# Senior Optical Engineer, R&D at Clera

Senior Optical Engineer, R&D at Clera in San Francisco. On-site, full-time, paying $150k–$200k. Posted October 29, 2026.

- Company: Clera
- Location: San Francisco
- Workplace: On-site
- Job type: Full-time
- Pay: $150k–$200k
- Posted: 2026-10-29
- Apply: https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/clera/125cd1a6-fd03-4003-b103-622376676225/application
- Source: https://jobmagic.ai/jobs/senior-optical-engineer-rd-clera-wjrp5d

## Requirements

- Typically 5 or more years of relevant experience in optical engineering, optical design, physics, or related hardware engineering.
- Hands-on experience designing and analyzing optical systems that were built and operated, including aligning and characterizing precision optical hardware.
- Strong command of optical theory and experience debugging hardware and leading investigations from first principles.
- Experience with optical trade studies, component selection, subsystem architecture, tolerance analysis, and performance validation.
- Experience collaborating with mechanical engineers on optical packaging and integration.
- Familiarity with Zemax/OpticStudio or Code V; experience designing high-power laser optics, ruggedized beam delivery, or beam directors is relevant.
- A BS or MS in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

## Description

### About the Role

As a senior optical engineering specialist on a defense technology R&D team, you will lead optical design and investigations for autonomous directed-energy hardware. Your work will help turn optical concepts into robust systems built for real-world use.

### What You'll Do

- Lead optical design and analysis for core system components.

- Run optical investigations and trade studies to guide system-level design decisions.

- Specify and evaluate optical components and subsystem architectures with vendors and fabricators.

- Collaborate with mechanical engineers on optical packaging, housing, and integration.

- Conduct tolerance analysis, performance validation, and design iterations.

- Guide alignment, characterization, and testing of integrated optical systems.

- Establish effective practices for optical development, validation, and technical documentation.

### What We're Looking For

- Typically 5 or more years of relevant experience in optical engineering, optical design, physics, or related hardware engineering.

- Hands-on experience designing and analyzing optical systems that were built and operated, including aligning and characterizing precision optical hardware.

- Strong command of optical theory and experience debugging hardware and leading investigations from first principles.

- Experience with optical trade studies, component selection, subsystem architecture, tolerance analysis, and performance validation.

- Experience collaborating with mechanical engineers on optical packaging and integration.

- Familiarity with Zemax/OpticStudio or Code V; experience designing high-power laser optics, ruggedized beam delivery, or beam directors is relevant.

- A BS or MS in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

### Compensation & Benefits

Base salary: $150,000 to $200,000 annually. Visa sponsorship is not available.

### Location

On-site in San Francisco, California, with range days.