Optical Engineer

Prolific Machines, Emeryville, California

The role

This role will own the execution and continuous improvement of optical calibration processes for illumination systems and the characterization of hardware system optical properties and biological optical properties. You will work closely with the Lead Optical Engineer to enable optical simulations, modeling, prototyping, and experiments that inform system design and performance.

This individual will collaborate with Hardware, Data, Biology, and Bioprocess Engineering teams on projects aimed at understanding the complex relationship between light delivery methods, bioreactor conditions, and cell culture performance. The work will span laboratory experimentation, optical characterization, data analysis, simulation, and system development, helping translate fundamental insights into reliable engineering solutions.

Posted pay

$115K–$175K

a year

Compared with similar jobs

This base pay is below the median for hardware and robotics jobs in the Bay Area with no level in the job title.

Median: $174K a year
Other jobs in the group: 547

We compare the middle of each posted range. This is base pay as posted. The group does not include this job.

Location

Emeryville, California

Work type

Onsite

Level

Not given

Experience

4+ years

Skills in the job text

Python

Posted

Aug 31, 2026

Last check

10 h ago

Job type

Hardware and robotics

The role

What you need

Requirements

PhD, MS with 2+ years, or BS with 4+ years of industry experience, in Optical Engineering, Optical Sciences, Photonics, Physics, Applied Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
Strong foundation in optics, including geometric optics, radiometry, and optical measurement techniques.
Hands-on experience setting up, aligning, characterizing, and troubleshooting optical systems in a laboratory environment.
Experience developing and executing calibration procedures for illumination systems, optical components, and sensors.
Experience using optical measurement equipment such as spectrometers, photodiodes, power meters, cameras, or related instrumentation.
Experience working with light sources and optical delivery components, including LEDs, lasers, and fiber optics.
Proficiency with Python for instrument control, automation, data analysis, modeling, and visualization.
Demonstrated ability to design and execute experiments, analyze data, and communicate conclusions clearly.
Experience debugging complex systems involving optical, mechanical, electrical, and software components.
Ability to develop clear, reproducible documentation for calibration methods, experimental procedures, results, and technical findings.
Ability to translate physical models and experimental results into practical engineering recommendations.

About You

Enjoys taking projects all the way from concept to deployment.
Comfortable in a dynamic startup environment with evolving requirements.
Thrives in multidisciplinary environments alongside scientists, engineers, and operators.
Curiosity and willingness to develop expertise in the interaction between light delivery, bioreactor environments, and biological systems.
Comfortable working through technical ambiguity and adapting as priorities and requirements evolve.
Excited to enable a technology and end product that will have a positive impact on people’s lives.

Benefits: Generous equity package in an early stage company, retirement plan with company contribution, flexible PTO with healthy time off minimums, company-covered medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, career coaching, mental health support, free team lunches everyday, great snacks, and companywide social events!

Location: The San Francisco Bay Area (Emeryville, CA)

Optical Engineer

The role

Optical Engineer

The role

What you will do

What you need

Requirements

About You

Nice to have

About Prolific Machines

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Company facts

Prolific Machines

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