Optical Engineer
Job Location:
Emeryville, CA - USA
Yearly Salary:
Posted:
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
Job Summary
This is a hands-on engineering role that offers the opportunity to build deep expertise in optical systems robotic calibration and automation and the characterization of light interactions with biological systems.
This role will own the execution and continuous improvement of optical calibration processes for illumination systems and the characterization of hardware system optical properties and biological optical properties. You will work closely with the Lead Optical Engineer to enable optical simulations modeling prototyping and experiments that inform system design and performance.
This individual will collaborate with Hardware Data Biology and Bioprocess Engineering teams on projects aimed at understanding the complex relationship between light delivery methods bioreactor conditions and cell culture performance. The work will span laboratory experimentation optical characterization data analysis simulation and system development helping translate fundamental insights into reliable engineering solutions. Over time this role will develop increasing ownership of optical subsystems and technical projects that ultimately enable faster and cheaper therapeutics manufacturing and expand the range of applications made possible by Prolifics illumination technology.
Success in this position requires strong systems thinking and comfort operating both as a scientist and as an engineer. The ideal candidate enjoys working in person operating close to real-world systems and is comfortable applying and developing skills to pioneer solutions in an area where academic research is sparse.
This role will be primarily based on-site in Emeryville CA.
- Own and continuously improve the calibration systems and processes used to characterize and validate Prolifics illumination hardware.
- Support the Lead Optical Engineers optical simulation and modeling efforts contributing measurements analysis and prototypes that inform system design and performance with opportunity to grow into running simulations and owning modeling workstreams over time.
- Develop and execute experiments to characterize light delivery within complex bioreactor geometries and operating conditions analyzing the resulting measurements to identify trends validate optical models and improve understanding of system performance.
- Collaborate closely across mechanical electrical firmware data biology and bioprocess engineering to connect optical performance with cell culture behavior and process outcomes.
- Contribute to projects that deepen Prolifics understanding of the relationship between light bioreactor environments and biological response helping translate those insights into improved illumination systems and new applications.
- PhD MS with 2 years or BS with 4 years of industry experience in Optical Engineering Optical Sciences Photonics Physics Applied Physics Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.
- Strong foundation in optics including geometric optics radiometry and optical measurement techniques.
- Hands-on experience setting up aligning characterizing and troubleshooting optical systems in a laboratory environment.
- Experience developing and executing calibration procedures for illumination systems optical components and sensors.
- Experience using optical measurement equipment such as spectrometers photodiodes power meters cameras or related instrumentation.
- Experience working with light sources and optical delivery components including LEDs lasers and fiber optics.
- Proficiency with Python for instrument control automation data analysis modeling and visualization.
- Demonstrated ability to design and execute experiments analyze data and communicate conclusions clearly.
- Experience debugging complex systems involving optical mechanical electrical and software components.
- Ability to develop clear reproducible documentation for calibration methods experimental procedures results and technical findings.
- Ability to translate physical models and experimental results into practical engineering recommendations.
- Experience with tissue optics and/or scattering media optics.
- Experience performing non-sequential optical modeling using software such as LightTools SPEOS FRED COMSOL or similar.
- Basic laboratory skills including experience working with pipettes and making dilutions.
- Experience using an integrating sphere for optical property characterization.
- Familiarity with uncertainty analysis measurement repeatability error propagation and calibration best practices.
- Exposure to biological biotech pharmaceutical or bioprocessing applications.
- Familiarity with optogenetics cell culture bioreactors or interactions between light and biological systems.
- Experience working on multidisciplinary projects involving optical mechanical electrical software and biological systems.
- Experience with CAD mechanical prototyping machining 3D printing or other techniques used to rapidly build and iterate experimental hardware.
- Enjoys taking projects all the way from concept to deployment.
- Comfortable in a dynamic startup environment with evolving requirements.
- Thrives in multidisciplinary environments alongside scientists engineers and operators.
- Curiosity and willingness to develop expertise in the interaction between light delivery bioreactor environments and biological systems.
- Comfortable working through technical ambiguity and adapting as priorities and requirements evolve.
- Excited to enable a technology and end product that will have a positive impact on peoples lives.
This role is salaried exempt and paid semi-monthly. Starting salary will be dependent upon specific experience knowledge and skillset. The range depending on exact level will typically fall between $115k-$140k for Engineer I and $145k-$175k for Engineer II.
Benefits: Generous equity package in an early stage company retirement plan with company contribution flexible PTO with healthy time off minimums company-covered medical dental and vision insurance life and disability insurance career coaching mental health support free team lunches everyday great snacks and companywide social events!
Diversity: Prolific Machines values diverse perspectives backgrounds experiences and ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where all employees can bring their authentic selves to work and have equal opportunities to succeed. Prolific Machines is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race color religion creed sex gender identity or expression sexual orientation national origin ancestry age disability medical condition genetic information marital status military or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Location:The San Francisco Bay Area (Emeryville CA)
Required Experience:
IC
About Company
Prolific Machines harnesses light to produce everyday essentials more efficiently, from food and lifesaving drugs to novel biosolutions.
