Senior Optical Engineer, R&D
- Pay
- $150,000 – $200,000 per year
- Location
- San Francisco, CA
- Listed
- 3 days ago
About the Role
Join a defense technology team developing autonomous directed-energy systems. You will lead optical design and investigations for hardware platforms, applying strong optical judgment to help deliver robust systems beyond the lab.
What You'll Do
- Lead optical design and analysis for core system components.
- Drive optical investigations, trade studies, and system-level design decisions.
- Specify and evaluate optical components and subsystem architectures.
- Partner with mechanical engineers on optical packaging, housing, and integration.
- Perform tolerance analysis, validate performance, and guide design iterations.
- Lead or support alignment, characterization, and testing of integrated optical systems.
- Work with vendors and fabricators on manufacturability, tolerancing, and component feasibility.
- Establish practical approaches for optical development, validation, and technical documentation.
What We're Looking for
- Typically 5 to 10 or more years of senior-level experience in optical engineering, optical design, or related physics-based systems work.
- Demonstrated experience designing and analyzing optical systems built and operated as real hardware, including precision alignment, characterization, and hardware debugging.
- Ability to apply optical theory from first principles and lead investigations that inform system-level decisions.
- Experience with optical components and subsystem architectures, vendor collaboration, tolerance analysis, and performance validation.
- Experience collaborating with mechanical engineers on packaging, housing, and integration.
- Relevant experience may include high-power laser optics, ruggedized beam delivery, beam directors, collimators, fast steering mirrors, adaptive optics, or laser communications terminals.
- Experience with Zemax/OpticStudio or Code V, and 1-micron Yb fiber laser systems, is valuable.
- BS or MS in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
Base salary
$150,000 to $200,000 annually. Visa sponsorship is not available.
Location
On-site in San Francisco, California.
From Clera's careers page, first listed on Rolev.ai on November 6, 2026. Rolev.ai is not the employer.
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Common questions
What is the salary for the Senior Optical Engineer, R&D role at Clera?
The Senior Optical Engineer, R&D posting at Clera states compensation of $150,000 – $200,000 per year. Final pay may depend on location, experience, and interview evaluation on Clera's official career site.
Where is the Senior Optical Engineer, R&D job at Clera located?
This Senior Optical Engineer, R&D position at Clera is located in San Francisco, CA. Always check Clera's application page for specific state eligibility or relocation policies.
How do I apply for the Senior Optical Engineer, R&D position at Clera?
This listing links directly to Clera's Ashby application page. You can apply directly on Clera's site, or use Rolev.ai to check your resume fit, generate a zero-hallucination tailored resume and cover letter for this posting, and autofill the Ashby application form in 1 click with the Rolev.ai Chrome extension. You always review the form and press Submit yourself.