Principal Optical Engineer (Genomics)

Location: San Diego, California; on-site

Salary: $175,000–$210,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.

Company

hirify.global is an early-stage biotechnology company developing genomics and molecular detection platforms that integrate molecular biology, chemistry, and advanced systems engineering.

What you will do

• Own the optical architecture and technical strategy for a high-throughput DNA sequencing platform from feasibility through commercialization.
• Design, model, optimize, and integrate illumination, imaging, and detection paths.
• Perform ray tracing, tolerance analysis, stray-light analysis, and optical optimization in Zemax OpticStudio.
• Develop breadboards and proof-of-concept systems, then build, align, test, and characterize optical prototypes and subsystems.
• Define specifications, drawings, tolerances, and acceptance criteria for custom optical components, coatings, and light sources.
• Lead design reviews, collaborate with cross-functional and external manufacturing partners, and transfer the optical system into production.

Requirements

• 10+ years of industry experience in optical engineering or optical system design, with multiple successfully commercialized products.
• Expertise in Zemax OpticStudio, including sequential and non-sequential modeling, optimization, and tolerancing.
• Hands-on experience with optical engineering workbenches, optical alignment, testing, and characterization.
• Experience collaborating with CROs, CDMOs, and contract manufacturers, including prototype-to-volume manufacturing transfer.
• Deep knowledge of aberrations, diffraction, radiometry, polarization, and detector or sensor selection.
• M.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Optical Sciences, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

Nice to have

• Experience developing ultra-high-sensitivity detection systems, such as fluorescence, single-molecule, or low-light imaging systems.
• Experience with life science instruments, diagnostics, or genomics platforms.
• Working knowledge of optomechanical design, precision alignment, thermal effects, and system calibration.

Culture & Benefits

• Collaborative, cross-functional, R&D-driven environment.
• Opportunity to contribute to foundational genomics and molecular detection technologies at an early stage.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Company-paid life insurance and a 401(k) retirement plan.
• Generous paid time off plus voluntary benefits, employee perks, and discount programs.