Staff Optical Engineer

1 week ago

San Francisco, California, United States WIT Recruiting Full time

Optical Engineer – Advanced LiDAR Systems

Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled Optical Engineer to drive innovation in LiDAR technology. This role offers the opportunity to shape next-generation optical and opto-mechanical designs that meet the rigorous demands of automotive and industrial applications. You'll collaborate with a diverse team of engineers and external specialists to develop precision systems that redefine performance standards in the industry.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the design of optical systems for LiDAR, with a focus on athermalization and durability under shock and vibration.
  • Perform advanced optical and opto-mechanical simulations to assess system performance and guide design decisions.
  • Develop and refine optical alignment and testing methodologies, including custom equipment for performance validation.
  • Conceptualize opto-mechanical designs for future product generations.
  • Oversee and provide expert feedback to external consultants working on optical design projects.
  • Conduct tolerancing and sensitivity analyses to ensure manufacturability and reliability of precision components.
  • Partner with vendors to source and validate high-precision optical and opto-mechanical components.
  • Contribute to intellectual property development and collaborate with legal counsel to formalize novel inventions.
  • Work alongside quality assurance teams to certify compliance with stringent automotive and industrial standards.

Basic Qualifications

  • Strong foundation in optics, with expertise in multi-lens systems and semiconductor laser integration.
  • Proficiency in Zemax (sequential and non-sequential) for optical design, tolerancing, and performance analysis.
  • Hands-on experience with lab-based optical test setups to validate key performance metrics.
  • Skilled in Python or Matlab for simulations, modeling, and data analysis.
  • Experience collaborating with and managing optical component suppliers and external design partners.
  • Proven ability to work across disciplines to develop system-level solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Familiarity with Structural, Thermal, and Optical Performance (STOP) analysis and athermal design principles.
  • Experience with SolidWorks and ANSYS Mechanical for modeling and simulation.
  • Background in designing optical systems for production-scale manufacturing.
  • Master's degree in physics, optical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field (preferred).

This is a unique opportunity to apply deep optical expertise to groundbreaking LiDAR systems that power the future of autonomous and industrial technologies. If you are driven by precision engineering and eager to make an impact at scale, we'd love to hear from you.

About WIT Recruiting
WIT Recruiting provides services for contract staffing, permanent placement, dedicated recruitment (RPO), and customized recruiting events.

Empowering Teams, Elevating Talent

WIT Recruiting is a Women Impact Tech vertical dedicated to building high-performing teams across all industries and talent pools. As the recruiting arm of WIT, we leverage our proven expertise in recruiting to deliver exceptional talent solutions (without the limits of traditional pipelines).

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