Optics Engineering Lead

The role

You will design and simulate optical systems for medical imaging using Zemax. You will work across the full life cycle from early concept to production validation while partnering with hardware, software, and clinical teams.

What you will do

• Design and simulate optical systems for medical imaging using Zemax.
• Coordinate system design needs with other functions.
• Set optical specifications, tolerances, and acceptance criteria with mechanical and electrical engineers.
• Work with component vendors to qualify parts, manage supply, and balance cost against performance.
• Lead the development of illumination systems, imaging optics, and structured-light or laser-based subsystems.
• Take designs from prototype to production including tolerance stack-up analysis, test plans, and manufacturing yield.
• Measure optical system performance through MTF analysis, stray-light testing, and other metrology.
• Work closely with software and AI teams to match optical design with image processing needs.
• Contribute to design documentation, risk analysis, and regulatory submissions under ISO 13485, EU MDR, and eye-safety standards.

Required qualifications

• Degree in optical engineering, photonics, applied physics, or a closely related field.
• Hands-on experience designing and building real optical systems.
• Deep knowledge of imaging optics, lens design, and illumination engineering.
• Experience with optomechanical integration and a feel for thermal and mechanical tolerances.
• Comfortable writing optical test protocols, interpreting MTF curves, and characterizing system performance.
• Strong collaboration skills.
• A solid understanding of systems-level design.
• Uses AI as a working tool to speed up research, documentation, and routine analysis.

Nice to have

• Experience in medical imaging, industrial inspection, or other regulated imaging environments.
• Familiarity with ISO 13485 or EU MDR medical device quality systems.
• Familiarity with IEC 60825-1 or similar eye safety standards.
• Background in structured light, time-of-flight, or multi-spectral imaging.
• Experience working with volume manufacturing processes for optical assemblies.
• Knowledge of image quality metrics beyond MTF — noise, dynamic range, colour accuracy.
• Proficiency with optical design software (Zemax OpticStudio or similar).

About the company

Neko is redefining what prevention means by making data-driven, preventative care accessible through proprietary technology and direct clinical care. They develop instruments for their own clinics.