At Element Biosciences, we are passionate about our mission to empower the scientific community with more freedom and flexibility to accelerate our collective impact on humanity. We have built a highly efficient product-driven organization where employees can learn, grow, and thrive in a challenging but encouraging environment. We are committed to scientific integrity, collegiality, honesty, objectivity, and openness.
We are seeking a talented Staff Optical Systems Engineer to join our team to drive optical systems development of our multiomic discovery platforms, from concept to commercialization. This is a great opportunity for candidates with a strong background in optics, expertise in imaging systems and passion for technology development. Strong engineering fundamentals, rigorous critical thinking, and a methodical approach to troubleshooting and data analysis are essential skills. This role will report to our Senior Director, Systems & Optical Engineering and will be an on-site San Diego based role.
If you possess the following and want to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to explore this role.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
- Drive requirements gathering, design, review, and verification of optical components and systems
- Contribute to the development of optical modules, schematics, simulations, analysis and technical specifications
- Build and integrate complex optical systems that include imaging, illumination, and autofocus systems
- Develop and implement testing methodologies and breadboards to characterize optical component and system performance
- Perform troubleshooting and root cause analysis
- Evaluate design trade-offs for performance, cost, and manufacturability and ensure successful production transfer (NPI activities)
- Undertake vendor identification, evaluation, selection, and collaborative project management activities
- Conduct theoretical and experimental research into new imaging technologies and approaches that support innovation in our product roadmap
- Collaborate across hardware, firmware, software, supply chain, manufacturing and field service functions
- Stay up to date with the latest advancements in the field of optics, photonics and imaging
Education and Experience:
- Minimum bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field with 7+ years of relevant industry experience (or equivalent combination of advanced education and industry experience)
- Experience commercializing world-class scientific imaging devices, preferably involving fluorescent microscopy
- Extensive knowledge of optical design principles, practices and tools such as geometrical optics, physical optics, and optical materials.
- Expertise in optical component selection such as lenses, mirrors, prisms, filters, mounts, sensors and light sources
- Proficient in using optical design software such as Zemax or Code V to analyze optical systems
- Proficient with programming tools/languages for image and data analysis
- Track record of hands-on optical and optomechanical system integration and alignment
- Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills
- Ability to work in a fast paced, interdisciplinary environment and quickly adjust to rapidly evolving technology and priorities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of clearly explaining technical issues and ideas to peers and management
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift up to 20 pounds
Location:
- San Diego – on-site
Travel:
- Up to 5%, if any
Job Type:
- Full-time, Exempt
Base Compensation Pay Range:
- $133,000 - $173,000
In addition to base compensation noted above, you will be eligible for stock options, discretionary annual bonus, no cost health insurance plans, 401k with company match, and flexible paid time off.
Please note: Base compensation will depend on multiple factors, including geographic location, qualifications, and experience.
We foster an environment such that all people are afforded the freedom to pursue their passions without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field, or equivalent advanced education and industry experience
- 7+ years of relevant industry experience
- Experience commercializing scientific imaging devices, preferably involving fluorescent microscopy
- Extensive knowledge of optical design principles, geometrical optics, physical optics, and optical materials
- Expertise selecting optical components including lenses, mirrors, prisms, filters, mounts, sensors, and light sources
- Proficiency with optical design software such as Zemax or Code V
- Proficiency with programming tools or languages for image and data analysis
- Hands-on experience integrating and aligning optical and optomechanical systems
- Strong problem-solving, critical-thinking, and decision-making skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment and adapt to changing priorities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to lift up to 20 pounds
What We Do
Element Biosciences is a multi-disciplinary startup focused on innovating genetic analysis tools for the research and diagnostic markets. We are developing a modular and high-performing DNA sequencing platform that will deliver high-quality data, increase workflow flexibility, and make next-generation sequencing technology more accessible. Our proprietary approach to improving the signal-to-noise ratio allows us to provide groundbreaking innovations in surface chemistry, instrumentation, and biochemistry to drastically decrease run costs and capital costs while delivering high sequencing data quality.
