Optical Engineer, Precision Instrumentation
Astera Institute· Neuro
AlamedaFull-timePosted 2mo ago
About the role
Design and build precision optical instruments for two-photon imaging and optogenetics in neuroscience, including development of a miniature two-photon microscope and end-to-end ownership of complex instruments from concept to operation.
Responsibilities
- Design precision optical systems for neuroscience experiments, such as large field-of-view, high-speed two-photon imaging and photostimulation microscopes.
- Develop an advanced miniature two-photon microscope capable of simultaneous imaging and photostimulation in freely moving animals.
- Build electronics, control hardware, and software that interface the optical systems with data acquisition and the rest of the research stack.
Qualifications
- PhD, MS, or BS with 3-12 years of experience in optical engineering, biomedical engineering, physics, or a related field.
- World-class generalist with hands-on experience in building precision hardware in high-precision industries (medical devices, robotics, aerospace, semiconductor capital equipment, or scientific instrumentation).
- Experience designing and building hardware that others rely on for real work and keeping it running.
- Resourcefulness in rapidly producing parts (machining, 3D printing, outsourcing as needed).
- Comfort iterating from rough ideas to working instruments with collaborators.
- Deep fundamentals in optical design and fabrication.
- Intellectual curiosity, collaborative mindset, and willingness to learn the science around them.
- Track record of owning complex instruments end-to-end (concept through fabrication, integration, operation).
- Experience making and defending design tradeoffs across performance, manufacturability, cost, and timeline.
- Experience equipping and running an optical workshop, makerspace, or prototyping facility.
Skills
Required:Optical design and fabricationInstrument end-to-end ownershipMechanical design and fabricationElectronics and control systems
Nice to have:Two-photon imaging and photostimulationCAD/CAM and 3D printing
Benefits
- comprehensive benefits package
- total compensation competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications
- equal opportunity employer, value diversity and inclusion
Last updated Sep 23, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.
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