Optical Engineer

SiLC is a silicon photonics and optical sensing company building next-generation coherent lidar solutions. We have an immediate opening for a full-time, on-site Optical Engineer in Monrovia, CA. Candidates should have a background in laser-based optical systems. This person will be a key individual contributor in the optical design of complex FMCW lidar products, including laser beam scanners, free-space optical receivers, and collimating/beam-shaping lenses, and will be responsible for optical system analysis and layout.

The ideal candidate has strong communication, lab, and analytical skills.

• Perform optical design and layout in Zemax or CODE V for new and existing SiLC lidar assemblies.
• Design multi-element lenses for beam shaping and collimation.
• Select and characterize photonic components (DFB lasers, isolators, polarize rs, circulators, mirrors, prisms).
• Develop alignment procedures for optical components and subassemblies.
• Characterize the lidar's optical performance (beam quality, scanner accuracy and stability, laser power, and polarization).
• Troubleshoot optical alignment and performance issues.

• B.S. in Physics, Electrical, Mechanical, or Optical Engineering (M.S. preferred); 4 or more years of relevant optical design experience.
• Experience with lens design and optical layout in Zemax (preferred) or CODE V, including multi-element lens design and optimization.
• Strong understanding of Gaussian beam propagation, beam shaping, and free-space optical components (lenses, mirrors, polarize rs, gratings).
• Proficiency in lab measurement of optical/laser parameters (wavelength, polarization, beam divergence/diameter).
• Basic knowledge of optical wave guides and photonic components (DFB lasers, isolators, wave plates, circulators, SOAs, photodetectors).
• Familiarity with stray light/non-sequential ray tracing and tolerance analysis in Zemax.
• Basic knowledge of opto-mechanics.

• Experience with Solid Works.
• Experience with lidar.

• Base salary: $110,000 - $140,000 based on experience level and qualifications
• Other benefits include health/vision/dental insurance, 401(k), etc.