Optical Engineer

Prolific Machines is ushering in a new era of biotechnology with light. Our first-of-its-kind optogenetic platform delivers unprecedented control, precisely guiding cellular behavior when and where it matters most. Unlike existing tools used to control biology, our technology enables dynamic, tunable control over virtually any cellular function in any cell type. We're enabling partners to unlock robust efficiency, quality, and reproducibility advantages across the most complex pharmaceuticals and therapeutic proteins.

Prolific is supported by leading investors, including Bill Gates’s Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Mayfield and SOSV.

This is a hands-on engineering role that offers the opportunity to build deep expertise in optical systems, robotic calibration and automation, and the characterization of light interactions with biological systems.

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. Over time, this role will develop increasing ownership of optical subsystems and technical projects that ultimately enable faster and cheaper therapeutics manufacturing and expand the range of applications made possible by Prolific’s illumination technology.

Success in this position requires strong systems thinking and comfort operating both as a scientist and as an engineer. The ideal candidate enjoys working in person, operating close to real-world systems, and is comfortable applying and developing skills to pioneer solutions in an area where academic research is sparse.

This role will be primarily based on-site in Emeryville, CA.

• Own and continuously improve the calibration systems and processes used to characterize and validate Prolific’s illumination hardware.
• Support the Lead Optical Engineer's optical simulation and modeling efforts, contributing measurements, analysis, and prototypes that inform system design and performance, with opportunity to grow into running simulations and owning modeling work streams over time.
• Develop and execute experiments to characterize light delivery within complex bioreactor geometries and operating conditions, analyzing the resulting measurements to identify trends, validate optical models, and improve understanding of system performance.
• Collaborate closely across mechanical, electrical, firmware, data, biology, and bioprocess engineering to connect optical performance with cell culture behavior and process outcomes.
• Contribute to projects that deepen Prolific’s understanding of the relationship between light, bioreactor environments, and biological response, helping translate those insights into improved illumination systems and new applications.

• 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,…