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Sr/Principal Optical Systems Engineer-Medical

Attractive New England Location, 160-180k package, attractive benefits
ENGAGED SEARCH JUNE 2026

About RA’s Client:

Our client is a global leader with more than 6 decades of experience and accomplishment developing challenging and ambitious optical ideas for Life Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing and Aerospace and Defense applications into tangible solutions and products. This multinational industry leader brings European precision engineering and optical know how to optical manufacturing. Their commitment to working closely with customers to develop custom high-performance solutions is a hallmark of their company ethos. Our client’s newly expanded US operation designs, develops and manufactures precision medical optical instruments for imaging and illumination. Their East Coast operation is fast paced, collaborative and supportive growing in scope and adding to their impressive Optical and full-scope product development and manufacturing capabilities. This is a unique opportunity to join a small team within a larger global organization, focused on building a high-precision optical, optomechanical engineering and manufacturing company.

About This Role:

The Sr / PRINCIPAL OPTICAL SYSTEMS ENGINEER will work from our client’s newly expanded New England office/production facility. This person will lead a small interdisciplinary team, be a technical project leader, interface with customers. The position reports to the Director of Engineering and Production and will serve as a subject matter expert, SME, focused on developing new designs and processes related to advanced optics assemblies and systems for the biomedical market with particular emphasis on optical test, alignment and assembly processes. The ideal candidate will be highly experienced, self-motivated with a passion for learning, and excited to grow and shape the role in our client’s innovative and growing environment.

US Citizens or US persons only

Requirements of the Position:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field (Master’s / PhD degree highly preferred).

Experience: Minimum of 10+ years of progressive professional experience in optical or optomechanical product development, with at least 5 years specifically in the medical device industry or other highly regulated environments strongly desired (defense, space, semiconductor).

Skills and Abilities:

• Significant background in leading optical design, test, assembly and engineering efforts from concept to production in regulated environments.
• Proficiency in optical design and simulation software (Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, LightTools, or FRED) with extensive experience in imaging and non-imaging system design, development, assembly, alignment, test/metrology.
• Deep expertise in first-order optical layout, aberration theory, stray light analysis, radiometry, and tolerancing of complex optical systems.
• Mastery of optical drawing standards (ISO 10110) and familiarity with metrology equipment (interferometers, spectrometers, MTF stations).
• Expert-level understanding and practical application of ISO 13485 and FDA design control regulations, including risk management (ISO 14971) and usability engineering.
• Extensive background in identifying and managing critical vendor relationships for specialized optical component fabrication and coating.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, capable of presenting complex technical information to diverse audiences internally and externally (customers, executives, regulatory bodies).
• Demonstrated ability to mentor junior/mid-level engineers and contribute to strategic planning and the technical roadmap.

Pay and Benefits:

• Competitive salary; offer commensurate with experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance: 100% employer paid for employee coverage with company HSA contribution
• STD, LTD and Life
• Generous paid time off, including parental leave
• 401k with 4% company match; 100% vested

Flexible and professional work environment

Responsibilities of the Position:

• Serve as a primary technical lead and subject matter expert (SME) in high-level customer engagements, translating complex requirements into robust optical specifications.
• Lead the conceptualization, development, and evaluation of optical systems using accepted engineering principles to push boundaries in image quality, efficiency, and manufacturability.
• Direct and perform advanced optical modeling, sequential and non-sequential ray tracing, and performance simulations to optimize and evaluate designs.
• Lead the strategy and execution of prototyping efforts, including hands-on optical assembly, active alignment, and functional integration.
• Architect and oversee comprehensive Verification & Validation (V&V) test plans, protocols, and reports ensuring full compliance with ISO 13485.
• Lead root cause analysis to solve complex challenges related to optical system performance, image quality, and assembly tolerances.
• Provide senior engineering leadership during design transfer to manufacturing, resolving complex challenges and implementing DFM (Design for Manufacturing) improvements for optics.
• Act as a leader in risk management activities and advocate for maintaining an ISO 13485 certified Quality Management System.

RA’s client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, familial status, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.