Optical Engineer

Description

RxSight® is an ophthalmic medical technology corporation headquartered in Aliso Viejo, California that has commercialized the world’s first and only adjustable intraocular lens (IOL) that is customized after cataract surgery. The company’s mission is to revolutionize the premium cataract surgery experience by allowing surgeons to partner with their patients to achieve optimized results for every unique eye.

OVERVIEW:

RxSight is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Optical Engineer to join the IOL Development Group. The successful candidate will contribute to the development, characterization, optimization, and validation of next-generation intraocular lens (IOL) technologies and related ophthalmic systems.

This position requires a strong foundation in optical engineering, ophthalmic optics, computational modeling, and experimental characterization. The Optical Engineer will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions that improve visual outcomes for cataract patients. Responsibilities include optical design, wavefront analysis, optical metrology, multiphysics modeling, finite element analysis (FEA), experimental validation, and data-driven support of product development activities from concept through commercialization.

The ideal candidate combines hands-on laboratory experience with strong analytical and computational modeling skills and is passionate about developing technologies that advance personalized vision correction.

This is a fully onsite position at our headquarters in Aliso Viejo, CA so candidates must reside in or near this city.  

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Optical Design and Analysis

• Design, model, and evaluate intraocular lenses and ophthalmic optical systems using optical engineering principles and industry-standard software tools.
• Perform optical simulations, tolerance analyses, and sensitivity studies to optimize product performance.
• Analyze optical quality using metrics such as wavefront error, modulation transfer function (MTF), point spread function (PSF), Strehl ratio, and visual image quality metrics.
• Develop analytical methods to predict and evaluate clinical optical performance.
• Support optical optimization activities for existing and next-generation ophthalmic products.

Computational Modeling and Simulation

• Develop, validate, and maintain computational models used to support lens design, material development, and system-level product performance.
• Create multiphysics models that describe interactions between optical, mechanical, thermal, diffusion, and material-property phenomena.
• Perform finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate lens deformation, stress distributions, dimensional stability, and implant behavior under physiological and manufacturing conditions.
• Model interactions between lens geometry, polymer material properties, diffusion processes, mechanical deformation, and optical performance.
• Correlate modeling results with experimental measurements and clinical observations to improve model accuracy and predictive capability.
• Apply simulation tools to support product design decisions, risk reduction, and process optimization.

Optical Metrology and Experimental Characterization

• Design and conduct laboratory experiments to characterize optical performance of lenses, materials, and ophthalmic systems.
• Develop and maintain optical test methods, instrumentation, and measurement protocols.
• Analyze wavefront, interferometric, imaging, refractive, and material characterization data.
• Support verification and validation testing activities throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies between predicted and measured optical performance.

Product Development and Technical Leadership

• Participate in all phases of product development from concept generation through commercialization.
• Generate engineering protocols, technical reports, design specifications, and development documentation.
• Support design reviews, risk assessments, and design control activities in accordance with medical device development processes.
• Contribute to troubleshooting, root-cause investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives related to product performance and manufacturing processes.
• Support regulatory submissions and technical documentation related to optical and material performance.

Data Analysis and Clinical Correlation

• Analyze laboratory and clinical data to establish relationships between measured optical characteristics and visual outcomes.
• Develop data analysis tools and methodologies to support engineering and clinical decision-making.
• Evaluate wavefront-derived metrics, Zernike coefficients, refractive error components, and higher-order aberrations.
• Present technical findings and recommendations to cross-functional teams and senior management.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with polymer scientists, chemists, R&D engineering and Quality, disciplines.
• Partner with external laboratories, consultants, and suppliers as needed.
• Support technology development initiatives and intellectual property generation.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Deep understanding of optical engineering fundamentals and imaging system performance.
• Strong understanding of numerical methods, simulation techniques, and model validation principles.
• Ability to develop predictive models and apply simulation results to guide engineering decisions.
• Understanding of the relationships between optical performance, material properties, and structural mechanics.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory instrumentation and experimental methods.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate complex technical findings to multidisciplinary teams.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• None

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND TRAINING:

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 3+ years of experience in optical engineering, computational modeling, medical device development, or related engineering fields.
• Strong understanding of geometrical optics, physical optics, and optical system performance evaluation.
• Experience with optical design and simulation software such as Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, or equivalent.
• Experience developing numerical models and performing engineering simulations.
• Familiarity with finite element analysis (FEA) software such as COMSOL Multiphysics, ANSYS, Abaqus, SolidWorks Simulation, or equivalent.
• Experience analyzing experimental and simulation data using MATLAB, Python, Mathcad, JMP, or similar analytical software.
• Strong technical writing, documentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary product development environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Vision Science, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Experience in ophthalmic optics, intraocular lenses, contact lenses, refractive surgery, or vision science.
• Experience with wavefront sensing, aberrometry, Zernike analysis, and visual image quality assessment.
• Experience with optical metrology techniques including interferometry, Shack-Hartmann measurements, MTF testing, and imaging system characterization.
• Experience developing multiphysics models involving coupled optical, mechanical, thermal, chemical, or diffusion-related phenomena.
• Experience modeling polymeric materials, biomedical implants, or ophthalmic devices.
• Knowledge of viscoelastic, swelling, diffusion, thermo-mechanical, or material aging models.
• Experience validating computational models through laboratory testing and experimental characterization.
• Familiarity with FDA design controls, design verification and validation, and medical device quality systems.
• Experience with statistical analysis, design of experiments (DOE), and uncertainty analysis.
• Training to be completed per the training plan for this position as maintained in the document control system
• The training requirements on TRN-10007 Insider Trading Policy, TRN-10008 Global Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy and TRN-10009 Code of Business Conducts and Ethics must be diligently completed within 30 days from the hiring date and on an annual basis

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• N/A

COMPUTER SKILLS:

• Word Processing
• Spreadsheet Software
• Data analysis tools such as Matlab, MathCAD, or Mathematica
• Optical design tools such as Zemax, Code V, or Oslo
• Multi-Physics design software such as COMSOL

Notice to Staffing Agencies and Search Firms

RxSight does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from staffing agencies or search firms for any employment opportunities. All agency engagements must be authorized in writing for a specific position by RxSight’s Talent Acquisition department. Any resumes or candidate information submitted without such specific engagement will be considered unsolicited and the property of RxSight. No fees will be paid in the event a candidate is hired under these circumstances.