Optical Systems Engineer

Optical Systems Engineer Bruker life insurance, paid time off, sick time, 401(k) United States, Washington, Seattle Mar 27, 2026 Optical Systems Engineer Job Locations US-WA-Seattle

ID 2026-19113

Job Function Research & Development Overview Bruker is one of the world's leading analytical instrumentation companies enabling scientist to make breakthrough discoveries and develop new application that improve the quality of human life. Our high-performance products and high-value life science and diagnostic solutions are trusted by leading businesses, institutes, and scientists worldwide. Today, more than 8,500 employees at over 90 locations are working on this permanent challenge to make the world a better place. We are seeking an Optical Systems Engineer to join our Research and Development group. In this lead role you will work on the development of new genomic tools and instrumentation. This position is focused on next generation platforms and the improvement of the spatial molecular imager (CosMx). This platform is capable of spatially profiling expression of both 20K+ genes and 70+ proteins at single cell and sub-cellular resolution in a tissue sample; the rates of data generation and imaging are critical and high. The work is highly interdisciplinary will involve working closely with biologists, scientists, software engineers, and manufacturing. The applicant should thrive on working with their hands and tinkering. The position will involve development of optical instrumentation, full cycle development from simulation and modeling to prototyping and automation to image analysis and performance reports

Responsibilities Essential Responsibilities:

Design, build, and troubleshoot early-stage prototypes consisting of custom and OTS parts. Develop and improve alignment procedures on Alpha and Beta instruments. Transfer to manufacturing. Support in diagnosis of manufacturing and field issues from time to time. Troubleshoot early-stage issues: design errors, misalignment, contamination, cables issues, unexpected behavior, vibration, etc. Support scientists as they generate data on prototypes and address issues as arise. Collect performance data to guide future iterations, exposure times, background levels, signal-to-noise ratio. Automation of imaging and scanning for the purpose of calibration and testing, and development optical test samples if needed. Image processing and analysis using scripts to analyze performance. Qualifications Requirements (Education, Experience, Specific Skills): PhD. or M.S. with + 2-4 years industry experience (or equivalent experience considered). Degree in optical, mechanical, bioengineering, physics or related field Experience with advanced fluorescent microscopy, design of optical systems, and geometric and wave optics. Experience with lasers, LEDs, CMOS cameras, filters, power meters, lenses, fiber optics, XY & Z stages, and filter wheels. Assembly and cleaning of optical components. Experience with optics modeling software (for example Zemax) Ability to work both independently and closely in collaboration with a core team. The applicant will be expected to have strong verbal and written communication skills. Nice to have Additional beneficial qualifications: Proficiency assembling and disassembling complex optical assemblies. Experience with CAD (for example Solidworks) Experience designing mechanical components for optic assemblies Proficiency with image analysis programs, machine learning and/or programming skills. Understanding point spread functions, various aberrations, and measurement Programming experience in C/C++/C# (C# preferred) and/or Python. Experience imaging tissue, especially FFPE (formalin fixed paraffin embedded). Modest wet bench skills At Bruker, base salary is part of our total compensation. The estimated base salary range for this full-time position is between $93,000yr and $153,000/ yr. provides an opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base salary for the role will depend on a several job-related factors, including, but not limited to education, training, experience, the geographic location of the successful candidate, skills, competencies, job-related knowledge and travel requirements for this position. Full-time employees may also be eligible for a performance-related incentive in addition to a full range of benefits including 401(k) with company match, an employee stock purchase plan, medical and dental plans, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, employee assistance program and paid time off including vacation, sick time and holidays, and more. Bruker is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. Certain positions at Bruker require compliance with export control laws and as a result, all interviewed candidates for all positions will be screened pre-interview to determine their eligibility in light of export control restrictions