Sr. Optical System Engineer

LOCATION: This is a fully onsite position based at our Madison, WI site. Unfortunately, relocation assistance is NOT provided.  

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future. 
Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check, which includes a drug screen. 
 

As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer. We provide our teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while advancing solutions to some of the world’s toughest challenges, like protecting the environment, making sure our food is safe or helping find cures for cancer.

The Analytical Instruments Group (AIG) at Thermo Fisher Scientific provides a broad portfolio of instruments, software, and services that support a wide range of laboratory, production, and field applications. Our solutions are used by customers across pharmaceutical, biotechnology, academic, government, environmental, and industrial markets to advance research, improve productivity, and drive innovation. At the Madison, Wisconsin site, our teams design and manufacture advanced spectroscopy instrumentation used by scientists around the world for research, materials science, energy, and industrial applications.

Description 

We are seeking an experienced Optical Systems Engineer to architect and develop advanced optical systems for FTIR, NIR, and Raman spectroscopy instruments. This role focuses on system-level design, optical modeling, and cross-functional integration of complex photonic systems. The ideal candidate combines strong optical expertise with systems engineering experience and thrives in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Design and develop optical systems, including imaging, illumination, sensing, or laser-based subsystems  

• Translate product requirements into optical architectures and system-level specifications  

• Perform optical modeling and simulation (e.g., Zemax, Code V, LightTools)  

• Drive tolerance analysis, error budgeting, and performance optimization  

• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, and manufacturing teams to ensure robust system integration  

• Own system-level trade studies and design decisions balancing performance, cost, and manufacturability  

• Guide prototyping, testing, and validation of optical systems  

• Develop and execute test plans; analyze data and iterate designs accordingly  

• Support transfer to manufacturing, including alignment strategies and yield improvement  

• Troubleshoot complex optical/system-level issues in development and production  

• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical leadership within the team  

• Interface with external vendors and partners for components and subsystems  

Requirements 

• Advanced Degree in Optical Engineering, Physics or related discipline plus 3 years of experience, or Bachelor's Degree plus 5 years of experience developing complex optical systems 

• Strong understanding of optical principles, including geometrical optics, wave optics, diffraction, and polarization 

• Experience with optical design and simulation tools (e.g., Zemax) 

• Experience designing and analyzing optical systems such as imaging systems, lasers, fiber optics, or photonic devices 

• Familiarity with laboratory optical equipment (e.g., interferometers, spectrometers, alignment tools) 

• Knowledge of optical tolerancing, fabrication processes, and metrology techniques 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to optimize complex system performance 

• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams across mechanical, electrical, and software engineering 

• Programming experience (Python, MATLAB, or similar) for data analysis, modeling, or automation 

• Experience working in regulated development environments (e.g., medical devices, aerospace, defense) is a plus 

• Knowledge of opto-mechanical design considerations and thermal effects in optical systems 

• Familiarity with ISO or other relevant industry standards 

• Experience leveraging AI/ML or generative AI tools to enhance data analysis, optical modeling, or engineering productivity (e.g., code generation, data interpretation, or design exploration) 

• Awareness of how AI/ML techniques may be applied to instrument data processing, signal analysis, or system optimization 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to contribute to technical documentation and design reviews 

• Demonstrated ability to manage technical work independently while contributing to team deliverables