What are the responsibilities and job description for the Optical Systems Engineer position at Bruker Nano Surfaces & Metrology?
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:**
**Requirements (Education, Experience, Specific Skills):**
Proficiency assembling and disassembling complex optical assemblies.
Experience with CAD (for example Solidworks)
Experience designing mechanical components for optic assemblies
Proficiency wi
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.
**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.
Proficiency assembling and disassembling complex optical assemblies.
Experience with CAD (for example Solidworks)
Experience designing mechanical components for optic assemblies
Proficiency wi