Senior Optical Engineer, R&D

ABOUT THE ROLE Join the R&D team at a defense technology startup developing autonomous directed-energy systems. You will lead optical system design and investigations, applying deep optical expertise to turn designs into robust hardware. WHAT YOU'LL DO - Lead optical design and analysis for core system components. - Drive optical investigations, trade studies, and system-level design decisions. - Specify and evaluate optical components and subsystem architectures. - Partner with mechanical engineers on packaging, housing, and system integration. - Conduct tolerance analysis, performance validation, and design iteration. - Guide alignment, characterization, and testing of integrated optical systems. - Work with vendors and fabricators on feasibility, tolerancing, and manufacturability. - Establish best practices for optical development, validation, and technical documentation. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR - Typically 5 to 10 or more years of senior-level experience in optical engineering, optical design, or related physics-based systems work. - Demonstrated experience designing and analyzing optical systems that were built and operated as hardware, including alignment, characterization, and hands-on debugging. - Strong command of optical theory and experience leading investigations and trade studies that inform system-level decisions. - Experience specifying and evaluating optical components, performing tolerance analysis and validation, and working with vendors or fabricators. - Working familiarity with mechanical packaging and integration, and experience collaborating across engineering disciplines. - Experience with high-power laser optics, ruggedized beam delivery, beam directors, collimators, fast steering mirrors, adaptive optics, or laser communication terminals is relevant. - Experience with Zemax/OpticStudio or Code V, and approximately 1 micron fiber laser systems, is valuable. - BS or MS in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Base salary: $150,000 to $200,000 annually. Visa sponsorship is not available. LOCATION On-site in San Francisco, California, United States.