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Clera

Senior Optical Engineer, R&D

San Francisco

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hirly's read of this role

Seniority
Senior
Stated salary
$150,000 – $200,000 per year
Country
US
Work mode
On-site / unstated
First seen by hirly
30 Oct 2026

Derived automatically from the posting. Upload your resume above to see how the role scores against it.

the posting

About the Role

As a senior optical engineering specialist on a defense technology R&D team, you will lead optical design and investigations for autonomous directed-energy hardware. Your work will help turn optical concepts into robust systems built for real-world use.

What You'll Do

Lead optical design and analysis for core system components.

Run optical investigations and trade studies to guide system-level design decisions.

Specify and evaluate optical components and subsystem architectures with vendors and fabricators.

Collaborate with mechanical engineers on optical packaging, housing, and integration.

Conduct tolerance analysis, performance validation, and design iterations.

Guide alignment, characterization, and testing of integrated optical systems.

Establish effective practices for optical development, validation, and technical documentation.

What We're Looking For

Typically 5 or more years of relevant experience in optical engineering, optical design, physics, or related hardware engineering.

Hands-on experience designing and analyzing optical systems that were built and operated, including aligning and characterizing precision optical hardware.

Strong command of optical theory and experience debugging hardware and leading investigations from first principles.

Experience with optical trade studies, component selection, subsystem architecture, tolerance analysis, and performance validation.

Experience collaborating with mechanical engineers on optical packaging and integration.

Familiarity with Zemax/OpticStudio or Code V; experience designing high-power laser optics, ruggedized beam delivery, or beam directors is relevant.

A BS or MS in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

Compensation & Benefits

Base salary: $150,000 to $200,000 annually. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Location

On-site in San Francisco, California, with range days.

Original posting on Clera's site ↗

Listed on hirly, a job board. hirly is not the employer: Clera is hiring for this role.

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