People Matter

Staff Optical Engineer

Ultima Genomics

Ultima Genomics

Other Engineering
Fremont, CA, USA
Posted on Saturday, March 2, 2024

Rapidly growing life sciences technology company

Ultima Genomics is a rapidly growing company that is developing ground-breaking genomics technologies. Our mission is to continuously drive the scale of genomic information to enable unprecedented advances in biology and improvements in human health. We have developed a foundational new approach to sequencing at scale that overcomes limitations due to the high costs of current technologies. We are well-funded and have raised approximately $600 million from global top-tier investors. Our team brings together unique and diverse expertise across multiple disciplines, from healthcare and life sciences, to engineering, to technology and software and beyond. We are a collaborative group of more than 350 employees, including successful entrepreneurs, chemists, hardware and software engineers, genomics and biotechnology experts, molecular and computational biologists, software and algorithm experts, and operations and commercial leaders. Join us to develop and commercialize technologies that unleash the power of genomics at scale and empower the future of human health.

We are looking for a highly motivated Staff Optical Engineer to join our team!

As a Staff Optical Engineer at Ultima Genomics, your central responsibility will be to develop, refine, and commercially deploy sophisticated optical systems for high-speed biological imaging applications. Engaging with multidisciplinary teams, you'll drive technological advancements that enhance our DNA sequencing platform. This role is a prime opportunity for an optical engineer to exercise leadership and leave a marked impact within the rapidly expanding genomics industry.

How You’ll Contribute

  • Lead the conceptualization, simulation, design, prototyping, testing, and validation of advanced high throughput fluorescence imaging systems.
  • Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, systems, and software engineering teams to integrate the optical subsystem into the sequencer.
  • Provide subject-matter expertise and mentorship to emerging engineering talent within the team.
  • Continuously monitor technological progressions in the field of optics and strategically incorporate these developments into the product roadmap.
  • Implement design-for-manufacturing (DFM) principles specifically tailored to optical systems, including the development of specialized alignment and assembly tooling as well as automation and validation scripts.
  • Engage in the prototyping and empirical testing phases for optical subsystems and complete systems.
  • Perform mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive root cause of failure analysis in conjunction with empirical validation.

Qualifications, Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

  • BA/BS in optical engineering, physics, or related field and 10+ years of relevant work experience (industry preferred).
  • Advanced competency in the application of optical design and simulation software (e.g. Zemax or Code V), coupled with expertise in analysis script development (e.g. Python or Matlab).
  • Exceptional interpersonal communication abilities tailored to both technical and executive audiences and adeptness in interdisciplinary team engagement.
  • Comprehensive grasp of both ray optics and Fourier optics principles.
  • Adept in the practical assembly, calibration, and diagnostics of high-accuracy optical systems.
  • Analytical capabilities to resolve operational and reliability complications within optical systems.
  • Other duties as assigned.

At Ultima Genomics, your base pay is one part of your total compensation package. This role pays between $155,000 and $175,000, if performed in California, and your actual base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits. This role is also eligible for a competitive benefits package that includes: medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; flexible spending & health savings account; paid holidays; paid time off; employee assistance program; and other company benefits.

Ultima Genomics is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable laws. See also Ultima Genomics’ EEO Policy and EEO is the Law. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by contacting recruiting@ultimagen.com.