JIRA.

At Ultima Genomics, your base pay is one part of your total compensation package. This role pays between $120,000 and $150,000, if performed in California, and your actual base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.  Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits.  This role is also eligible for a competitive benefits package that includes: medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; flexible spending & health savings account; paid holidays; paid time off; employee assistance program; and other company benefits.