Optical Imaging Engineer Job Descriptions, Average Salary, Interview Questions

[Your Company Name] is hiring an experienced optical imaging engineer in [Your City}. The selected candidate will be tasked with working on a team developing optical instrumentation and software for imaging. Our optical imaging engineer will be responsible for researching and designing new systems used in the development of consumer products, electronic components, and hospital equipment. They will work under the supervision of scientists or engineers in order to create these devices that are used to produce results with imaging.

Typical duties and responsibilities

• Creating new imaging solutions for end-users
• Determine equipment needs
• Sourcing available technology
• Testing the equipment prior to deployment
• Ensure that all their tests remain confidential while working in a lab setting.
• Knowledge of optomechanical design and electro-optics; optical design; system engineering
• Troubleshooting new equipment that has been purchased by a client
• Report progress to a manager or higher-ranking professional during regular meetings

Education and experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in optics, engineering, or physics
• Familiarity with design software for optics and lasers such as MathCAD, LabVIEW, MATLAB
• Understanding of various imaging techniques such as confocal microscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, laser scanning confocal microscopy
• Having 3 years of experience in their field is also beneficial

Required skills and qualifications

• A strong background in physics and math
• The ability to communicate effectively with others, especially those who are higher up in the company
• A strong eye for detail
• Being a relatively organized person, as required by most larger companies
• Knowledge of how to design imaging systems using lenses and mirrors is not necessarily required, but knowledge of why they work that way definitely makes you stick out from the crowd

Preferred qualifications

• Experience working in a field that requires attention to detail
• The ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Some knowledge of lasers, especially if you already have experience with beam shaping or optical fibers
• Having some knowledge of how imaging systems work and knowing the difference between them would be helpful when designing new equipment for clients

The successful candidate must keep multiple records, be self-motivated, maintain a professional presence, and have the desire to take ownership of projects. If you are a technically strong, organized, confident, experienced, energetic multitasker with conceptual thinking skills, then you will find a rewarding and satisfying home with company ABC.

Responsibilities

• Create physical optic models of component/system designs and derive tolerances
• Produce optical breadboards and present technical data to customers.
• Support the production of prototypes and initial volume production work instructions
• Assist in optical component sourcing
• Prepare and present technical status reviews

Requirements

• M.S. (Ph.D. preferred) in Optical Science/Engineering, Chemistry, or Physics
• Capable of basic optical physics hand-calculations and experience with ASAP, GLAD, Zemax, FRED, or other optical modeling software
• Fluent in the production of optical breadboards using standard components
• Understanding of optical component assembly/packaging processes desired
• Strong verbal and written English communication skills

Duties and responsibilities

• Assumes optical engineering responsibilities for optical component, module, or subsystem design from concept through final qualification
• Coordinates with lead optical and opto-mechanical engineers and scientists in transfer to engineering prototypes
• Performs component (active and passive) specification, design development, and qualification in the lab and on-system
• Delivers qualification reports and makes recommendations for improvements and further work
• Processes purchase requisitions, purchase change orders, and requests for quotes to suppliers
• Interacts closely with development engineers, supply chain engineers, suppliers, and QA to resolve quality issues
• Participates in preliminary and critical design reviews
• Performs other duties as required

Education and experience

• Master’s degree in applicable field (or bachelor’s with 2+ years work experience in relevant field)
• Experience with sequential and non-sequential optical design and analysis software (such as: Zemax, FRED)
• Experience with mathematical analysis tools such as MatLab and/or LabView
• Experience with working in an optical laboratory and familiarity with optical metrology tools an advantage
• Experience with the design and alignment of high-power laser systems and reflective focusing systems an advantage
• Familiar with working in gated project development cycle (PDP) an advantage
• Requirement to report on project progress with strong written and verbal communication skills
• Skilled in using a variety of computer applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, e-mail) required

Background

• Optical system and component specification
• Optical system design, analysis, and tolerancing
• Stray light analysis
• High-power NIR solid-state lasers and modulators (EOM, AOM, etc.)
• Polarization management
• Optical sensors and imaging components

Duties and responsibilities

• Co-design, assembly, and test of optical systems. Examples of systems include flow cytometers, PCR systems, custom microscopes, and optical sensors requiring unique imaging and illumination systems
• Ability to work within an interdisciplinary team
• Work with the mechanical engineering team to define tolerances, and alignment methods and implement Optomechanical designs
• Perform hands-on tests, with data collection, analysis, and presentation of data to project teams and customers
• Provide guidance to manufacturing engineers
• Ability to be onsite at our Sunnyvale location for optics testing and support troubleshooting efforts
• A proven track record for troubleshooting problems
• You need to be confident, capable of collaborating on multiple projects with interdisciplinary teams, and comfortable developing new and existing optics, both independently and in small teams
• Your innovation is welcome and encouraged, but you must also be capable of working within project constraints and retaining compatibility with legacy designs

Required education

• Minimum BSc in applied physics or chemistry with emphasis on optics
• At least 2-5 years of experience in a relevant field

Experience

• Work with senior staff to design optical systems
• Assembly and test of imaging and illumination systems
• Knowledge of ZEMAX or similar optical simulation packages
• Experience with Solidworks preferred
• Experience with optical solutions such as lens design, fiber optics, and non-imaging optics preferred
• Development of optical systems from concept through prototypes to the introduction of manufacturing is preferred
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly with interdisciplinary teams, both verbally and in writing