Staff Optics Engineer (Hybrid - Wisconsin)

Genus PLC has an exciting opportunity for a Staff Optics Engineer (Hybrid - Wisconsin, 4 Days Onsite).

Reporting to the Manager, Systems & Mechanical Engineering, this role will serve as a senior technical leader responsible for advancing the design, development, optimization, and integration of optical technologies that support Genus' flow cytometry-based instrumentation and next-generation product innovation.

The Staff Optics Engineer will provide deep expertise in optical system design, including optical paths, lenses, imaging systems, lasers, photonics, and related technologies. This individual will work across the full product lifecycle, from concept development and technology evaluation through testing, validation, and implementation, while collaborating closely with mechanical, electrical, software, systems engineering, manufacturing, and supplier partners.

This is a highly visible individual contributor role with significant influence across the organization. The successful candidate will establish technical standards, guide complex engineering decisions, mentor developing engineers, and identify innovative technologies that can be adapted to solve current and future business challenges. The ideal candidate combines strong optical design expertise with the ability to communicate technical trade-offs, influence stakeholders, and apply experience gained across multiple products, applications, and industries. 

This position is based in Windsor, Wisconsin and follows a hybrid work model, requiring a minimum of four days per week onsite. Travel is expected to be less than 10% and is primarily driven by business needs, integration activities, or occasional professional conferences. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.

The salary range for this position is between $120,000 - $170,000 per year. The salary provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. Genus considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

• Lead the design, analysis, and optimization of optical systems, components, and assemblies.
• Develop optical architectures to meet performance, cost, reliability, and manufacturability requirements.
• Model and simulate optical systems using industry-standard software tools (e.g., Zemax, CODE V, LightTools, TracePro).
• Define optical performance requirements and translate customer or product needs into engineering specifications.
• Conduct tolerance analysis, stray light analysis, thermal effects analysis, and performance trade studies.
• Design and execute optical testing and validation plans, including laboratory characterization and field evaluations.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams to ensure successful product integration.
• Troubleshoot optical system issues and develop corrective actions throughout the product lifecycle.
• Support prototype builds, qualification testing, and production ramp-up activities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to optical design methodologies, testing processes, and manufacturing yields.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership within the engineering organization.
• Participate in design reviews and serve as the subject matter expert for optical engineering decisions.
• Contribute to intellectual property development through invention disclosures, patents, and technical publications.
• Support customer engagements and technical presentations as needed.
• Uphold the Genus core values, mission and vision.
• Position may require work responsibilities outside of normal business hours.
• Perform other projects and responsibilities as assigned.

Basic Qualifications: (required)

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in optical engineering, photonics, imaging systems, laser systems, or related fields with experience developing and executing optical test plans and analyzing performance data.
• Demonstrated expertise in optical design, analysis, and system integration.
• Proficiency with optical modeling and simulation tools such as Zemax OpticStudio, CODE V, LightTools, or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of geometric optics, physical optics, imaging systems, illumination systems, and optical materials.
• Knowledge of optical fabrication processes, tolerancing, and manufacturing considerations.
• Authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
• Willing to travel up to 10% domestically.

Preferred Qualifications:       

• Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline and at least 4 years of relevant experience; or
• Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or a related discipline and at least 2 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with laser systems, fiber optics, spectroscopy, machine vision, LiDAR, AR/VR optics, semiconductor optics, or biomedical optical systems.
• Knowledge of optical coatings, polarization, detectors, sensors, and photonic devices.
• Familiarity with GD&T, statistical analysis, Design of Experiments (DOE), and reliability engineering.
• Experience supporting products through the full development lifecycle from concept through production.
• Prior experience mentoring engineers or serving in a technical leadership role.
• Patent authorship, publications, or industry presentations.

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Genus is an agricultural biotechnology pioneer. We are a global FTSE 250 company, headquartered in the UK, and listed on the London Stock Exchange.  Genus PLC has a presence in over 70 countries and a global workforce of over 3,000 employees and growing.  We are a worldwide leader in porcine and bovine animal genetics, partnering with farmers to transform how we nourish the world – a mission that is important to a sustainable future. 

Our vision is clear: Pioneering animal genetic improvement to help nourish the world.

At Genus we offer a competitive salary. Benefits include health, dental, vision, FSA/HSA, long and short-term disability, 401K, tuition reimbursement, paid holidays and ETO (employee time off). This position will have opportunity for growth.

Genus is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with anti-discrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to effectuate these principles and mandates. Genus prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Genus conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations. 

Genus plc will never ask you to provide fees or payment for computer, software, or other equipment or supplies during the recruitment and/or onboarding process. If you have any questions about your individual application, please contact the Genus Talent Acquisition team at [email protected].