Optical Engineer (Mountain View)

Aeva’s mission is to bring the next wave of perception to a broad range of applications from automated driving to industrial robotics, consumer electronics, consumer health, security, and beyond. Aeva is transforming autonomy with its groundbreaking sensing and perception technology that integrates all key LiDAR components onto a silicon photonics chip in a compact module. Aeva 4D LiDAR sensors uniquely detect instant velocity in addition to 3D position, allowing autonomous devices like vehicles and robots to make more intelligent and safe decisions.

Role Overview:

Aeva is looking to bring on an Optical Engineer to join our dynamic, fast-paced, and highly innovative environment. The position will contribute to the design, development, and testing of complex optical sub-components and systems used within Aeva’s LiDAR coherent sensing system.

What you'll be doing:

• Design and analyze optical systems, including developing optical architectures, evaluating tolerances, manufacturability, light budgets and other trade‑offs.
• Perform sequential and non‑sequential simulations of optical systems.
• Direct specification development for detailed drawings of optical components.
• Generate and document new IP.

What you have:

• Bachelors or Masters in optical engineering, physics, or related field.
• 3+ years experience maturing optical systems designs from proof of concept to production.
• Ability to model and script in ZEMAX, Code V, Fred, or similar.
• Experience in tolerance analysis, stray‑light and scattering analysis.
• Experience with precision optical, micro‑optic and/or fiber optic components.
• Hands‑on laboratory skills in setting up, testing, validating, and troubleshooting optical, fiber optic and opto‑mechanical subsystems.
• Knowledge of limitations and fabrication of optics (molded, polished, diamond turned) as well as micro structures.

What's in it for you:

• Be part of a fast paced and dynamic team.
• Very competitive compensation and meaningful stock grants.
• Exceptional benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and more.
• Unlimited PTO: We care about results, not punching timecards.

Salary Range

$132,000—$179,200 a year

Salary pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job‑related skills, experience, certifications, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. These ranges are subject to change in the future. Depending on the position offered, equity, bonus, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, pre‑tax commuter and health care/dependent care accounts, 401 k plan, life and disability benefits, flexible time off, paid parental leave, and 11 paid holidays annually.