Simulation Software Engineer Internship Jobs in Charlottesville, VA

• 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

• 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.

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.

• Optical System Design
• Zemax OpticStudio
• Optical Component Evaluation
• Photodetector Technologies
• Optomechanical Interface Design

• Optical Theory
• Photometry
• Radiometry
• Geometric Optics
• Stray Light Analysis
• Optical Test Plans
• Precision Optical Systems Assembly
• Calibration
• Performance Verification
• Absorbance-Based Measurement Systems

• Analytical Skills
• Problem-Solving
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Independence

• Bachelor's Degree in Optical Engineering
• Master's Degree or Ph.D. Preferred

• Scientific Instrumentation
• Biomedical Devices
• Life Sciences
• Optical Safety Assessments
• Regulatory Documentation

• FRED
• Optical Simulation Software
• Test Setups
• Inspection Instruments