Sr Staff R&D Optical Engineer

Work Schedule

Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions

Office

Job Description

Job Description

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue exceeding $40 billion. Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Our team of more than 100,000 colleagues delivers an unrivaled combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience, and pharmaceutical services through our industry-leading brands. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com

Position Summary

The Senior Staff Optical Engineer within the Materials & Semiconductor Division (MSD), Electrical Failure Analysis (EFA) business unit is a key technical leader responsible for the design, development, and optimization of advanced optical subsystems used in semiconductor failure analysis instrumentation.

This role focuses on high-performance optical systems enabling fault isolation techniques such as infrared microscopy, laser stimulation, and photon emission detection. The position partners closely with R&D, systems engineering, electronics, software, and hardware teams to deliver innovative, precise, and manufacturable solutions for next-generation semiconductor analysis tools.

The ideal candidate combines deep expertise in optical system design, laser-based instrumentation, and hands-on experimental validation, with a strong ability to lead complex product development efforts in a global, matrixed organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Optical System Design & Development
• Lead the design and optimization of advanced optical subsystems for EFA tools, including:
• Infrared (IR) imaging systems for silicon inspection
• Laser-based stimulation and probing systems (e.g., LIVA, OBIRCH, TIVA)
• Photon emission detection systems (visible and NIR)
• Develop optical architectures using simulation tools (Zemax, CodeV, or equivalent).
• Perform tolerance analysis, stray light analysis, and resolution/sensitivity optimization.
• Define optical specifications aligned with system-level performance requirements.

Optical System Development, Integration & Technical Leadership

• Own optical subsystem development from concept through commercialization, ensuring alignment with system requirements and business objectives.
• Lead New Product Introduction (NPI) activities, including prototype builds, system verification, and transfer to manufacturing.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to integrate optical systems with precision motion stages, electronics, signal acquisition, and software/image processing pipelines.
• Drive Design for Manufacturing (DFM) to ensure robust, scalable, and repeatable system performance.
• Design and execute optical experiments to validate system sensitivity, resolution, and signal-to-noise performance.
• Perform hands-on alignment and characterization of complex optical systems involving lasers, detectors, and microscopy platforms.
• Analyze experimental data and correlate results with simulation models to ensure performance targets are met.
• Troubleshoot system-level issues across optical, electrical, and mechanical domains.
• Serve as the optical subject matter expert (SME), driving innovation and influencing system architecture for next-generation platforms.
• Lead technical reviews, mentor junior engineers, and promote best practices in optical design, testing, and documentation.
• Partner with systems engineering, product management, suppliers, and manufacturing teams to deliver integrated, high-performance solutions.
• Support manufacturing, field service, and applications teams in resolving product and customer issues.
• Drive continuous improvement in design methodologies, validation processes, cost, reliability, and overall product performance while ensuring compliance with quality and lifecycle requirements.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field required

Advanced degree (MS or PhD) preferred

Experience

8–12+ years of experience in optical system design and development

Strong experience with laser-based optical systems and precision microscopy

Experience in semiconductor inspection, failure analysis, or related instrumentation preferred

Proven track record of delivering complex products in a matrixed organization

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Deep understanding of geometrical and physical optics

Expertise in optical design tools (Zemax, CodeV, or equivalent)

Strong hands-on experience with:

Laser systems and beam delivery

Infrared (IR) optics and imaging through silicon

Photon detection systems (PMTs, APDs, cameras)

Experience with high-resolution microscopy and scanning systems

Familiarity with semiconductor failure analysis techniques (LIVA, OBIRCH, TIVA) preferred

Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for data analysis and automation

Familiarity with CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks) and DFM principles

Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills

Excellent communication and ability to influence cross-functional teams

Impact

The Senior Staff Optical Engineer plays a critical role in advancing Thermo Fisher Scientific’s leadership in semiconductor failure analysis. By enabling high-resolution, high-sensitivity optical systems, this role directly contributes to improving yield, reliability, and performance of next-generation semiconductor devices—supporting global innovation in electronics and technology.