What You Will Do:

• Design and validate the optical imaging system for our product. Support new product introduction to the high-volume manufacturing process to support automotive and non-automotive customers.  
• Develop and drive LiDAR optical system architecture, concept & detailed design, prototyping, and performance entitlement validation per the requirements from our clients and the marketing trends.  
• Utilize optical simulation and design CAD software to create the concept and assess feasibility. Optimize and finalize the design in terms of (but not limited to) photon collection efficiency, field of view, beam quality/resolution/MTF, distortion, aberrations, blooming, stray light scattering, mechanical tolerancing sensitivity, thermal stability, manufacturability, etc.  
• Drive design completion regarding both optics and optomechanical fit & precision, prototype procurement, assembling, troubleshooting, and verification on performance vs. design.  
• Develop and implement test methods for optical system quality w/ laser source.  
• Cooperate with optics outsource vendors and overseas manufacturing partners, optimize products and processes, as well as drive quality control to enable volume production.  
• Work with other functional engineers to complete projects in a fast-paced R&D and NPI environment. 

Who You Are:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Optical Engineering or related disciplines with at least 8 years of working experience. OR A master’s/Ph.D. degree in Optical Engineering or related disciplines with at least 5 years of working experience. 
• Has a deep understanding of optical physics and proven experience with optical imaging systems. Has good hands-on skillset in optical system alignment, characterization, and validation. 
• Has extensive experience with novel optical system development, materials including glass and plastic, and processes including diamond turning, injection molding, and micro-machining for integrated optics. 
• Has Good design experience with lens system tolerancing and marginality using both glass and plastic optical materials. 
• Has intimate knowledge and use of Optical CAD, including Zemax (strongly preferred), Code-V/LightTools, etc. Able to model sequential and non-sequential systems. 
• Proficient with data processing tools, including but not limited to Python, Cython, C/C++, Matlab, etc. 
• Familiar with optomechanical principles and reading/interpreting optomechanical drawings. Familiar with the typical optical material property and lens manufacturing process. Has a good mixture of capabilities in design/modeling/simulation and hands-on experience. 
• A good and reliable team player. Highly self-motivated, can continually strive for excellence, and can thrive under pressure. 

What We Will Offer:

• Opportunities to work with strong industry leaders and opportunities to relocate to Silicon Valley. 
• The competitive compensation package, including stock. 
• Comprehensive employee benefits program, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and more. 
• Paid Times Off and paid holidays.
• Bonus program eligibility.  
• 401k & Flexible Spending Account. 

Location:

• Cepton Headquarters – San Jose, CA. 
• Some local on-site visits to key customers. 
• Travel to regional customer sites and to support trade shows & conferences as needed.