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Biomedical Startup Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Jobtailor

Optical Engineer

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced startup environment. Core ... Biomedical Devices * Life Sciences * Optical Safety Assessments * Regulatory Documentation Tools ...

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Biomedical Startup information

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$15

$28

$38

How much do biomedical startup jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for biomedical startup in Virginia is $28.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.09 and $31.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a biomedical startup?

A Biomedical Startup job involves working in an early-stage company focused on developing innovative healthcare solutions, such as medical devices, diagnostics, or biotech therapies. Employees in these roles often wear multiple hats, contributing to research, product development, regulatory processes, and business strategy. The fast-paced environment requires adaptability, problem-solving skills, and a strong understanding of both science and entrepreneurship. It can be highly rewarding, offering opportunities to make a significant impact on healthcare while working at the cutting edge of biomedical innovation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a biomedical startup?

To thrive in a Biomedical Startup, you need a blend of scientific expertise, entrepreneurial acumen, and familiarity with research and development processes, often supported by advanced degrees in biomedical sciences, engineering, or related fields. Proficiency with laboratory equipment, data analysis tools, and familiarity with regulatory requirements such as FDA or ISO standards is highly valuable. Strong soft skills in adaptability, collaboration, and resilience help you navigate the fast-paced and uncertain environment typical of startups. These skills enable you to innovate, successfully bring products to market, and adapt to evolving challenges in the biomedical industry.

What are common challenges faced when working at a biomedical startup?

Working at a biomedical startup often involves managing uncertainty, rapidly shifting priorities, and tight resource constraints as you move from concept to commercialization. Team members may wear multiple hats and need to adapt quickly to changes in project direction or funding situations. While this environment can be high-pressure and demanding, it is also highly collaborative and offers unique opportunities for professional growth and direct impact on project outcomes. The fast-paced nature of the work encourages learning on the job and fosters close teamwork, which can be both challenging and deeply rewarding for those passionate about innovation in healthcare.

What are the most commonly searched types of Biomedical Startup jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Biomedical Startup jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Biomedical Startup jobs in Virginia?

For Biomedical Startup jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Biomedical Startup jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Biomedical Startup jobs in Virginia are:

Biomedical Startup jobs near you
Infographic showing various Biomedical Startup job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,824 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Optical Engineer

Jobtailor

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

  • Design and develop precision optical systems for compact multi-wavelength absorbance microplate readers, including illumination, beam-shaping, filtering, and photodetection sub-systems
  • Determine optical specifications and system requirements for each product design, including wavelength selection, throughput, stray light, and signal-to-noise ratio
  • Select, evaluate, and qualify optical components including light sources, photodetectors, filters, lenses, apertures, and any other relevant subsystems
  • Design mechanical mounts and alignment fixtures to hold optical components in precise geometric positions relative to each other and to the overall instrument, ensuring stable optical alignment through manufacturing and field conditions
  • Develop and repeatable alignment procedures to achieve specified photometric performance across the full wavelength range and across all plate positions
  • Design and build inspection instruments and test setups to characterize optical system performance, detect aberrations, stray light, cross-talk, and deviations from specification
  • Perform optical modeling and simulation using tools such as Zemax OpticStudio, FRED, or equivalent to predict system performance and guide design decisions
  • Collaborate with electrical engineers to define photodetector interface requirements, amplifier specifications, and light emission parameters
  • Collaborate with mechanical engineers to achieve compact, manufacturable optical enclosures with the required positional stability and environmental sealing
  • Develop test methods and acceptance criteria for optical performance at incoming inspection, production, and final qualification stages
  • Troubleshoot optical performance issues identified during development, testing, or production; implement and document corrective actions
  • Support regulatory documentation, risk management, and optical safety assessments as required
  • Contribute to new product concept development and product roadmap planning
  • Perform ad-hoc engineering tasks as directed by the Chief Executive Officer and/or Engineering leadership
Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field required; Master's degree or Ph.D. preferred
  • 3+ years of experience in optical system design and development, preferably in scientific instrumentation, biomedical devices, or life sciences
  • Deep understanding of optical theory including photometry, radiometry, geometric optics, interference, and stray light analysis
  • Proficiency in optical design and simulation software such as Zemax OpticStudio, FRED, or equivalent
  • Hands-on experience designing and assembling precision optical systems including alignment, calibration, and performance verification
  • Experience with absorbance-based or transmittance-based photometric measurement systems strongly preferred
  • Experience designing optical component mounts, alignment mechanisms, and optomechanical interfaces
  • Knowledge of photodetector technologies (photodiodes, silicon photomultipliers, etc.) and their integration with low-noise electronics
  • Ability to develop and execute detailed optical test plans
  • Experience working cross-functionally with electrical and mechanical engineering teams
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a rigorous, data-driven approach to engineering decisions
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced startup environment.
Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in optical system design and development, including proficiency in optical modeling and simulation tools like Zemax OpticStudio and FRED. Capable of collaborating cross-functionally with engineering teams to ensure precision and performance in optical systems for scientific instrumentation.

Highest-signal resume keywords
  • Optical System Design
  • Zemax OpticStudio
  • Optical Component Evaluation
  • Photodetector Technologies
  • Optomechanical Interface Design
ATS Optimization KeywordsHard Skills
  • Optical Theory
  • Photometry
  • Radiometry
  • Geometric Optics
  • Stray Light Analysis
  • Optical Test Plans
  • Precision Optical Systems Assembly
  • Calibration
  • Performance Verification
  • Absorbance-Based Measurement Systems
Soft Skills
  • Analytical Skills
  • Problem-Solving
  • Communication
  • Collaboration
  • Independence
Certifications & Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Optical Engineering
  • Master's Degree or Ph.D. Preferred
Industry Keywords
  • Scientific Instrumentation
  • Biomedical Devices
  • Life Sciences
  • Optical Safety Assessments
  • Regulatory Documentation
Tools & Technologies
  • FRED
  • Optical Simulation Software
  • Test Setups
  • Inspection Instruments
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