Staff Design Engineer, Optical

Primary Work Location

Lincoln, NE

Overview

Serve as technical leader in the optical discipline for the environmental product line. Use optical engineering knowledge and experience to lead the development of optical systems for LI-COR products including but not limited to: environmentally and commercially important gases, hyperspectral imaging, thermal imaging, fluorescence imaging, solar-induced fluorescence (SIF), and light measurement. Lead the design of all optical and opto-mechanical subsystems and systems in a multi-disciplined development team. Provide mentorship and technical expertise to less experienced colleagues. Engage in product definition, optical system architecture development, component specification and system integration in collaboration with project team, marketing, and end users. Interact with Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing, and external vendors to support production of new and existing commercialized products.

Professional Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or Physics, with MS or PhD degree in optical or optical-related fields is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years’ industry experience with BS, 7 years with MS, or proven exceptional performance in the design, development, and manufacturing of commercial gas concentration measurement systems based on principles of optical spectroscopy.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with laser diode-based systems incorporating external cavities is preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in production-centric laser alignment techniques.
• Experience as lead optical engineer and system integrator on system-level of moderate-high complexity.
• Experience identifying tasks to accomplish goal, including delegating tasks and providing guidance to others to complete.
• Proven record of problem-solving, independent creative design activity and expertise with optical systems and subsystems from the component level to the system level.
• Proven skills using optical modeling software tools such as OSLO and TracePro.
• Demonstrated knowledge of LabVIEW software is highly desired.
• Successful completion of multiple, major product development projects that met customer requirements and engineering specifications, while managing product cost and maintaining project timeline.

General

• Demonstrated expertise of optical engineering principles (e.g., geometrical optics, physical optics, photonics, and laser physics).
• Demonstrated expertise in multiple areas of specialization (e.g., optical system design, spectroscopy, light measurement, spectral imaging, chlorophyll fluorescence).
• Broad knowledge of other applicable engineering disciplines (electrical, mechanical, manufacturing).
• Adept with advanced/specialized tools, analysis techniques, prototyping techniques, and manufacturing processes.
• Complete understanding of applicable product testing, engineering standards, and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated mature technical knowledge and judgement used to manage risks.
• Energetic and highly motivated. Enjoy challenges. Self-driven to achieve goals.
• Detail-oriented and persistent. Able to follow through on long-term projects from start to finish.
• High insight, curiosity, and problem-solving ability.
• Team player and leader with good interpersonal skills. Enjoys and works well with other people in a team environment.
• Effective oral and written communication skills in English. Able to communicate with vendors, contractors, colleagues, and customers.
• Able to participate in and lead effective meetings with clear goals and deliverables.
• Dependable, positive attitude, and good attendance.
• High ethics, integrity, honesty, and patience.

Position ResponsibilitiesSpecific

• Lead the definition and development of new optical technologies and technological capabilities for use in LI-COR’s Environmental product line, including gas-phase spectroscopy methods and techniques utilizing lasers, hyperspectral imaging, chlorophyll fluorescence and light measurement.
• Design optical, electro-optical, opto-mechanical subsystems of moderate to high complexity.
• Participate in product requirements definition and serve as leader for optical architecture. Including early phase concept ideation, technical feasibility assessment on new technologies, and estimation of optical portion of project budget and timeline.
• Lead the design, development, specifications, assembly, alignment, testing and documentation of optical components, sub-systems, and systems.
• Lead the design and validation procedures for evaluating the performance of optical components, sub-systems, and systems.
• Lead design reviews to revise prototypes to improve performance, cost, and/or manufacturability.
• Serve as technical liaison to management (as needed) to management regarding all aspects of optical design on new product development.
• Serve as technical leader and mentor for less experienced colleagues to grow their skills/capabilities for current and future projects success.
• Develop intellectual property, trade secrets capabilities and new core competencies in optical technology and manufacturing methods.

General

• Maintain engineering specifications, drawings, optical models, and documentation.
• Review trade publications for new optical components, manufacturing techniques, and general ideas.
• Continue to learn new skills and improve old skills to keep up with technological developments.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks related to project timeline, cost, and/or product performance.
• Manage individual tasks and external collaborations to maintain project schedule.
• Occasional travel to conferences and/or customer sites to understand user needs and competitive landscape.
• Assist management with recruiting and interviewing to fill new team roles.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.