Principal Optical Scientist

Due to EXTENSIVE growth, we are currently looking for folks that share our passion to reveal the invisible!

The Principal Optical Scientist serves as both a hands-on technical leader and mentor.

This is a true player-coach role: you will personally design and deliver advanced optical systems while building and leading an electro-optical design team. You will drive innovation in imaging, sensing, laser systems, fiber optics, and related electro-optic technologies, set technical strategy, and deliver breakthrough performance for next-generation products in a fast-paced, rapidly growing company.

This office-based, full-time, exempt, role will report to the CEO and will be located in Salem, NH.

Key Responsibilities:

• Help define and own the optical architecture and technology roadmap for complex systems, from concept through production.

• Drive rigorous trade studies balancing performance, manufacturability, cost, size, weight, and reliability.

• Perform advanced optical analysis including tolerance analysis, stray light, polarization, diffraction, thermal, and environmental effects.

• Lead or contribute to fiber optic packaging design, including fiber alignment, coupling, connectorization, and hermetic or robust packaging solutions for electro-optic systems.

• Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, systems, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless integration and design for manufacturability (DFM).

• Work extensively at the optical bench to test concepts, characterize performance, and prototype electro-optical systems — remaining hands-on in the lab as needed.

• Guide prototype development, lab testing, characterization, and validation of optical hardware.

• Provide technical coachingwhile fostering a culture of technical excellence.

• Contribute to IP generation, technical publications, and external presentations when appropriate.

• Lead or support technical proposal writing, customer technical discussions, and strategic technology investments.

• Confidently present technical concepts, designs, and program status to senior management and customers.

Qualifications &

Experience:

• Preference will be given to candidates who hold an active S/TS security clearance.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly growing company environment.

• Master’s degree in Optics, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field is required;
PhD is strongly preferred.

• 15+years of experience in the design, test, and transfer to production of complex electro-optic systems, with a proven track record of delivering high-performance optical solutions from concept through manufacturing.

• Deep hands-on experience at the optical bench testing concepts and prototyping electro-optical systems at photodetector packaging and subsystem level

• Hands-on experience with fiber optic packaging, including fiber alignment, coupling efficiency optimization, and packaging for reliability and manufacturability.

• Deep expertise in geometrical and physical optics, imaging systems, and at least one specialized domain (e.g., precision optics, laser systems, or fiber Telcom).

• Mastery of optical design software (and strong proficiency in scripting for test automation (Python, MATLAB).

• Demonstrated ability to operate as a player-coach: delivering high-quality individual technical contributions while effectively building, mentoring, and elevating the performance of a technical team.

• Strong experimental skills: optical lens characterization and alignment, interferometry, BERT testing methodologies, and data analysis. That enjoys working on the optical bench.

• Experience writing technical proposals and presenting complex technical information clearly and confidently to senior management and customers.
• Excellent written and…