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SalaryWorking with the research and development team, the Optical Engineer will create, improve, or modify products and solutions that solve our customer’s problems (end user needs). Receiving requests/requirements from marketing, sales, customers, and experts, they will play a critical role in the product engineering process, including product definition, scoping, task management & prioritization, rollout, and launch. They may be involved in everything from specification development to design to testing to analysis. In some instances, they may even be involved with the actual development of the manufacturing, assembly, and fabrication processes. As they are specialists within this area of engineering, they are consulted with at every step of the process. This is an on-site position, located in Loveland, Colorado.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Design novel imaging systems, select components, and analyze tolerances to support product development and manufacturing
- Work with suppliers on custom or semi-custom component selection, specification, and qualification
- Assemble and evaluate prototypes – specifically optical characteristics, image quality (MTF), light polarization measurement, thermal characteristics
- Work with suppliers to define, specify optical coatings on prototype components
- Work with contract manufacturers to ramp up production from prototyping
- Maintain detailed laboratory notes of the results of various evaluation experiments
- Test samples and provide analysis of results of testing and experiments
- Evaluate new test / process equipment and tools and make recommendations to management
- Provide requirements or design concepts for optical test fixturesMaintain database of laboratory test results that can be accessed for comparison of data from various evaluation samples
- Document prototype assembly procedures that can be used for subsequent manufacturing process documentation
- Prototyping optical systems using off-the-shelf or diamond-turned components
- Evaluate noise and error propagation of the optical system
- Performs other related duties as assigned
Understanding of Optical Physics and first principles-based approach to problem solving Experience with optical design software such as Code V, LightTools, and Zemax, including tolerance analysis and stray light modeling Experience with SolidWorks a plus Experience with the transfer of new designs and processes to manufacturing Experience with optical system assembly methods and materials Experience with detector interfaces to electronics Familiarity with the tools and techniques needed to characterize optical systems, including resolution, distortion, field curvature and colorimetry Interest in tackling challenging problems, identifying, and discussing solutions supported by data Knowledge of the physics of failure a plus Willingness to try new solutions and share challenges and roadblocks A “how can I help” mindset Ability and habit to apply a sense of wonder and a desire to learn more Awareness of how actions can affect those you work with and the customers and clients you serve Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software Ability to relate across departments, and with other members of staff within the working environment Education, Experience, and/or Certifications: Bachelor’s Degree in Optical Engineering, physics or similar Master’s degree or PhD a plus
