Lead Systems Engineer - Optical Systems & Mechanical Integration

Job Description

Job Description

About the Role 

Bright Silicon Technologies, located in Pleasanton, Ca, is seeking a Lead Systems Engineer to lead the optomechanical design and architecture of our Free-Space Optical (FSO) terminal. You will be responsible for transforming functional block diagrams and project requirements into precision Pointing, Acquisition, and Tracking (PAT) hardware capable of maintaining tight line-of-sight lock on airborne targets.

What You’ll Do 

• Drive System Architecture: Translate product specifications and government program goals into technical system requirements, developing Interface Control Documents (ICDs), and coordinate teams to deliver a dynamic Pointing, Acquisition, and Tracking (PAT) optomechanical system for line-of-sight acquisition of dynamic airborne targets and free-space optical communications.

• Transform Concepts into Physical Hardware: Take conceptual system block diagrams and product requirements (sketches, functional flows, concept powerpoints), translate them into detailed technical designs and guide cross-functional teams through component selection, build out and test of SWaP-C optimized payloads for mobile platforms. 

• Lead Project Execution & Timelines: Serve as the technical lead for multidisciplinary engineering teams. Maintain project schedules and evaluate scope against timeline, making trade-offs, and advocating technical roadmaps to leadership. Work with external partners and vendors to ensure all parts of the project are delivered to meet C-UAS tracking and communications demonstration milestones.

• Own Verification & Testing: Design, oversee, and execute verification test plans to ensure integrated optical/electronic payloads meet system performance requirements and project demonstration needs.

What We’re Looking For 

Core Technical Qualifications 

• Education & Background: Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Optical Engineering, Physics or a related field.

• Optomechanical & Physical Design: Strong hands-on background in optical front-end systems, free-space optics, tracking systems, lidar, or precision optomechanical packaging.

• Hardware System Layout & ICDs: Proven ability to define hardware interfaces and select high-precision components (lenses, mirrors, sensors).

• System Modeling & Analysis: Experience taking conceptual architecture diagrams and modeling system layouts, tolerances, and performance using trade-off analysis tools (e.g., CAD, MATLAB, or optical modeling software).

• Test & Integration Expertise: Hands-on experience creating and executing physical integration test plans, optical alignment routines, or environmental verification.

• This position will work on Government sensitive information (CUI and ITAR) requiring U.S. Person status (citizen, lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or a protected individual) 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience packaging precision components like MEMS, beam-steering arrays, sensors, or semiconductor laser modules.

• Familiarity with thermal, structural (FEA), or stray light analysis for optical systems.

• Experience with SWaP-C constrained payload design or airborne environmental testing (MIL-STD-810/DO-160 exposure)." 

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At BST we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.  

Why Join Us? 

• Direct Ownership: You will directly shape the physical architecture of cutting-edge optical tracking and communications hardware.

• Hands-On Engineering: Focus on real physical design, precision alignment, and mechanical system execution.

• Solve Hard Hardware Problems: Take designs from benchtop prototypes to airborne demonstrations by tackling complex packaging, alignment, and environmental constraints where precision is non-negotiable.

Company Overview 

At Bright we are building precision optical systems to guide data for a new era of communication. Our technology introduces an unprecedented level of precision, agility, and versatility to directing light. We are experts in precision engineering, optical design and product development who are delivering technological breakthroughs to revolutionize photonics. The Lightfield Directing Array (LDA) has the potential to revolutionize optical system markets such as laser communication terminals for terrestrial and satellite mesh networks, optical switching for data centers, LIDAR for autonomous car and drones, additive manufacturing, and many others.

Founded in 2020, Bright Silicon Technologies’ goal is to build an enduring technology manufacturing company, with first product to market in 2026. In this position, you will play a critical role in the creation, launch, and scaling of a new advanced technology product. We offer competitive market salaries as well as equity incentives so that every team member owns a piece of our success. We’re an engineer-led company, and we value efficiently and effectively completing our work while sustaining a long-term work/life balance.

The company offers a total rewards package that is competitive and comprehensive including, but not limited to the following:

• Equity Incentive Plan 

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision along with other voluntary benefits 

• 3% employer contribution to employee 401(K)

• Development and career growth opportunities

• Generous paid time off and paid company holidays 

EEO STATEMENT 

Bright Silicon Technologies is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, association with a member of a protected class, bereavement leave, color, disability (physical, intellectual/developmental, or mental health/psychiatric), exercising the right to family care and medical leave related to serious health condition of employee or family member, child bonding, or military exigencies, engaging in protected activity, gender identity or expression, genetic information or characteristic, marital status, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristic), military and veteran status, national origin (includes language restrictions), pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions, Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL), race (includes hairstyle and hair texture), religious creed (includes dress and grooming practices), reproductive health decision making, sex/gender, and sexual orientation. 

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