Optical Test Engineer

The role combines fixture setup, test execution, data analysis, troubleshooting, and technical documentation with specialized knowledge of optical systems, image science, and camera performance. Set up and operate test fixtures, cameras, optical sources, measurement instruments, and data-acquisition equipment.

Job Title: Optical Test Engineer
Location: North Reading, MA (4 days onsite)
Duration: 12 month contract
Payrate: $54.81 to $87.69

Job Description:
The Optical Test Engineer supports the validation, characterization, and integration of camera and imaging systems in a hands-on laboratory environment. The role combines fixture setup, test execution, data analysis, troubleshooting, and technical documentation with specialized knowledge of optical systems, image science, and camera performance. The engineer partners with optical, mechanical, hardware, software, and other teams to translate requirements into repeatable test and verification methods and actionable results.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute optical, camera, and imaging-system validation in a laboratory environment.
• Set up and operate test fixtures, cameras, optical sources, measurement instruments, and data-acquisition equipment.
• Develop and document clear, repeatable test procedures for engineering validation and production test.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret test data to evaluate image quality, optical performance, and system behavior.
• Debug failures and isolate issues across optical, electrical, mechanical, software, and calibration interfaces.
• Create scripts or utilities to automate test execution, data processing, visualization, and report generation.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to clarify requirements, define acceptance criteria, and close validation gaps.

Must Have:

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Working knowledge of geometric optics, physical optics, photonics fundamentals, and camera or imaging-system concepts.
• Experience characterizing camera performance, image quality, optical assemblies, or electro-optical systems.
• Basic programming or scripting experience in Python, C#, or a similar language.
• Ability to develop test procedures, execute experiments, analyze results, and produce technical documentation.
• Strong analytical, debug, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Hands-on experience in a laboratory or hardware/software integration environment is a plus.
• Familiarity with optical and electronic test equipment, including cameras, spectrometers, oscilloscopes etc. is a plus.
• Familiarity with concepts such as measurement uncertainty, repeatability, and statistical analysis is a plus.
• Experience supporting engineering validation, design verification, manufacturing test, or new product introduction is a plus.