Lead Opto‐Electronics Engineer

Do you want to be part of a business that genuinely values entrepreneurialism
, innovation and individual accountability? We focus on our customers and are proud of the difference our technology makes. We partner with some of the biggest manufacturing companies in the world and our technical innovations are used to enhance well-known brands across multiple industries.

Lead Opto‑Electronics Engineer

Engineering - Development

Niwot/Hybrid

Research Director

Established in 1972, Particle Measuring Systems is a global leader for micro-contamination monitoring equipment improving the performance of clean manufactures in the semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries. We’re a growing technology company in Niwot, Colorado, the heart of the Rocky Mountains. We offer an exceptional and rewarding work environment in a great place to live. Our employees enjoy challenging projects in the development and manufacture of light scattering particle counters and diverse technologies and applications.

We are looking for a Lead Opto‑Electronics Engineer who will contribute to the Engineering Research & Development team, ensuring alignment with company goals and delivery of innovative, reliable photonic detection solutions. This role is responsible for setting technical direction and providing expert guidance. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, decision‑making, and communication skills; build collaborative relationships across functions; and maintain a commitment to professional excellence, quality, and continuous improvement.

The Lead Opto‑Electronics Engineer is a senior technical leadership role focused on very low‑level light detection, optical imaging, and advanced photonic instrumentation. They will lead the development of high‑sensitivity detection systems with emphasis on maximizing signal‑to‑noise ratio through detector selection, amplifier architecture, low‑noise circuit design, and precision PCB layout. They will serve as a subject matter expert in photonic detectors and interfacing circuitry for scientific instrumentation.

• Design and develop ultra‑low‑noise, high signal‑to‑noise analog front‑end electronics for optical detection systems
• Define requirements and specifications for photonic detectors (photodiodes, APDs, SPADs, SiPMs, and arrays) in collaboration with vendors
• Lead development and evaluation of optical imaging and light collection systems for weak signal environments
• Analyze detector physics, noise sources, and system level performance limitations
• Research and evaluate emerging photonics and detector technologies to guide R&D direction
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and knowledge transfer to engineering and research staff
• Collaborate with cross functional teams to support advanced instrumentation development programs
• Continuously evaluate processes for improvements in efficiency, quality, and performance
• This role is not all inclusive; responsibilities may evolve to meet organizational needs

• MS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Optical Engineering, or related field
• Significant experience in:
• Very low level light detection systems
• Low noise amplifier design and circuit architecture
• Precision PCB layout for sensitive analog systems
• Optical detection and imaging systems
• Deep understanding of photonic detector devices and associated electronics
• Strong analytical, experimental, and problem solving skills
• Ability to independently evaluate and guide advanced photonics technology directions
• Strong communication, collaboration, and mentoring capability

• PhD in a relevant technical discipline
• Experience with photon counting and TCSPC (time…