Staff Optical Engineer

As a result of the combination of the BD Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions business with Waters Corporation (NYSE: WAT), by applying to this role, you will be applying for a position with Waters. Waters is a global leader in life sciences, dedicated to accelerating the benefits of pioneering science through analytical technologies, informatics, and service. With a focus on regulated, high-volume testing environments, Waters’ innovative portfolio harnesses deep scientific expertise across biology, chemistry, and physics. Waters collaborates with analytical laboratories around the world to advance the release of effective, high-quality medicines, assure the safety of food and water, and drive better patient outcomes by detecting diseases earlier, managing routine infections, and combatting growing antibiotic resistance. Through a shared culture of relentless innovation, Waters’ passionate team of approximately 16,000 colleagues partner with customers to turn scientific challenges into breakthroughs that improve lives worldwide.

We are the people who give possibilities purpose

BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world. Advancing the world of health™ is our Purpose, and it’s no small feat. It takes the imagination and passion of all of us—from design and engineering to the manufacturing and marketing of our billions of MedTech products per year—to look at the impossible and find transformative solutions that turn dreams into possibilities.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain system-level optical designs for components, subassemblies, and integrated flow cytometry platforms

• Perform Zemax (OpticStudio) modeling including performance prediction, tolerance analysis, sensitivity studies, and design trade-off evaluation

• Define optical performance requirements and acceptance criteria at system and subsystem levels in collaboration with Systems Engineering

• Define and execute optical integration, alignment, and calibration procedures to meet system-level performance requirements

• Analyze optical performance data to drive design optimization, improve system robustness, and reduce manufacturing and field variability

• Support root cause investigations for system- and subsystem-level optical and laser alignment issues

• Evaluate, test, and qualify optical components and modules, establishing acceptance criteria and improving incoming quality

• Lead technical evaluation and qualification of optical suppliers (lasers, filters, lenses, fiber optics, detection modules)

• Contribute across the full product lifecycle including concept, design, verification, and qualification in compliance with ISO 13485 and 21 CFR Part 820

• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams on design changes, NPI, and product transfers

• Support development of next-generation optical architectures and platform strategies across flow cytometry systems

• Provide support to Corrective and Preventative Actions (CAPA), End-of-life (EOL) component selection, and cost reduction activities.

• Lead technical initiatives to resolve performance and supplier-related issues

• Travel domestically and internationally up to approximately 5% as required

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (minimum), Master’s degree (preferred), or PhD (desired) in Optics, Physics, or Optical/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering.

• Relevant industry experience typically includes:

• Bachelor’s degree: 10+ years

• Master’s degree: 8–9+ years

• PhD: 4–7+ years

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong foundation in physics or engineering with an analytical and inquisitive mindset.

• Ability to apply disciplined, repeatable methods to troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues.

• Experience with optical systems, alignment, and calibration processes.

• Proficiency in data analysis and statistical tools for process improvement.

• Ability to interpret system models, including error budgets, sensitivity analyses, and throughput considerations related to optical performance.

• Strong problem-solving, cross-functional collaboration, and communication skills.

At BD, we prioritize on-site collaboration because we believe it fosters creativity, innovation, and effective problem-solving, which are essential in the fast-paced healthcare industry. For most roles, we require a minimum of 4 days of in-office presence per week to maintain our culture of excellence and ensure smooth operations, while also recognizing the importance of flexibility and work-life balance.

For certain roles at BD, employment is contingent upon the Company’s receipt of sufficient proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In some locations, testing for COVID-19 may be available and/or required. Consistent with BD’s Workplace Accommodations Policy, requests for accommodation will be considered pursuant to applicable law.

Why Join Us?

To find purpose in the possibilities, we need people who can see the bigger picture, who understand the human story that underpins everything we do. We welcome people with the imagination and drive to help us reinvent the future of healthcare. At BD, you’ll discover a culture in which you can learn, grow and thrive.

We believe that when people connect in person, we learn faster, collaborate more deeply, and build a stronger culture. Join us and enjoy a culture where face-to-face collaboration supports your learning, your progress, and your success.

To learn more about BD visit

Becton, Dickinson, and Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Required Skills

Optional Skills

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Primary Work Location

USA CA - Milpitas 155

Additional Locations

Work Shift

At BD, we reward, support and develop our associates through our comprehensive Total Rewards program. We are committed to attracting and retaining high quality talent by providing reward and recognition opportunities that promote a performance-based culture, as well as a competitive package of compensation and benefits programs. You can learn more on our career site under "Our Commitment to You."

Our salary or hourly rate ranges reward associates fairly and competitively. We regularly review these ranges and factors, such as location, contribute to the range displayed.

Our pay is based on the role and the necessary skills and education to perform it successfully. The salary or hourly rate offered is determined by the role's specific requirements, including any applicable step rate pay system at the work location. Salary or hourly pay ranges are influenced by labor laws and Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) requirements applicable to the work location which may also affect the workplace arrangement of the role.

Salary Range Information

$135,500.00 - $216,800.00 USD Annual