Sr. Optical System Engineer

As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team,you’lldiscover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer. We provide our teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while advancing solutions to some of the world’s toughest challenges.

Description

We are seeking an experienced Optical Systems Engineer to architect and develop advanced optical systems for FTIR, NIR, and Raman spectroscopy instruments. This role focuses on system-level design, optical modeling, and cross-functional integration of complex photonic systems. The ideal candidate combines strong opticalexpertisewith systems engineering experience and thrives in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop optical systems, including imaging, illumination, sensing, or laser-based subsystems 

• Translate product requirements into optical architectures and system-level specifications 

• Perform optical modeling and simulation (e.g.,Zemax, Code V,LightTools) 

• Drive tolerance analysis, error budgeting, and performance optimization 

• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, and manufacturing teams to ensure robust system integration 

• Own system-level trade studies and design decisions balancing performance, cost, and manufacturability 

• Guide prototyping, testing, and validation of optical systems 

• Develop and execute test plans; analyze data and iterate designs accordingly 

• Support transfer to manufacturing, including alignment strategies and yield improvement 

• Troubleshoot complex optical/system-level issues in development and production 

• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical leadership within the team 

• Interface with external vendors and partners for components and subsystems 

Requirements

• Advanced DegreeinOptical Engineering,Physicsor related disciplineplus 3 years of experience, orBachelor's Degreeplus 5 years of experience developing complexopticalsystems

• Strong understanding of optical principles, including geometrical optics, wave optics, diffraction, and polarization

• Experience with optical design and simulation tools (e.g.,Zemax)

• Experience designing and analyzing optical systems such as imaging systems, lasers, fiber optics, or photonic devices

• Familiarity with laboratory optical equipment (e.g., interferometers, spectrometers, alignment tools)

• Knowledge of optical tolerancing, fabrication processes, and metrology techniques

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability tooptimizecomplex systemperformance

• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams across mechanical, electrical, and software engineering

• Programming experience (Python, MATLAB, or similar) for data analysis, modeling, or automation

• Experience working in regulated development environments (e.g., medical devices, aerospace, defense) is a plus

• Knowledge of opto-mechanical design considerations and thermal effects in optical systems

• Familiarity with ISO or other relevant industry standards

• ExperienceleveragingAI/ML or generative AI tools to enhance data analysis, optical modeling, or engineering productivity (e.g., code generation, data interpretation, or design exploration)

• Awareness of how AI/ML techniques may be applied to instrument data processing, signal analysis, or systemoptimization

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to contribute to technical documentation and design reviews

• Demonstrated ability to manage technical work independently while contributing to team deliverables