Senior Engineer, Optical Systems Engineer

Job Description:

The Optical Systems Engineer plays a key role in a start-up environment developing the next generation of LiDAR. This hands-on role blends developing knowledge of optics, electronics, and software - expect to build, test, debug, and refine real hardware in the lab. You'll work within established architecture, technical direction, and defined procedures, exercising good judgment to determine appropriate action on problems of moderate scope, and building productive working relationships across internal teams. You'll receive general instructions on routine work and detailed instructions on new projects or assignments. This position reports to the Senior Manager of Optical Systems Engineering.

Responsibilities:

• Support the implementation of LCM-based lidar system and transmitter designs within established architecture and technical direction, contributing to the build and test of our reference designs, including debug, customization, and system-level optimization, in collaboration with hardware, optics, firmware, and software teams.
• Build test stations and fixtures for system-level test, assembly, and calibration, supporting bring-up through production, following established designs and procedures.
• Execute system-level test campaigns to characterize and validate lidar performance across development and production builds.
• Build and maintain Python-based automation and measurement tools for characterization and calibration of system and optoelectronic components (lasers, detectors).
• Debug systems and transmitters - including electronics, optics, and embedded processing and control algorithms - to isolate and resolve performance and integration issues.
• Participate in hardware and system design reviews, providing input on system integration, testability, and robustness for LCM-based lidar systems.
• Report on system performance and test results, presenting data, methods, and conclusions clearly to the internal technical team.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field plus a minimum of 2+ years of relevant work experience required.
• Advanced degree preferred.
• Working experience in optoelectronic or photonic systems integration and debug required.
• Python skills for automation, control, and data analysis.
• Familiarity with Git, Unix environments, and embedded systems.
• Exposure to system integration, optoelectronics, and cross-domain debugging.
• Exposure to designing or building test, assembly, or calibration stations, including fixture design and test automation.
• Working familiarity with lasers, photodetectors, and optoelectronic component characterization.
• Experience with lidar systems preferred; radar or ultrasound experience is also acceptable.
• Ability to apply established calibration, optimization, and signal-processing approaches following defined procedures.
• Good communication skills; comfortable building working relationships across teams.