Optical Engineer

Prolific Machines is ushering in a new era of biotechnology with light. Our first-of-its-kind optogenetic platform delivers unprecedented control, precisely guiding cellular behavior when and where it matters most. Unlike existing tools used to control biology, our technology enables dynamic, tunable control over virtually any cellular function in any cell type. We're enabling partners to unlock robust efficiency, quality, and reproducibility advantages across the most complex pharmaceuticals and therapeutic proteins. Prolific is supported by leading investors, including Bill Gates’s Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Mayfield and SOSV.

This is a hands-on engineering role that offers the opportunity to build deep expertise in optical systems, robotic calibration and automation, and the characterization of light interactions with biological systems.

This role will own the execution and continuous improvement of optical calibration processes for illumination systems and the characterization of hardware system optical properties and biological optical properties. You will work closely with the Lead Optical Engineer to enable optical simulations, modeling, prototyping, and experiments that inform system design and performance.

This individual will collaborate with Hardware, Data, Biology, and Bioprocess Engineering teams on projects aimed at understanding the complex relationship between light delivery methods, bioreactor conditions, and cell culture performance. The work will span laboratory experimentation, optical characterization, data analysis, simulation, and system development, helping translate fundamental insights into reliable engineering solutions. Over time, this role will develop increasing ownership of optical subsystems and technical projects that ultimately enable faster and cheaper therapeutics manufacturing and expand the range of applications made possible by Prolific’s illumination technology.

Success in this position requires strong systems thinking and comfort operating both as a scientist and as an engineer. The ideal candidate enjoys working in person, operating close to real-world systems, and is comfortable applying and developing skills to pioneer solutions in an area where academic research is sparse.

This role will be primarily based on-site in Emeryville, CA.

Responsibilities

• Own and continuously improve the calibration systems and processes used to characterize and validate Prolific’s illumination hardware.
• Support the Lead Optical Engineer's optical simulation and modeling efforts, contributing measurements, analysis, and prototypes that inform system design and performance, with opportunity to grow into running simulations and owning modeling workstreams over time.
• Develop and execute experiments to characterize light delivery within complex bioreactor geometries and operating conditions, analyzing the resulting measurements to identify trends, validate optical models, and improve understanding of system performance.
• Collaborate closely across mechanical, electrical, firmware, data, biology, and bioprocess engineering to connect optical performance with cell culture behavior and process outcomes.
• Contribute to projects that deepen Prolific’s understanding of the relationship between light, bioreactor environments, and biological response, helping translate those insights into improved illumination systems and new applications.

Requirements

• PhD, MS with 2+ years, or BS with 4+ years of industry experience, in Optical Engineering, Optical Sciences, Photonics, Physics, Applied Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Strong foundation in optics, including geometric optics, radiometry, and optical measurement techniques.
• Hands-on experience setting up, aligning, characterizing, and troubleshooting optical systems in a laboratory environment.
• Experience developing and executing calibration procedures for illumination systems, optical components, and sensors.
• Experience using optical measurement equipment such as spectrometers, photodiodes, power meters, cameras, or related instrumentation.
• Experience working with light sources and optical delivery components, including LEDs, lasers, and fiber optics.
• Proficiency with Python for instrument control, automation, data analysis, modeling, and visualization.
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute experiments, analyze data, and communicate conclusions clearly.
• Experience debugging complex systems involving optical, mechanical, electrical, and software components.
• Ability to develop clear, reproducible documentation for calibration methods, experimental procedures, results, and technical findings.
• Ability to translate physical models and experimental results into practical engineering recommendations.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with tissue optics and/or scattering media optics.
• Experience performing non-sequential optical modeling using software such as LightTools, SPEOS, FRED, COMSOL, or similar.
• Basic laboratory skills including experience working with pipettes and making dilutions.
• Experience using an integrating sphere for optical property characterization.
• Familiarity with uncertainty analysis, measurement repeatability, error propagation, and calibration best practices.
• Exposure to biological, biotech, pharmaceutical, or bioprocessing applications.
• Familiarity with optogenetics, cell culture, bioreactors, or interactions between light and biological systems.
• Experience working on multidisciplinary projects involving optical, mechanical, electrical, software, and biological systems.
• Experience with CAD, mechanical prototyping, machining, 3D printing, or other techniques used to rapidly build and iterate experimental hardware.

About You

• Enjoys taking projects all the way from concept to deployment.
• Comfortable in a dynamic startup environment with evolving requirements.
• Thrives in multidisciplinary environments alongside scientists, engineers, and operators.
• Curiosity and willingness to develop expertise in the interaction between light delivery, bioreactor environments, and biological systems.
• Comfortable working through technical ambiguity and adapting as priorities and requirements evolve.
• Excited to enable a technology and end product that will have a positive impact on people’s lives.

Benefits: Generous equity package in an early stage company, retirement plan with company contribution, flexible PTO with healthy time off minimums, company-covered medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, career coaching, mental health support, free team lunches everyday, great snacks, and companywide social events!

Diversity: Prolific Machines values diverse perspectives, backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where all employees can bring their authentic selves to work and have equal opportunities to succeed. Prolific Machines is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Location: The San Francisco Bay Area (Emeryville, CA)

This role is salaried, exempt, and paid semi-monthly. Starting salary will be dependent upon specific experience, knowledge, and skillset. The range depending on exact level will typically fall between $115k-$140k for Engineer I and $145k-$175k for Engineer II.