Principal Optical Engineer
Location: Sunnyvale, CA or Bay Area (Hybrid)
About the Company
This company is pioneering next-generation wireless optical communication technology to deliver high-speed connectivity using beams of light. By extending network infrastructure beyond the limits of traditional fiber, the technology enables reliable internet access across dense urban environments and remote regions alike.
The team is composed of highly specialized scientists and engineers working on complex, high-impact problems at the intersection of photonics, hardware, and systems engineering. The organization is transitioning from advanced R&D into scaled global deployment.
The Role
As a Principal Optical Engineer, you will design, integrate, and validate advanced optical systems that are central to wireless optical communication platforms. This role spans large-scale free-space optical systems and compact micro-optics for photonic integration, translating theoretical models into manufacturable solutions.
You’ll work cross-functionally with mechanical, photonics, and manufacturing teams, as well as external partners, to bring designs from concept through production. This is a hands-on, system-level role suited for someone comfortable moving between simulation, design, and lab validation.
What You’ll Do
- Own and drive optical system architecture, design, and specifications for wireless optical hardware
- Design, integrate, and test optical assemblies including afocal telescopes, beam expanders, and micro-optics for photonic integrated circuits
- Develop and optimize designs using Zemax/OpticStudio (SEQ, NSC, POP modes), including simulation and tolerancing
- Conduct optical analysis such as lens design, athermalization, stray light modeling, and beam propagation
- Prototype and validate systems using lab instrumentation (interferometers, cameras, power meters, etc.)
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure scalable and manufacturable designs
- Produce technical documentation and lead design reviews
- Support builds, integration, and vendor engagements as needed
What You’ll Bring
Education & Core Knowledge
- MS or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
- Deep expertise in Zemax/OpticStudio (SEQ, NSC, POP modes)
Strong foundation in:
- Lens design and optical tolerancing
- Optical and mechanical athermalization
- Stray light analysis and ISO 10110
- Gaussian beam propagation and coatings
- Opto-mechanical alignment and integration
- Familiarity with common optical components and vendors (e.g., Thorlabs, Edmund Optics, Newport)
Experience
- Proven track record designing and integrating complex optical systems, ideally in areas such as:
- Free-space optical communication (FSOC)
- LIDAR or photonics-based sensing
- Semiconductor or defense optical systems
- Hands-on experience with lab validation and optical alignment
- Experience with visible and NIR lasers, fiber coupling, and system integration
- Strong understanding of design for manufacturability (DFM/DFx) and working with external manufacturers
- Demonstrated ability to take designs from concept through production
Bonus Points
- Experience with adaptive optics, beam steering, or pointing/acquisition/tracking systems
- Knowledge of microlens arrays and micro-optics for photonic integration
- Background in high-speed photonics or ruggedized/outdoor systems
- Familiarity with environmental and reliability testing (thermal, vibration, etc.)
Why Join
- You’ll be part of a deeply technical, collaborative team working on cutting-edge connectivity solutions with real-world global impact. This is an opportunity to work across the full lifecycle of advanced optical systems—from early modeling to real-world deployment—while contributing to a mission focused on expanding access to high-speed internet.
