Senior Optics Engineer

About Sea-Bird Scientific

Sea‑Bird Scientific, part of Veralto Corporation, is the world’s largest developer and manufacturer of products for the measurement of salinity, temperature, pressure, dissolved oxygen, fluorescence, nutrients and related oceanographic parameters in marine waters. We support best‑in‑class oceanography and climate science in an entrepreneurial, team‑centered, quality‑focused environment that values purpose and possibility.

• Permissive PTO
• Flexible working hours
• Professional onboarding and training options
• Career coaching and development opportunities
• Health benefits
• 401(k)

Senior Optics Engineer – Bellevue, WA (on‑site)

Lead the development of next‑generation submersible sensors that measure oceanographic parameters using fluorescence, transmissometry, and radiometry. Serve as the subject‑matter expert for optical components and sensing systems, architecting compact, energy‑efficient platforms for harsh underwater environments.

• Act as the SME for optical systems, guiding selection and integration of spectrometers, detectors, light sources, fibers, gratings, and related technologies.
• Design, model, and prototype optical and opto‑electronic subsystems for underwater instruments (e.g., fluorescence, back scatter, absorption).
• Develop and validate electronic interfaces for optical sensors, including analog front‑end circuitry, photodiode amplifiers, and A/D conversion stages.
• Collaborate with electrical and mechanical engineers to ensure low‑noise signal acquisition and long‑term reliability.
• Create algorithms and firmware for signal conditioning, noise filtering, and calibration of optical data streams.
• Lead lab and field calibrations, ensuring traceability and repeatability across optical systems.
• Support PCB layout and thermal design for opto‑electronic modules operating under high‑pressure, low‑temperature conditions.
• Innovate new optical architectures focused on miniaturization, energy efficiency, and ruggedness.
• Design and execute experiments to validate performance at both component and system levels.
• Document designs, test results, and analysis to support product development and internal knowledge sharing.
• Provide technical leadership in root‑cause analysis of field failures and warranty claims.
• Stay ahead of advancements in optical science and component technologies, identifying opportunities for innovation.

• MSc in physics electro‑optics, optical engineering, or related field (PhD preferred).
• 7+ years of demonstrated experience in electro‑optical sensor design and development.
• Proven expertise in physical optics, with ability to design high‑sensitivity, low‑noise, and high‑accuracy sensors.
• Strong experience with LEDs, lasers, detectors, optical glasses, gratings, fibers, and optical filters.
• Proficiency in optical modeling and system design tools.
• Demonstrated ability to incorporate low‑cost, low‑power, and modularity considerations into sensor design.

Annual base salary range: $130,000 – $150,000 USD. Eligible for bonus pay. Full benefits package includes paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k) for eligible employees.

Veralto Corporation and all Veralto Companies are committed to equal opportunity employment under the laws of the United States and for all lawful equivalents in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. We value diversity and the existence of similarities and differences, both visible and not, found in our workforce, workplace, and throughout the markets we serve. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.