Optical Engineer, Early Career

Quartus Engineering

. Design, develop, analyze, and build optical systems on a project-by-project basis .

Posted 11/7/2026full-timeSan Diego • California • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $78,279 - $127,907 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in optical system design and development, applying principles of optics, photonics, and mechanics. Proficient in using optical CAD software and MATLAB for system integration and performance evaluation.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Optical System DesignOptical CAD SoftwareMATLABFundamental Optical PhysicsPresentation Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Optical System DevelopmentTolerance AnalysisCustom Solution DesignSystem Performance EvaluationOptical Components AlignmentMetrologyTestingImaging OpticsNon-Imaging OpticsFourier Optics

Soft Skills

Strong Presentation SkillsAbility to Educate Team Members

Tools & Technologies

ZemaxFRED

Industry Keywords

OpticsPhotonicsMaterials ScienceCleanroom EnvironmentOptical ScienceFundamental Physics

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design, develop, analyze, and build optical systems on a project-by-project basis
Apply principles in optics, photonics, mechanics, and materials science
Design components and systems for short-term and long-term customer solutions
Provide tolerance analysis and recommendations for system performance
Analyze problems and design custom solutions
Prepare detailed PowerPoint or Word reports describing problems, design spaces, solutions, and limitations
Build test stations for evaluating system performance in a hands-on cleanroom environment
Maintain and expand professional and technical knowledge in relevant scientific areas
Educate team members and engineers in optical science and fundamental physics principles

Requirements

What you’ll need

BS or MS in Optics, Physics, or similar Engineering field
0-3 years of experience
Experience using optical CAD software (e.g. Zemax, FRED)
Experience using MATLAB
Experience with alignment and optical components for system integration, metrology, and testing
Strong understanding of fundamental optical physics, including imaging optics, non-imaging optics, Fourier optics, and diffractive optics
Strong presentation skills
Ability to articulate a fundamental understanding of an optical system to non-optical engineers
Must be a US Person (US Citizen or US Permanent Resident)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Discretionary performance-based bonus
Employee stock ownership plan
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
401k plan with company match
Comprehensive benefits
Hybrid work arrangement