Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer

About Quartus

Quartus Engineering Incorporated ( is a leading provider of engineering services and integrated hardware solutions for a wide range of clients and industries. We employ advanced computer-aided engineering tools in the areas of optics, structural, thermal, and coupled analyses. We couple our engineering analysis capabilities with design, prototype, integration and test capabilities to create solutions for our clients that are of extraordinary value.

About Applied Photonics Sector

Applied Photonics is a business unit within Quartus that focuses on the practical application of the science and technology of light. Our teams develop innovative products as well as custom optical and metrology solutions for commercial and industrial applications. Our expertise spans precision metrology, robotics, machine vision, semiconductor and emerging photonic technologies including quantum optics. Typical development cycles begin with defining customer objectives, progress through all stages of design and analysis, and conclude with hardware build and rigorous testing.

Our clients range from large, industry-leading organizations to agile startup-style companies. We pride ourselves on bridging diverse perspectives and delivering advanced technical systems that meet each program’s budget and schedule constraints.

Our multidisciplinary team—comprising optical, opto‑mechanical, mechanical, electrical, and software engineers—works in a highly collaborative environment where communication and team ethics are paramount.

What will you do?

As an Opto‑Mechanical Engineer in our Applied Photonics sector, you will design and develop robust mechanics for high performance optical systems in challenging environments. You will work as part of a team of creative cross‑disciplinary engineers to meet project and customer’s requirements and gain exposure to a wide variety of optical systems from airborne remote sensing to industrial automation and everything in between. At Quartus, you will be involved in the entire project lifecycle from concept and design to build and alignment. As a Senior Engineer you may be expected to own the entire technical aspect of a given project, not necessarily just your area of expertise.

Essential Job Functions:

• Design and develop opto‑mechanical assemblies and sub‑systems for a diverse range of applications such as machine vision, consumer product development, automation, optical metrology, laser communication, energy transfer, and imaging
• Design and build prototypes, create detailed drawings and instructions for production
• Perform risk and tolerance analysis and perform subsystem FMEAs (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis)
• Drive appropriate mechanical design elements by building a tolerance budget for each component
• Responsible for technical documentation (Models, CAD drawings, Simulations, BOMs, etc.)
• Work closely with program manager and customer on technical requirements
• Work on projects independently, and with a multi‑disciplined team of engineers and technicians
• Effectively manage multiple tasks and juggle multiple projects
• Mentor and assist junior engineers
• Collaborates with project managers and others in the development of project plans, proposals, and schedules
• Prepares PowerPoint slides for customer design reviews

Location

Position is based in San Diego, CA with a hybrid schedule.*

*The hybrid work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs including but not limited to training, performance, or other operational requirements. Any physical location change may impact future employment.

What are we looking for?

• BS and/or MS in Mechanical or similar Engineering field and/or equivalent experience
• 6 - 15 years of experience in:
  • Opto‑mechanical design and integration for high performance optical systems in challenging environments
  • Optical system design and opto‑mechanical packaging
  • Optical metrology and alignment techniques (wavefront sensing, interferometry)
  • Design of electromechanical mechanisms
  • Design of precision mechanics (kinematic mounts)
  • Precision motion control (nice to have)
  • Heat transfer and design of thermal management solutions
  • GD&T application per ASME Y14.5M
  • Design using CAD/CAE software (Solidworks preferred)
  • Design validation using proper finite element analysis techniques
• Familiarity with optical raytracing software (eg. Zemax, CodeV, etc.) is a plus
• Experience with image processing, analysis, and camera calibration is a plus
• Experience with optical alignment techniques in a lab setting
• Must be a US Person (U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident)

Compensation and Benefits

Opto‑Mechanical Senior Engineer pay range: $114,609.25 – 187,270.02*

Opto‑Mechanical Lead Engineer pay range: $138,677.20 - 226,596.73*

*This pay range represents base pay. In addition, you may be eligible for additional benefits and compensation.

Referral eligibility: Tier 2

Quartus is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to employing a diverse workforce, including, but not limited to, minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. Quartus provides comprehensive benefits including competitive salary, discretionary performance‑based bonus, employee stock ownership plan, medical, dental, vision, and 401k plan with company match.