Staff Optical Engineer

Mountain View, CAFull-TimeStaffSoftware Engineering

Skills

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What you'll be doing:

  • Leading advanced modeling and simulation of optical systems, including beam propagation, tolerance analysis, stray-light and scattering analysis, polarization effects, and sensitivity studies.
  • Performing and reviewing optical simulations to evaluate architectures, predict performance, and identify design trade-offs.
  • Conducting system-level analyses to ensure manufacturability, robustness, and alignment with performance requirements.
  • Developing requirements and specifications for optical components based on detailed analytical insights.
  • Generating and documenting new intellectual property related to optical modeling, analysis techniques, and system concepts.
  • Providing cross-functional technical guidance to photonics, mechanical, and systems engineering teams.
  • Mentoring junior engineers in modeling methodologies, simulation workflows, and interpretation of results.

What you have:

  • Bachelor’s degree with 10+ years of relevant experience; or Master’s degree with 6+ years; or PhD with 3+ years; or equivalent experience.
  • Demonstrated experience driving optical system designs from proof-of-concept through high-volume production.
  • Strong proficiency with physical/wave/Fourier optics principles
  • Strong proficiency with modeling and scripting tools such as ZEMAX, Code V, FRED, or similar.
  • Expertise in tolerance analysis, stray-light, and scattering analysis.
  • Deep experience with precision optical, micro-optic, and/or fiber-optic components.
  • Hands-on laboratory skills for setting up, testing, validating, and troubleshooting optical, fiber-optic, and opto-mechanical subsystems.
  • Knowledge of optical fabrication processes (molded, polished, diamond-turned) as well as micro-structured components.
  • Ability to influence system-level decisions, present technical recommendations, and work across disciplines.

What's in it for you:

  • Be part of a fast paced and dynamic team
  • Very competitive compensation and meaningful stock grants
  • Exceptional benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and more
  • Unlimited PTO: We care about results, not punching timecards

Job Summary

CompanyAeva
LocationMountain View, CA
TypeFull-Time
LevelStaff
DomainSoftware Engineering