Research Development Engineer Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

Senior Optical Engineer

Help advance and integrate proven optical technologies into next-generation ophthalmic systems with real clinical impact.

PulseMedica is building ophthalmic imaging and laser systems using established optical technologies. While our team is based in Edmonton, Alberta, we welcome applicants from across Canada, the United States, and internationally. For the right candidate, we offer relocation assistance, immigration support, and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful clinical technology.

As a Senior Optical Engineer, you will take technical ownership of advanced optical systems from design through deployment, and play a key role in bringing next-generation imaging and laser treatment technologies from concept to clinical use. You will work closely with a fast-moving, multidisciplinary engineering team where your expertise directly influences system performance, reliability, and patient impact.

If you're passionate about applying your optical engineering expertise to meaningful, real-world medical applications, this is an opportunity to help shape a system that will make a difference in ophthalmic care.

About Us

PulseMedica is redefining the landscape of ophthalmic technology by developing breakthrough imaging and laser technologies for ophthalmic disease. Recognized as a Great Place to Work for four consecutive years, we’ve built a culture where innovation thrives and multidisciplinary teams solve complex challenges at speed. Our technology blends real‑time computer vision, deep learning, and 3D imaging with high‑precision laser systems to create new treatment solutions to prevent vision loss. By uniting cutting‑edge research with scalable engineering, PulseMedica is creating treatment solutions that position the company to be at the forefront of the next generation in eye care.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design, development, and deployment of multi-channel integrated laser scanning imaging and treatment systems for ophthalmic clinical applications. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background, hands-on experience with optical systems, and the ability to mentor junior engineers while working in a fast-paced, cross-functional team environment.

In this role, you will:

• Drive end-to-end optical system development—from early-stage concepting and modeling to prototype validation and integration into clinical devices.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with mechanical, electronics, software, and systems engineers to ensure cohesive system performance.
• Serve as a technical mentor to optical and junior engineers, strengthening the team’s technical depth.
• Contribute to both research-driven development and product-focused engineering, helping translate proven technologies into reliable medical devices.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of optical imaging and laser treatment systems for ophthalmology applications.
• Specify and select optical and photonic materials, components, and devices.
• Analyze and optimize end-to-end optical system performance.
  Design and execute experiments, test plans, and qualifications for optical components and systems.
• Develop and implement system test methods to validate optical performance.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to integrate optical designs into final products.
• Design new fixtures and equipment to support optical system development and qualification.
  Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Manage project tasks, ensuring milestones are met within established timelines.

Qualifications & Experience

• Master’s or Doctorate in Optical Science, Optical Engineering, Engineering Physics, or related field with relevant coursework in geometric optics, physical optics, radiometry, Fourier optics, and fiber optics.
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience with optical imaging devices, multimodal systems, and optical test equipment.
• Experience working in a lab environment to validate system characteristics and performance.
  Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to think critically at both the system and component levels.
• Ability to balance cost, schedule, and quality objectives while maintaining technical excellence.
• Experience with technical leadership and mentoring.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work on multiple projects concurrently.

Preferred Qualifications (Assets)

• Experience in ophthalmology imaging and laser treatments.
• Knowledge of modeling and simulation of optical systems.
• Experience analyzing, tolerancing, and designing optical systems using CODEV (or Zemax). Advanced modelling skills integrating macros and Matlab or Python COM interfaces, are desired.
• Proven laboratory skills including design, documentation, and execution of complex optical experiments.
• Experience designing optical systems for medical/ophthalmological equipment.
• Strong leadership skills in a cross-functional engineering environment.
• Experience specifying optical components using both MIL standards and ISO 10110.
• Experience reading and specifying mechanical drawings with some understanding of GD&T.
• Excellent written communication and documentation skills.
• Experience with femtosecond-based devices.
• Experience with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) technology.

Anticipated Start Date: as soon as a suitable candidate is found

Duration: Full time Permanent (40 hours per week)

Salary: Commensurate to experience and qualifications

Location: Edmonton 

What you can expect from PulseMedica:

• Competitive compensation, health, dental and vision benefits and the option to participate in our employee stock option plan
• A role that contributes to helping change people’s lives by enhancing their vision
• A unique opportunity to build, grow, and be part of a team that is going to revolutionize a multi-billion dollar industry
• Hybrid work
• Free on-site gym (Jackson’s Gym)
• Growth Opportunities
• Monthly team social events
• Working for a company that was recently Great Place to Work certified! 

We believe that diverse teams perform better and that fostering an inclusive work environment is a key part of growing a successful team. We welcome people of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply for this position.