Optical Test Engineer

About the role

You will own the full characterization, calibration, and validation of advanced optical sensing and display systems from initial bench setup through final verification. You will design and automate experiments that quantify range, accuracy, resolution, brightness, noise floor, linearity, and field of view under demanding conditions. You will develop calibration procedures and analysis pipelines that turn complex experimental data into actionable engineering insights for optical, electrical, firmware, and systems teams. You will build and maintain lab infrastructure and automated data acquisition tools using Python to support rapid hardware evaluation and reliability assessment. You will work cross-functionally to close the loop between characterization findings and iterative hardware and firmware improvements. This role is mission-driven and requires you to thrive in fast-paced, resource-constrained environments while documenting every step clearly. You will directly contribute to equipping front-line personnel with modern, high-performance optical systems that meet rigorous operational standards.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Design and execute characterization experiments to evaluate optical sensor and display performance, including range, accuracy, resolution, brightness, noise floor, linearity, and field of view.
• Develop automated test systems and analysis pipelines for efficient system and component evaluation and calibration.
• Develop, implement, and validate calibration algorithms and procedures for intrinsic and extrinsic sensor parameters such as beam pointing, intensity, and temperature compensation.
• Build automated test setups and data acquisition pipelines using Python.
• Analyze large datasets from sensor characterization campaigns; identify failure modes, performance trends, and areas for improvement.
• Maintain detailed lab documentation including test plans, experimental procedures, calibration records, and characterization reports.
• Collaborate with optical, electrical, firmware, and systems engineering teams to close the loop between characterization findings and hardware/firmware iterations.
• Support bring-up and evaluation of new sensor hardware revisions in a lab environment.
• Define repeatable test methods that ensure consistent measurement accuracy across instruments and over time.
• Implement measurement uncertainty analysis and statistical methods to validate performance against specifications.
• Partner with manufacturing and NPI teams to ensure calibration processes are transferable and robust at scale.
• Instrument and automate optical benches to support high-throughput characterization and regression testing.
• Track and report on hardware performance metrics to inform design decisions and trade-offs.
• Contribute to the development of standard operating procedures and best practices for optical testing within the organization.

Requirements

• B.S., M.S., or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field.
• 3-5 years of hands-on experience in sensor characterization, optical systems testing, or related hardware validation roles.
• Proficiency in Python for test automation, data analysis, and visualization (NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib or equivalent).
• Experience with optical measurement equipment such as integrating spheres, optical power meters, beam profilers, and oscilloscopes.
• Ability to design controlled experiments and draw statistically sound conclusions from data.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to document work clearly and concisely.
• Background working in a hardware startup or similarly fast-paced, resource-constrained environment preferred.
• Experience supporting transfer of calibration processes to manufacturing/NPI environments preferred.
• Must be a U.S. Person and able to provide documentation verifying U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) upon hire.

Nice to have

• Experience supporting transfer of calibration processes to manufacturing/NPI environments preferred.
• Background working in a hardware startup or similarly fast-paced, resource-constrained environment preferred.

Practical notes

• Work Authorization Requirement: Due to the nature of our business and compliance with federal regulations, all candidates must be a "U.S. Person". Upon hire, you will be required to provide documentation verifying your status as a U.S. Citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

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Location: Bellevue, WA

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Engagement: Full-time

• Compensation may vary within the posted range based on relevant experience, skills, education, and other job-related factors. In addition to base salary, this role may be eligible for equity and other forms of compensation. Eligible employees also receive a competitive benefits package, including unlimited PTO.
• Rivet is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law. Certain roles may require U.S. Person status, security clearance eligibility, or other requirements imposed by law or government contract.