We use essential cookies

Please Accept our Privacy Policy

Lead Systems Engineer - Optical Systems & Mechanical Integration

Bright Silicon Technologies

Pleasanton, CA 94566 • $150,000 to $225,000 / yr • 9/26/2026

Job Description

Job Description

About the Role

Bright Silicon Technologies,locatedinPleasanton, Ca,is seekinga Lead SystemsEngineer tolead the optomechanicaldesignand architecture of our Free-Space Optical (FSO) terminal. You willbe responsible fortransforming functional block diagrams and projectrequirementsinto precision Pointing, Acquisition, and Tracking (PAT) hardware capable ofmaintainingtight line-of-sight lock on airborne targets.

WhatYou’llDo

  • Drive System Architecture: Translate product specifications and government program goals into technical system requirements,developingInterface Control Documents (ICDs), and coordinate teams to deliveradynamic Pointing, Acquisition, and Tracking (PAT) optomechanicalsystemfor line-of-sight acquisition of dynamic airborne targetsandfree-space optical communications.

  • Transform Concepts into Physical Hardware:Take conceptual system block diagramsand product requirements(sketches, functional flows, conceptpowerpoints),translate them into detailed technical designsand guidecross-functional teams throughcomponentselection,build outand testofSWaP-C optimized payloads for mobile platforms.

  • Lead Project Execution & Timelines:Serve as the technicalleadfor multidisciplinary engineering teams. Maintain project schedulesand evaluatescope againsttimeline, making trade-offs, and advocating technical roadmaps to leadership.Work with external partners and vendors to ensure all parts of the project are delivered to meetC-UAS tracking and communicationsdemonstration milestones.

  • Own Verification & Testing:Design, oversee, and execute verification test plans to ensureintegrated optical/electronic payloadsmeetsystemperformance requirements andprojectdemonstration needs.

WhatWe’reLooking For

Core Technical Qualifications

  • Education & Background:Bachelor’s or advanced degree inSystemsEngineering,MechanicalEngineering, Mechatronics,OpticalEngineering,Physicsor a related field.

  • Optomechanical & Physical Design:Strong hands-on background in optical front-end systems, free-space optics, tracking systems, lidar, or precision optomechanical packaging.

  • Hardware System Layout & ICDs:Proven ability to definehardwareinterfaces and select high-precision components (lenses, mirrors, sensors).

  • System Modeling & Analysis:Experience taking conceptual architecture diagrams and modeling system layouts, tolerances, and performance using trade-off analysis tools (e.g., CAD, MATLAB, or optical modeling software).

  • Test & Integration Expertise:Hands-on experience creating and executing physical integration test plans, optical alignment routines, or environmental verification.

  • This position will work on Government sensitive information(CUIandITAR)requiringU.S. Person status(citizen, lawful permanent resident(green card holder), or a protected individual)

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience packaging precision components like MEMS, beam-steering arrays, sensors, or semiconductor laser modules.

  • Familiarity with thermal, structural (FEA), or stray light analysis for optical systems.

  • Experience withSWaP-C constrained payload design or airborne environmental testing (MIL-STD-810/DO-160 exposure)."

Don'tmeet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. AtBSTwe are dedicated to building a diverse,inclusiveand authentic workplace, so ifyou'reexcited about this role but yourpast experiencedoesn'talign perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to applyanyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Why Join Us?

  • Direct Ownership:You will directly shape the physical architecture ofcutting-edgeoptical tracking and communications hardware.

  • Hands-On Engineering:Focus on real physical design, precision alignment, and mechanical system execution.

  • Solve Hard Hardware Problems:Take designs from benchtop prototypes to airborne demonstrations by tacklingcomplex packaging, alignment, and environmental constraints where precision is non-negotiable.

Company Overview

At Bright we are building precision optical systems to guide data for a new era of communication.Our technology introduces an unprecedented level of precision, agility, and versatility to directing light. We are experts in precision engineering, optical design and product development who are delivering technological breakthroughs to revolutionize photonics.TheLightfield Directing Array (LDA)has the potential to revolutionize optical system markets such as laser communication terminals for terrestrial and satellite mesh networks, optical switching for data centers, LIDAR for autonomous car and drones,additive manufacturing, and many others.

Founded in 2020, Bright Silicon Technologies’ goal is to build an enduringtechnologymanufacturing company, with first product to market in 2026.In this position, you will play a critical role in the creation, launch, and scaling of a new advanced technology product.We offer competitive market salaries as well as equity incentives so that every team member owns a piece of our success.We’rean engineer-led company, and we value efficiently and effectively completing our work while sustaining a long-term work/life balance.

The company offers a total rewards package that is competitive and comprehensive including,but not limited to the following:

  • Equity Incentive Plan

  • Comprehensivemedical, dentalandvision along withother voluntary benefits

  • 3%employer contribution to employee401(K)

  • Development and career growth opportunities

  • Generous paid time off and paid company holidays

EEO STATEMENT

Bright Silicon Technologiesis an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, association with a member of a protected class, bereavement leave, color, disability (physical, intellectual/developmental, or mental health/psychiatric), exercising the right to family care and medical leave related to serious health condition of employee or family member, child bonding, or military exigencies, engaging in protected activity, gender identity or expression, genetic information or characteristic, marital status, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristic), military and veteran status, national origin (includes language restrictions), pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions, Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL), race (includes hairstyle and hair texture), religious creed (includes dress and grooming practices), reproductive health decision making, sex/gender, and sexual orientation.

Powered by JazzHR

xsY1Kz5MTs