Research and Development (R&D) Optical Integration Engineer
$137,000–$169,000 year
On-site · San Ramon, California, United States
Job Summary
Mid-Senior level R&D Optical Integration Engineer sought to develop new products, redesign existing ones, and test concepts for biopharmaceutical and medical applications. Responsibilities include leading and contributing to multidisciplinary design, integration, and verification of optical components for instrumentation, conducting concept prototyping and product development, proposing new designs and techniques, communicating research and results, developing protocols and specifications, ensuring alignment with regulatory and quality standards, collaborating across functions to transfer products into production, and traveling to vendor/lab/customer sites as needed. Required skills include broad experience with optical component integration (light scattering, UV-visible absorption), proficiency with Zemax (Non-Sequential and Sequential), data analysis in MATLAB/Python, CAD/SolidWorks, ERP, and strong problem solving, presentation, and documentation abilities. The role demands experience with optical systems for bio-medical/diagnostics applications, knowledge of LEDs/Lasers and detectors (photodiodes, PMTs, cameras), fluorescence detection, microscopy, absorbance-based measurement, and the ability to lead or contribute to cross-functional teams through development and testing of new instrumentation. Location is San Ramon, CA, USA, and relocation is not offered. The position is open-ended with continuous recruitment and targets an on-target earning range of $137,000–$169,000 base base pay depending on experience and location.
Required Qualifications
- Master’s Degree or higher in Engineering – Optical Engineering, Physics is highly desirable
- Broad experience in the principle and integration of optical components for light scattering and UV-visible absorption
- Minimum 2-6 years of experience in a related position designing measuring instruments from the ground up with optical components
- Proficiency with tools to analyze the performance of optical components and integrated systems
- Track record of product development, product launch, and testing on product concepts for biopharmaceutical and medical applications; ability to devise comprehensive design of experiments
- Understanding of engineering principles and product development processes
- Problem solving skills and ability to work on multiple projects
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, MS Project, Access, PowerPoint; CAD, SolidWorks; ERP system
- Strong written and oral communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to influence and enhance R&D capabilities
- Experience with optical systems for bio-medical/diagnostics applications preferred
- Knowledge of light sources (LEDs, lasers) and detectors (photodiodes, PMTs, cameras); low-light signal detection (photon counting)
- Experience designing full optical systems (lenses, filters, diffraction gratings) with fluorescence detection, imaging, microscopy, absorbance-based measurement
- Proficiency in Zemax (Non-Sequential and Sequential); data analysis in MATLAB, Python or similar tools
- Good documentation practices
- Travel to vendors, labs, and customer sites as needed
- Ability to work independently and in a team
- Experience transferring products to production
- Regulatory and quality-standard alignment
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