The posting
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Optical Engineer with a proven track record in developing advanced ophthalmic imaging systems, including Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy (SLO), Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), hyperspectral imaging, and hybrid/multimodal platforms.
This role will lead optical system architecture from concept to clinical-grade implementation, integrating diverse imaging modalities into compact, manufacturable platforms suitable for real-world ophthalmic workflows.
What You’ll Do
System Architecture & Design
- Architect optical systems integrating multiple imaging modalities such as:
- SLO + OCT
- SLO + Hyperspectral
- OCT + Fundus
- Full multimodal retinal platforms (structural + functional imaging)
- Design beam paths, scanner modules, fiber-optic interferometers, dispersion compensation, spectral splitting/combiners and illumination subsystems.
- Model and simulate optical design parameters including PSF, aberrations, spectral response, and system tolerances using Zemax, CodeV, or equivalent.
Hyperspectral & Multispectral Development
- Engineer narrowband and broadband illumination systems leveraging AOTFs, LCTFs, swept-wavelength excitation, or LED/laser spectral arrays.
- Develop optical systems optimized for spectral sensitivity, spectral registration accuracy, and illumination safety for ocular tissue.
- Work with software/imaging teams to define calibration matrices, spectral unmixing, reflectance normalization, and spectral correction for ocular media.
Prototype Engineering & Experimental Validation
- Build and iterate bench prototypes integrating galvanometers or MEMS scanners, tunable source engines, deformable mirrors (if applicable), and sensitive detection pathways (APD, SiPM, InGaAs cameras).
- Define and execute precision alignment workflows, optical calibration, and imaging performance characterisation.
- Evaluate SNR, sensitivity roll-off, axial/lateral resolution, chromatic artifacts, and spectral fidelity.
Systems Integration & Productization
- Collaborate with electronics, embedded software, computational imaging, and clinical engineering teams to ensure robust platform integration.
- Support manufacturability refinement, component supplier analysis, and optical assembly workflows for scale-up.
Regulatory & Documentation
- Produce detailed design files, tolerance analysis, optical safety documentation, calibration protocols, and verification reports aligned with:
- ISO 15004-2
- IEC 60825-1 (laser safety)
- IEC 60601 series
- ISO 13485-controlled product development
Key Expertise & Experience
- Proven design experience in OCT (SD-OCT or SS-OCT) and/or SLO retinal imaging systems.
- Hands-on experience with multimodal imaging system development (hardware + calibration).
- High proficiency in optical simulation and design tools such as Zemax, CodeV, LightTools, FRED.
- Deep understanding of:
- Fiber optic interferometry
- Spectral illumination systems
- Polarization optics
- Laser safety and retinal exposure limits
- Track record of hardware debugging, hands-on alignment, prototyping, and experimental troubleshooting.
Good to Have
- Experience with adaptive optics retinal imaging.
- Knowledge of GPU/FPGA accelerated imaging pipelines and OCT reconstruction.
- Prior work in medical imaging device regulatory pathways, including clinical testing and design transfer.
Qualifications
- Should have put products out in Ophthalmic Sciences.
- Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD in Optical Engineering, Applied Physics, Biomedical Engineering, or equivalent.
- Patent, thesis, or publication history in OCT/SLO/hyperspectral or retinal imaging preferred.
What You’ll Deliver in the First 12–18 Months
- A fully validated multimodal ophthalmic imaging prototype demonstrating superior image quality and clinical-grade repeatability.
- Transferable and manufacturable optical design with IP supporting strategic defensibility.
- Contribution to imaging roadmap, including next-generation spectral and structural modalities.
