Work Schedule
Standard (Mon-Fri)Environmental Conditions
Able to lift 40 lbs. without assistance, Laboratory Setting, OfficeJob Description
LOCATION: This is a fully onsite position based at our Madison, WI site. Unfortunately, relocation assistance is NOT provided.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future.
Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check, which includes a drug screen.
As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer. We provide our teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while advancing solutions to some of the world’s toughest challenges, like protecting the environment, making sure our food is safe or helping find cures for cancer.
The Analytical Instruments Group (AIG) at Thermo Fisher Scientific provides a broad portfolio of instruments, software, and services that support a wide range of laboratory, production, and field applications. Our solutions are used by customers across pharmaceutical, biotechnology, academic, government, environmental, and industrial markets to advance research, improve productivity, and drive innovation. At the Madison, Wisconsin site, our teams design and manufacture advanced spectroscopy instrumentation used by scientists around the world for research, materials science, energy, and industrial applications.
Description
We are seeking an experienced Optical Systems Engineer to architect and develop advanced optical systems for FTIR, NIR, and Raman spectroscopy instruments. This role focuses on system-level design, optical modeling, and cross-functional integration of complex photonic systems. The ideal candidate combines strong optical expertise with systems engineering experience and thrives in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
Key Responsibilities
Design and develop optical systems, including imaging, illumination, sensing, or laser-based subsystems
Translate product requirements into optical architectures and system-level specifications
Perform optical modeling and simulation (e.g., Zemax, Code V, LightTools)
Drive tolerance analysis, error budgeting, and performance optimization
Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, and manufacturing teams to ensure robust system integration
Own system-level trade studies and design decisions balancing performance, cost, and manufacturability
Guide prototyping, testing, and validation of optical systems
Develop and execute test plans; analyze data and iterate designs accordingly
Support transfer to manufacturing, including alignment strategies and yield improvement
Troubleshoot complex optical/system-level issues in development and production
Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical leadership within the team
Interface with external vendors and partners for components and subsystems
Requirements
Advanced Degree in Optical Engineering, Physics or related discipline plus 3 years of experience, or Bachelor's Degree plus 5 years of experience developing complex optical systems
Strong understanding of optical principles, including geometrical optics, wave optics, diffraction, and polarization
Experience with optical design and simulation tools (e.g., Zemax)
Experience designing and analyzing optical systems such as imaging systems, lasers, fiber optics, or photonic devices
Familiarity with laboratory optical equipment (e.g., interferometers, spectrometers, alignment tools)
Knowledge of optical tolerancing, fabrication processes, and metrology techniques
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to optimize complex system performance
Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams across mechanical, electrical, and software engineering
Programming experience (Python, MATLAB, or similar) for data analysis, modeling, or automation
Experience working in regulated development environments (e.g., medical devices, aerospace, defense) is a plus
Knowledge of opto-mechanical design considerations and thermal effects in optical systems
Familiarity with ISO or other relevant industry standards
Experience leveraging AI/ML or generative AI tools to enhance data analysis, optical modeling, or engineering productivity (e.g., code generation, data interpretation, or design exploration)
Awareness of how AI/ML techniques may be applied to instrument data processing, signal analysis, or system optimization
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to contribute to technical documentation and design reviews
Demonstrated ability to manage technical work independently while contributing to team deliverables
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO) is the world leader in serving science. Our mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. With revenues of nearly $11 billion, we have approximately 37,000 employees and serve customers within pharmaceutical and biotech companies, hospitals and clinical diagnostic labs, universities, research institutions and government agencies, as well as in environmental and process control industries. We create value for our key stakeholders through two premier brands, Thermo Scientific and Fisher Scientific, which offer a unique combination of continuous technology development and the most convenient purchasing options. Our products and services help accelerate the pace of scientific discovery, and solve analytical challenges ranging from complex research to routine testing to field applications.
All of our employees share a common set of values - Integrity, Intensity, Innovation and Involvement. Our ability to grow year after year is driven by our ability to attract, develop and retain world-class people who will thrive in our environment and share in our desire to improve mankind by enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer.
If you share in our values and if you're looking for an employer who is strongly committed to developing talent and rewarding achievement, come grow with us at Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Thermo Fisher Scientific is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.