Optics and Microfluidics Instrumentation (OMI) Lab

Projects will vary from spectrometers to PCR Cyclers. You may also participate in research studies, data compilation, and paper publications.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Design and prototyping using ECAD and other tools, with emphasis on mixed-signal electronics and programming.
• Conduct tests, analyze, and document results.
• Maintain documentation for projects.
• Assist in paper writing and publication.
• Work with the manufacturing division and third parties on iterative improvements of products.

Skills and Qualifications

• BTech in EE/ECE with 1 year of experience in an NPD/R&D role, preferably in Medical Devices OR demonstrated capability in undertaking complex projects through participation in international competitions/conferences.
• Knowledge of ECAD/PCB design software (KiCAD preferred).
• Good knowledge of analog and digital design principles.
• Knowledge of discrete electronic components, sensor modules and ICs.
• Knowledge of embedded systems/microcontrollers (ESP32xx preferred).
• Skilled in soldering and using test equipment such as logic analysers, oscilloscopes, multimeters etc.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Ability to read and create schematics and layouts.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Basic knowledge of embedded programming.
• Basic knowledge of 3D printing.

Good to have

• Basic MCAD skills.
• Knowledge of IEC standards and design guidelines.
• Optics/Electro-Optics knowledge.
• Experience in SPICE simulation software (LTSpice preferred).
• Experience in RF circuit design and layout.
• Embedded programming knowledge.
• Basic understanding of project management.

What's in it for you?

• Gain the chance to collaborate with a highly skilled team of engineers and biotechnologists who share similar goals.
• Gain experience working in a laboratory environment.
• Expand your engineering skills and expertise in an interdisciplinary environment, engaging in innovative and stimulating projects.

Role Overview

We are seeking a talented and driven Optics Engineer to join our growing engineering team. The Optics Engineer at SMI is expected to possess a strong dual competency in optical system design and electronics engineering. The candidate must be capable of independently designing and developing electronics control systems and PCB hardware that interface directly with optical assemblies, sensors, and actuation mechanisms.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, simulate, and optimize optical systems including lenses, mirrors, and fiber optics.
• Use optical design software (e.g., Zemax/OpticStudio) to model and analyze systems.
• Execute test plans for optical performance verification (MTF, wavefront, throughput, alignment).
• Design and develop electronics control circuits for optical systems including laser drivers, detector bias circuits, and motorized alignment actuators.
• Independently execute end-to-end PCB development — from schematic capture and component selection through layout, fabrication coordination, bring-up, and validation.
• Support integration of optical assemblies into larger systems and products.
• Prepare technical reports, design documentation, and test data packages; maintain design history files and engineering records.
• Present findings and status updates to project stakeholders and management.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or related field.
• 1+ years of hands-on experience in optical system design and development.
• Proficiency in optical design software (Zemax/OpticStudio or equivalent).
• Strong understanding of geometrical and physical optics, aberration theory, and radiometry.
• Familiarity with optomechanical design principles and tolerance analysis.
• Hands-on experience with optical measurement and characterization equipment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing integrated electro-optical modules where the candidate owned both the optical design and the supporting electronics.
• Prior work on opto-electronic product development in a startup, R&D lab, or defense/industrial environment.
• Proficiency in Autodesk Fusion 360 for 3D parametric modelling and optomechanical design.
• Hands-on experience with 3D printing (FDM, SLA, or SLS) for rapid prototyping.
• Experience working in ISO-certified or AS9100 environments.

Projects will vary from spectrometers to PCR Cyclers. You may also participate in research studies, data compilation, and paper publications.

Duties and Responsibilities

• CAD Design and prototyping using 3D printing, Basic electronics, and other tools and processes.
• Conduct tests, analyze, and document results.
• Maintain documentation for projects.
• Assist in paper writing and publication.
• Assist in streamlining product development workflows.
• Work with the manufacturing division on iterative improvements of products.

Skills and Qualifications

• BE/BTech in Mechanical/Mechatronics/Robotics Engineering.
• 1 year of experience in NPD/R&D role, preferably in Medical Devices, OR Participation in engineering competitions/teams conducted by organizations at a state/national level (ASME, SAE, Formula, etc.) while at college.
• Good knowledge of CAD software and design principles (preferably Fusion 360 and SolidWorks).
• Good knowledge of Engineering and System design fundamentals.
• Ability to perform hand calculations and design approximations where necessary.
• Knowledge of FEA fundamentals.
• Knowledge of Materials Science fundamentals and associated failure theories.
• Good knowledge of Electromechanical systems (Relays, Motors, Actuators, etc.) and their associated control systems.
• Ability to read and create mechanical and electromechanical drawings.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Basic knowledge of 3D printing.

Good to have

• Working knowledge of composites.
• Materials science knowledge of plastics and metals.
• DFMEA skills.
• Knowledge of DfM and manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of GD&T, ISO Standard 1101, 2768-1.
• Knowledge of Reliability Engineering techniques.
• Knowledge of open-source FEA tools such as CalculiX.
• Knowledge of heat transfer theories and dissipation systems at an application level.
• Basic understanding of project management.

What's in it for you?

• Gain the chance to collaborate with a highly skilled team of engineers and biotechnologists who share similar goals.
• Gain experience working in a laboratory environment.
• Expand your engineering skills and expertise in an interdisciplinary environment, engaging in innovative and stimulating projects.