Optical Systems Engineer

Company: Project Canary
Location: Hayward, CA
Type: onsite
Posted: Aug 31, 2026
Views: 0

✨ AI Summary

Aeris Technologies, a manufacturer of laser gas analyzers for environmental and industrial applications, is hiring an Optical Systems Engineer in Hayward, CA. The role focuses on designing and prototyping next-generation laser spectroscopy systems using SolidWorks, Zemax, and LabVIEW. Candidates require a Bachelor's degree and 6+ years of hands-on experience in optical instrumentation and precision mechanical design. The position offers a $160,000 to $190,000 base salary, unlimited PTO, and comprehensive health benefits.

About Aeris Technologies
Aeris Technologies is a leading manufacturer of laser gas analyzers serving critical applications in environmental monitoring, industrial process control, and emissions measurement. As part of the Project Canary family since 2022, we combine innovative optical sensing technology with precision manufacturing to deliver industry-leading analytical instruments. We're currently executing a comprehensive transformation to strengthen our operational foundation and accelerate growth.

About the Role
Aeris is looking for a practical, hands-on Optical Engineer with a strong background in optics, optical alignment, and precision mechanical design. This role requires significant lab experience building and troubleshooting complex electro-optomechanical systems.
You will design and develop next-generation laser spectroscopy systems, using data collection and analysis to guide design decisions and improve performance, reliability, and manufacturability. You will work closely with the broader engineering and production teams to develop new optical architectures, alignment methods, and manufacturing processes for Aeris spectroscopy products.
  • Design next-generation laser spectroscopy optical systems, including optical architecture and component selection.
  • Own optical system designs from concept through testing, production release, and ongoing manufacturing support.
  • Prototype, build, align, test, and troubleshoot high-precision optomechanical assemblies.
  • Research and evaluate lasers, detectors, mirrors, lenses, coatings, and other optical components to improve performance, reliability, and cost.
  • Select materials and design mechanical elements that provide stable, manufacturable optical assemblies.
  • Develop precision fixtures, bonding methods, and packaging techniques to improve design robustness and reliability.
  • Plan and execute verification and validation testing to confirm designs are ready for production.
  • Apply knowledge of laser spectroscopy technologies and methodologies across optical, mechanical, electrical, thermal, and software systems.
  • Design, build, and validate tooling and fixtures for assembly, optical alignment, testing, and pilot production.
  • Support manufacturing and customers by troubleshooting instrument performance and resolving optical system issues.
  • Document optical testing, design results, and production procedures.
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
  • 6+ years of hands-on experience in prototype development, optical instrumentation, and precision mechanical design.
  • Demonstrated experience designing, assembling, aligning, and troubleshooting systems that combine optical, mechanical, electrical, thermal, and software subsystems.
  • Proficiency with mechanical CAD tools such as SolidWorks, including experience creating BOMs, drawings, and assembly documentation.
  • Experience taking products from development through production and into customers’ hands.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated use of data collection and analysis to drive design and process improvements.
  • Experience working in startup or small-team environments that require rapid communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.
  • Demonstrated ability to move designs from concept through production and work through technical roadblocks.
Nice to Have:
  • Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
  • Experience with laser-based spectroscopy, lasers, photodetectors, and precision optics.
  • Experience with reliability testing, field analysis, and root cause analysis.
  • Experience using LabVIEW, MATLAB, scripting, or similar tools for data analysis and automated test systems.
  • Experience using optical design and simulation tools such as Zemax.
  • Salary range: $160,000 - $190,000 annual base
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance with low deductibles and premiums paid by company 99% for self and 50% for dependents and/or spouse
  • 401K with company match (no vesting period)
  • Student loan assistance
  • Generous culture around time off, including:
    • Unlimited PTO
    • 6 days of sick time per year
    • 11 paid company holidays per year
    • up to 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave (gender neutral) including adoptions
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About the Company

Name: Project Canary
Location: Denver, Colorado
Website: https://projectcanary.com

Project Canary has been deploying high-precision methane sensors in the field since 2019. Over time, those deployments generated a multi-year, high-fidelity dataset that now powers our analytics and models. As operator needs evolved, so did we. We expanded from hardware into a unified software platform — one that brings together methane data from across an operator's assets and makes it clear, actionable, and easy to act on. We're proud of how far the technology has come. And we're just getting started.

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