Optics Engineer; Hybrid - Wisconsin

Genus PLC has an exciting opportunity for a Staff Optics Engineer (Hybrid - Wisconsin, 4 Days Onsite).

Reporting to the Manager, Systems & Mechanical Engineering, this role will serve as a senior technical leader responsible for advancing the design, development, optimization, and integration of optical technologies that support Genus' flow cytometry-based instrumentation and next-generation product innovation.

The Staff Optics Engineer will provide deep expertise in optical system design, including optical paths, lenses, imaging systems, lasers, photonics, and related technologies. This individual will work across the full product lifecycle, from concept development and technology evaluation through testing, validation, and implementation, while collaborating closely with mechanical, electrical, software, systems engineering, manufacturing, and supplier partners.

This is a highly visible individual contributor role with significant influence across the organization. The successful candidate will establish technical standards, guide complex engineering decisions, mentor developing engineers, and identify innovative technologies that can be adapted to solve current and future business challenges. The ideal candidate combines strong optical design expertise with the ability to communicate technical trade-offs, influence stakeholders, and apply experience gained across multiple products, applications, and industries.

This position is based in Windsor, Wisconsin and follows a hybrid work model, requiring a minimum of four days per week onsite. Travel is expected to be less than 10% and is primarily driven by business needs, integration activities, or occasional professional conferences. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.

The salary range for this position is between $120,000 - $170,000 per year. The salary provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. Genus considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

• Lead the design, analysis, and optimization of optical systems, components, and assemblies.
• Develop optical architectures to meet performance, cost, reliability, and manufacturability requirements.
• Model and simulate optical systems using industry-standard software tools (e.g., Zemax, CODE V, Light Tools, Trace Pro).
• Define optical performance requirements and translate customer or product needs into engineering specifications.
• Conduct tolerance analysis, stray light analysis, thermal effects analysis, and performance trade studies.
• Design and execute optical testing and validation plans, including laboratory characterization and field evaluations.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams to ensure successful product integration.
• Troubleshoot optical system issues and develop corrective actions throughout the product lifecycle.
• Support prototype builds, qualification testing, and production ramp-up activities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to optical design methodologies, testing processes, and manufacturing yields.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership within the engineering organization.
• Participate in design reviews and serve as the subject matter expert for optical engineering decisions.
• Contribute to intellectual property development through invention disclosures, patents, and technical publications.
• Support customer engagements and technical presentations as needed.
• Uphold the Genus core values, mission and vision.
• Position may…