Optical Engineer, Precision Instrumentation
$150,000–$250,000 year
On-siteEmeryville, California, United States
Job Summary
Design and build precision optical systems for neuroscience experiments, including large-field-of-view, high-speed two-photon imaging and photostimulation microscopes. Construct advanced miniature microscopes capable of simultaneous imaging and photostimulation in freely moving animals, integrating electronics, control hardware, and software to interface with data acquisition stacks. Own complex instruments end-to-end, from concept and fabrication to integration and reliable operation, often working from rough ideas to develop novel optical interfacing technologies. Collaborate directly with scientists and industry partners to iterate designs until they meet experimental requirements, managing tradeoffs across performance, manufacturability, and timeline.
Required Qualifications
- A world-class generalist and hands-on problem-solver who has built precision hardware in a high-precision industry, ideally medical devices, robotics, aerospace, semiconductor capital equipment, or commercial or academic scientific instrumentation
- Resourcefulness about getting things built quickly: you will machine one part, 3D-print the next, and send a job out for what is better outsourced
- Comfort working from a rough idea rather than a finished spec, figuring out the path to a working instrument together with the people who need it
- Deep fundamentals in optical design and fabrication
- Intellectual curiosity, a collaborative spirit, and eagerness to learn the science around you
- A track record of owning complex instruments end to end, from concept through fabrication, integration, and reliable operation
- Experience making and defending design tradeoffs across performance, manufacturability, cost, and timeline
Desired Qualifications
- Familiarity with femtosecond lasers, nonlinear microscopy, and wavefront engineering
- Experience with optical alignment, small precise parts, and tight tolerances
- Hands-on electronics design (PCB layout, embedded systems, sensor/actuator integration)
- CAD/CAM proficiency and 3D printing
- Experience integrating hardware with data acquisition systems (DAQ, TTL synchronization, serial/SPI protocols)
- Experience equipping and running an optical workshop, makerspace, or prototyping facility
- Graduate work or research experience
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