Optical Engineer

At Ouster, we build sensors and tools for engineers, roboticists, and researchers so they can make the world safer and more efficient. We’ve transformed LIDAR from an analog device with thousands of components to an elegant digital device powered by one chip‑scale laser array and one CMOS sensor. The result is a full range of high‑resolution LIDAR sensors that deliver superior imaging at a dramatically lower price.

Our advanced sensor hardware and vision algorithms are used in autonomous cars, drones and many other applications. If you’re motivated by solving big problems, we’re hiring key roles across the company and need your help!

We are looking for an Optical Engineer to design our next‑generation LIDAR sensors. The ideal candidate will have experience designing and modeling optical and opto‑mechanical systems to perform over a wide range of environments. This role will also collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and semiconductor experts to define and release products into high‑volume manufacturing. They should be comfortable simulating, designing and validating optical design with real‑world testing.

• Optical design of LiDAR for athermalization and shock/vibe scenarios
• Optical and opto‑mechanical simulations to evaluate system performance and provide feedback for design trades
• Improve / design optical alignment and performance testing equipment
• Opto‑mechanical conceptual design for next generation products
• Manage and provide technical feedback for work done by outside optical consultants
• Tolerancing and sensitivity analysis of optical and opto‑mechanical components along with an understanding of reasonable fabrication tolerances
• Work with vendors to have high‑precision optical and opto‑mechanical components fabricated and verified
• Generate novel IP and work with counsel to document inventions
• Work with quality team to ensure our products meet exacting automotive and industrial standards

• Strong optics fundamentals, with experience using multi‑lens optical systems and semiconductor lasers
• Strong in Zemax (sequential and non‑sequential) optical simulation software, for both optical design, tolerancing, and performance analysis
• Experience with hands‑on, lab‑based optical test setups for validating optical performance metrics
• Experience managing optical component vendors and design consultants
• Experience working with multi‑disciplinary team to iterate on system‑level solutions

• Experience with Structural, Thermal, Optical Performance (STOP) analysis and athermal design are a plus. Solid Works and ANSYS Mechanical are key tools at Ouster.
• Experience working with optical systems designed for production quantities
• MS preferred in physics, optical engineering, mechanical engineering or equivalent

The base pay will be dependent on your skills, work experience, location, and qualifications. This role may also be eligible for equity & benefits. ($184,000 - $225,000)

We acknowledge the confidence gap  do not need to meet all of these requirements to be the ideal candidate for this role.

Ouster is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that pursues and hires a diverse workforce. Ouster does not make employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender‑identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, military status, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws. Ouster also strives for a healthy and safe workplace, and prohibits harassment of any kind.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Ouster considers qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.