Optical Engineer

Company Overview: Hamilton Company is a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of manual, semi-automated and robotic products for precision fluid measuring. We specialize in the development, manufacturing and customization of precision measurement devices, automated liquid handling stations, and sample management systems. For more than 60 years, Hamilton has been satisfying customer needs by combining quality materials with skilled workmanship, ensuring the highest level of performance of every precision fluid measuring device we manufacture. Responsibilities:

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

Qualifications:

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

Education/Experience:

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

About Hamilton:

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

The work is performed in a laboratory and office environment. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear and to use hands or fingers to handle precision optical instruments, tools, and components. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus (essential for optical alignment work). The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.