Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer

At Ouster, we build sensors and tools for engineers, roboticists, and researchers so they can make the world safer and more efficient. Making sure you fit the guidelines as an applicant for this role is essential, please read the below carefully. We’ve transformed LiDAR from an analog device with thousands of components to an elegant digital device powered by one chip‑scale laser array and one CMOS sensor. Our high‑resolution LiDAR sensors provide superior imaging at a dramatically lower price, and our advanced sensor hardware and vision algorithms are used in autonomous cars, drones, and many other applications. We are looking for an Opto‑Mechanical Engineer to help us build the next generation of LiDAR sensors. The ideal candidate will have experience designing and analyzing opto‑mechanical systems and hands‑on experience testing optical hardware. Because LiDAR must perform in a wide range of thermal and vibration environments, rigorous opto‑mechanical design, analysis, and testing are essential. This collaborative role interfaces with mechanical, electrical, and testing experts, and offers a unique opportunity to build optical systems for mass production. Responsibilities Opto‑mechanical design from concept to production for next‑gen products used in harsh thermal and vibration environments Opto‑mechanical simulations (FEA) to evaluate system performance over wide thermal ranges Validate hardware through testing – develop test plans and test equipment Generate opto‑mechanical and optical component drawings using ASME Y14.5 GD&T Tolerance analysis of opto‑mechanical and optical components with an understanding of high‑volume fabrication tolerances Collaborate with vendors to manufacture and verify high‑precision opto‑mechanical and optical components Work with Quality to ensure products meet ruggedization and operating temperature requirements Basic Qualifications Strong mechanical fundamentals, experience designing complex optical systems or multi‑domain systems; optical athermal design a plus Strong in SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software Strong mechanical drafting and tolerancing skills Experience managing optical component vendors and design consultants BS in mechanical engineering or related field 5+ years’ experience Bonus Qualifications Familiarity with precision measurement and metrology equipment Experience designing bond joints and testing adhesives Experience with LiDAR systems Experience with opto‑mechanical systems at production quantities Proficiency using FEA software such as ANSYS or equivalent Beginner level experience using Zemax or equivalent optical simulation software Experience with Structural, Thermal, Optical Performance (STOP) analysis Familiarity with stress, thermal, shock & vibration reliability tests Familiarity with GD&T standards and ISO 10110 MS in mechanical engineering or related field Base pay will be dependent on your skills, work experience, location, and qualifications. This role may also be eligible for equity and benefits. ($125,000–$232,000) Senior Level Mid‑Senior level Employment type Full‑time Job function Sales, General Business, and Education Industries: Wireless Services, Telecommunications, and Communications Equipment Manufacturing We acknowledge the confidence gap at Ouster. You do not need to meet all of these requirements to be the ideal candidate for this role. Ouster is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that pursues and hires a diverse workforce. Ouster does not make employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender‑identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, military status, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws. Ouster also strives for a healthy and safe workplace and prohibits harassment of any kind. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Ouster considers qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment. xrczosw If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.