Optical Field Test Engineer

Reposted 9 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Foster City, CA
Hybrid
151K-235K Annually
Mid level
Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software • Transportation • Design • Manufacturing
Zoox is an autonomous mobility company that’s created a purpose-built robotaxi to give the world a better way to ride.
The Role
The role involves testing and ensuring reliability of optical sensors for autonomous vehicles, developing processes, conducting field tests, and analyzing data.
Summary Generated by Built In
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Optical Test and Reliability Engineer to join our team. This role will be critical in ensuring the reliability and performance of optical sensors in our large fleet of autonomous vehicles. The engineer will be responsible for developing and implementing testing processes, conducting field tests, and analyzing data to maintain and improve the optical systems.

In This Role, You Will:

  • Optical Characterization - Develop and execute test plans for image sensors and optics in both laboratory and field settings. Measure performance metrics (e.g., resolution, modulation transfer function, stray light, contact angle) under varied environmental conditions
  • Process Development & Refinement - Define scalable processes for maintenance tasks (cleaning, recoating, alignment) and hand off requirements for automation or subcontracting. Continuously refine test fixtures, protocols, and data-capture workflows to boost efficiency and repeatability
  • Develop methods to test performance change in the field (coating degradation, abrasion, contamination) to support statistical models. Work with cross-functional teams to establish service thresholds and refine procedures based on model outputs
  • Present findings, draft technical requirements, and translate complex optics data into clear recommendations for safety-critical deployments
  • Plan and execute field tests of new sensors or hardware variants, troubleshoot on-site, and capture environmental data
  • Coach field technicians on proper handling and inspection procedures

Qualifications:

  • Strong comprehension of image-sensor and optical fundamentals, including key performance metrics and test methods
  • Hands-on experience with optics metrology tools (profilometers, spectrometers, haze meters, contact-angle goniometers, etc.)
  • Demonstrated ability to design and run experiments (DOE), analyze results statistically, and iterate quickly in a “scrappy” hands-on environment
  • Process-development mindset with empathy for field operators and an eye toward automation
  • Basic proficiency with programming (e.g. MATLAB, Python) for data analysis, image processing, or instrument control
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; proven track record coordinating across functional teams
  • Willingness to work in both lab and outdoor settings, and to travel to deployment sites as needed
  • B.S. or higher in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related discipline with optics/camera focus

Bonus Qualifications:

  • Impact: Your work ensures safety-critical vision systems perform reliably in real-world, public-space deployments
  • Variety: From bench-top characterization to field trials, you’ll tackle diverse projects that span optics, reliability modeling, and process innovation
  • Collaboration: Engage with a passionate, cross-disciplinary team committed to pushing the boundaries of sensing and robotics

Top Skills

Matlab
Python
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The Company
HQ: Foster City, CA
2,500 Employees
Year Founded: 2014

What We Do

Zoox is an autonomous mobility company that was founded to provide a safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable future on the road. To achieve that goal, the company has spent the past 10 years creating a purpose-built robotaxi that gives the world a better way to ride.

Why Work With Us

At Zoox, we are working to solve one of the greatest technological challenges of our generation.
From the beginning, we have been focused on our goal of reimagining transportation from the ground up. We are a mission-driven community of innovators working together to create a safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable future on the road.

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