Optical Engineer Jobs in Charlottesville, VA (NOW HIRING)

Cerillo’s Optical Engineer is a specialized member of the Engineering team responsible for designing, developing, and validating the precision optical systems at the heart of Cerillo’s compact microplate readers. Drawing on a deep understanding of optical theory and applied principles, particularly in commercially available instrumentation, the Optical Engineer defines optical architectures for multi-wavelength absorbance measurement, selects and qualifies optical components, and establishes repeatable system designs to achieve the high sensitivity and accuracy demanded by Cerillo’s customers. The role requires close collaboration with electrical and mechanical engineers to integrate optical systems into compact, low-power, environmentally robust instruments.

Cerillo is a Charlottesville, VA-based HAMILTON Company subsidiary focused on advancing human, environmental, and ecological health through its suite of innovative laboratory instrumentation. Through its Rayo platform of compact, precision microplate readers and the Canopy real-time monitoring system, Cerillo equips academic, government, and biotech/pharma researchers with affordable, accessible tools that ensure consistency and reproducibility.

We are seeking an Optical Engineer which will be a specialized member of the Engineering team responsible for designing, developing, and validating the precision optical systems at the heart of Cerillo’s compact microplate readers. Drawing on a deep understanding of optical theory and applied principles, particularly in commercially available instrumentation, the Optical Engineer defines optical architectures for multi-wavelength absorbance measurement, selects and qualifies optical components, and establishes repeatable system designs to achieve the high sensitivity and accuracy demanded by Cerillo’s customers. The role requires close collaboration with electrical and mechanical engineers to integrate optical systems into compact, low-power, environmentally robust instruments.

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• 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

• 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

• 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