Job Application for Senior Director, Optical Engineering at Element Biosciences

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At Element Biosciences, we are passionate about our mission to empower the scientific community with more freedom and flexibility to accelerate our collective impact on humanity. We have built a highly efficient product-driven organization where employees can learn, grow, and thrive in a challenging but encouraging environment. We are committed to scientific integrity, collegiality, honesty, objectivity, and openness.

We’re looking for an inspiring Senior Director of Optical Engineering to drive research and development of our multi-omic imaging platforms. This is an incredible opportunity for someone with strong organizational leadership abilities, deep technical expertise and a passion for building great teams. We are seeking candidates with a strong background in optics, imaging system architecture, modular design and functional management. This role will report to the Senior Vice President, Engineering and be based in San Diego.

If you possess the following and want to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to explore this role.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Group leader and subject matter expert for the optical engineering function
Set goals, provide mentoring and recruit optical engineering staff
Develop optical and imaging system architectures, simulations and supporting documentation
Drive requirements gathering, design, review, qualification and system integration of optical modules
Oversee complex troubleshooting and root cause analysis. Ensure successful production transfer (NPI activities)
Lead vendor selection, ensure productive partner relationships and provide project management support
Shape innovation in our product roadmap by researching new technologies and approaches
Collaborate across hardware, firmware, software, operations, field service and executive management functions

Education and Experience:

Minimum master’s degree in optical engineering with 18+ years of relevant industry experience
Proven track record developing world-class scientific instruments, preferably high-resolution fluorescence microscopy systems
Demonstrated ability to lead complex, multi-disciplinary engineering projects from concept through commercialization
Strong problem-solving, decision-making, motivation and communication skills
At least 10 years of supervisory responsibility overseeing diverse optical engineers and managers
Extensive knowledge of refractive optics principles, practices and tools (incl. optomechanical alignment and system integration
Deep expertise in geometrical & physical optics, high-power illumination, spectral management, autofocus techniques, metrology and laser safety standards
Proficient in optical component selection and integration such as lenses, mirrors, prisms, filters, mounts, sensors and lasers
Mastery of optical design software such as Zemax or Code V. Familiarity with SolidWorks CAD software
Strong optical vendor network and partner management skills
Comfortable with Python, Matlab and / or LabView programming

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to lift 15 pounds

Location:

San Diego, CA

Travel:

Up to 10%

Job Type:

Full-time Exempt

Base Compensation

Pay Range: $180,000 - $255,000

In addition to base compensation, you will be eligible for stock options, discretionary annual bonus, no cost health insurance plans, 401k with company match, and flexible paid time off.

Please Note: Base compensation will depend on multiple factors, including geographic location, qualifications, and experience.

We foster an environment such that all people are afforded the freedom to pursue their passions without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.

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Senior Director, Optical Engineering

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