Optical Systems Engineer

Department: Aeris

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Hayward, CA, Hayward, CA

Key Responsibilities

• Design next-generation laser spectroscopy optical systems, including optical architecture and component selection. 
• Own optical system designs from concept through testing, production release, and ongoing manufacturing support. 
• Prototype, build, align, test, and troubleshoot high-precision optomechanical assemblies. 
• Research and evaluate lasers, detectors, mirrors, lenses, coatings, and other optical components to improve performance, reliability, and cost. 
• Select materials and design mechanical elements that provide stable, manufacturable optical assemblies. 
• Develop precision fixtures, bonding methods, and packaging techniques to improve design robustness and reliability. 
• Plan and execute verification and validation testing to confirm designs are ready for production. 
• Apply knowledge of laser spectroscopy technologies and methodologies across optical, mechanical, electrical, thermal, and software systems. 
• Design, build, and validate tooling and fixtures for assembly, optical alignment, testing, and pilot production. 
• Support manufacturing and customers by troubleshooting instrument performance and resolving optical system issues. 
• Document optical testing, design results, and production procedures. 

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field. 
• 6+ years of hands-on experience in prototype development, optical instrumentation, and precision mechanical design. 
• Demonstrated experience designing, assembling, aligning, and troubleshooting systems that combine optical, mechanical, electrical, thermal, and software subsystems. 
• Proficiency with mechanical CAD tools such as SolidWorks, including experience creating BOMs, drawings, and assembly documentation. 
• Experience taking products from development through production and into customers’ hands. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated use of data collection and analysis to drive design and process improvements. 
• Experience working in startup or small-team environments that require rapid communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. 
• Demonstrated ability to move designs from concept through production and work through technical roadblocks. 

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field. 
• Experience with laser-based spectroscopy, lasers, photodetectors, and precision optics. 
• Experience with reliability testing, field analysis, and root cause analysis. 
• Experience using LabVIEW, MATLAB, scripting, or similar tools for data analysis and automated test systems. 
• Experience using optical design and simulation tools such as Zemax. 

Benefits

• Salary range: $160,000 - $190,000 annual base
• Health, dental, and vision insurance with low deductibles and premiums paid by company 99% for self and 50% for dependents and/or spouse
• 401K with company match (no vesting period)
• Student loan assistance
• Generous culture around time off, including: 
  • Unlimited PTO
  • 6 days of sick time per year 
  • 11 paid company holidays per year 
  • up to 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave (gender neutral) including adoptions