Optical Systems Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Sep 28, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 14, 2026. fab2 scores B on the Alion truth index.
About fab2
The fab2 team can build anything. We design all the hardware and software needed to make chips and we make the fabs, tools, and components ourselves.
We're looking for exceptional, hands-on people who can iterate to the limits of what's possible.
fab2 was founded by Sam Zeloof and Jim Keller. Sam is best known for making chips in his garage, and Jim has been a leader in the semiconductor industry for the past 40 years.
About the team
The Precision Team operates on the nanometer scale. We make lithography, metrology and motion systems that pattern, inspect and characterize our chips in order to push our process to lower nodes.
About the role
We are seeking a highly skilled and hands-on Optical Systems Engineer to join our team. This role is for someone who has a proven track record of rapidly prototyping complex optical systems and advancing them to the next stage of production. Our philosophy is to get things built and tested in days or weeks, not months. Because of this, a portfolio is generally required to apply: show us the things you’ve actually built!
The core responsibility of the job is the design, assembly, testing, and debugging of new optical systems and the associated mechanical components. You’ll be responsible for building new systems as well as integrating off-the-shelf products, such as motion stages and metrology equipment.
Responsibilities
Design, prototype, and develop precision optical and optomechanical components and systems
Build, align, and test optical systems on the bench
Build new systems and integrate off-the-shelf products, such as motion stages and metrology equipment
Perform detailed analysis and simulation to evaluate system designs and meet constraints, including optical performance modeling
Work with suppliers to source components and materials, including custom optics fabrication
Design lens mounting components and methods
Required Experience
Bachelor's degree or higher in Optical Engineering, Optical Sciences, Physics, or Mechanical Engineering with demonstrated optical design work
3+ years of industry experience designing and implementing optical systems
Working fluency in optical design and analysis: first-order layout, aberration theory, tolerance analysis and Monte Carlo yield prediction, and stray light analysis
Familiarity with Zemax or similar optical simulation tools, including both sequential and non-sequential ray tracing
Hands-on optical alignment and test experience. For example interferometry wavefront error measurement, and troubleshooting
Mechanical 3D CAD experience
Nice-to-have
Working knowledge of precision machine design fundamentals: exact-constraint design, kinematic couplings, flexures, error budgeting, structural loops, and tolerance analysis
Structural, Thermal, Optical Performance: modeling how mechanical deflection and thermal drift degrade optical performance
Experience with UV or DUV (deep ultraviolet) wavelengths, including material, coating, and contamination constraints
Experience at an early-stage startup
Familiarity with firmware, controls, or electrical engineering
Working at fab2
We’re an early-stage hardware startup with solid funding, world-class advisors, and labs/offices in Austin, TX, Lockhart, TX, and San Francisco, CA.
Compensation: fab2 is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The annual salary range for this role is $130,000 - $200,000. Compensation is determined based on your qualifications and experience. Our total compensation package also includes generous equity in fab2.
Benefits: fab2 offers the following benefits, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
Generous Paid Time Off inclusive of Holidays and Sick Time
Visa Sponsorship
Life and Disability Insurance
Paid Parental Leave
401(k) retirement plan
Weekly Learning & Development opportunities
Commuter Benefits including Parking and Late Night Uber rides from the office
Lunches daily, Dinners 3x per week, Stocked Office Kitchen with Snacks and Spindrifts
We are an equal-opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability or other legally protected statuses.
Export Control Analysis: This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.
fab2, formerly known as Atomic Semi