Staff Optical Engineer

Who We Are

Aurora (Nasdaq: AUR) is delivering the benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly, and broadly to make transportation safer, increasingly accessible, and more reliable and efficient than ever before. The Aurora Driver is a self-driving system designed to operate multiple vehicle types, from freight-hauling trucks to ride-hailing passenger vehicles. It underpins Aurora’s driver-as-a-service products for trucking and ride-hailing. Aurora is working with industry leaders across the transportation ecosystem, including Continental, FedEx, Hirschbach, PACCAR, Ryder, Schneider, Toyota, Uber, Uber Freight, Volvo Trucks, Volvo Autonomous Solutions, and Werner. For Aurora’s latest news, visit aurora.tech and @aurora_inno on Twitter.

Aurora hires talented people with diverse backgrounds who are ready to help build a transportation ecosystem that will make our roads safer, get crucial goods where they need to go, and make mobility more efficient and accessible for all. We’re searching for a Staff Optical Engineer.

In this role, you will

• Perform engineering analysis and test of free space optics for lidar, detailed tolerance, manufacturability, and cost;
• Presenting, documenting and educating others regarding optical architectural decisions made;
• Directing junior-level and assisting senior-level engineers on various projects;
• Work cross-functionally with software, hardware, systems and test teams
• Thermal/ tolerance analysis;
• Responsible for working in a team to develop optics and related technologies as building blocks to enable next-generation architectures; help transition ideas from RnD to product.
• Modeling and prototyping for next generation automotive free space optics in lidar;
• Work closely with vendors to ensure smooth transition of design into volume manufacturing;
• Support evaluating and characterizing optical elements and mounts; design optical test fixtures for IQC and acceptance criteria evaluation during manufacturing.
• Develop accurate optical models, both lens and system level using simulation software (such as Zemax, FRED, MATLAB/Python).

Required Qualifications

• BS / MS in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or related field and 5+ years of cumulative experience
• Expert in optical analysis, including sequential and non-sequential analysis, using ZEMAX or equivalent tools- CodeV, OSLO etc.;
• Fluent in design and simulation in physical optics - laser and fiber optics
• Skilled in stray light simulation using software such as FRED, ASAP or ZEMAX
• Ability to work in a hands-on environment with proven strong analytical skill and hands on skills;
• Strong technical and non-technical communication skills
• Familiarity with Matlab/Python and similar tools for building data processing and simulation
• Thermal/ structural analysis;
• Experienced in the use of solid modeling CAD tools specifically Catia and SolidWorks;
• Experienced in automotive lidars and sensors is a plus;
• PhD/Masters of Science in Optical Engineering – Desired.

The base salary range for this position is $181,000.00-$290,000.00 per year. Aurora’s pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future. The successful candidate will also be eligible for an annual bonus, equity compensation, and benefits.

#LI-DW1

#Mid-Senior

Working at Aurora

At Aurora, we bring together extraordinarily talented and experienced people united by the strength of our values. We operate with integrity, set outrageous goals, and build a culture where we win together — all without any jerks.

We have offices in several locations across the United States, where we encourage team and cross-functional collaboration. Aurora offers competitive medical, dental, and vision benefits, and additional healthcare support including medical transportation reimbursement, fertility, adoption, and surrogacy benefits. We empower our employees and their families with options to further their unique physical, mental, and financial well-being.

Our Learning and Development offerings include Aurora Academy, where our people learn, develop, and practice the essential skills that drive Aurora’s mission, continually up-leveling our team along the way. Our Careers page provides insight into career opportunities at Aurora, and you can find all the latest news on our Blog.

Safety is central to everything we do. Every employee at Aurora has a role in contributing to safety, every step of the way. We seek candidates who take active responsibility, can contribute to building an atmosphere of trust, and invest in the organization's long-term success by working safely — no matter what.

We believe that self-driving technology has broad benefits – including increased access to transportation. To realize those benefits, we need a workforce with diverse experiences, insights, and perspectives — a workforce that reflects the communities our technology will serve.

Aurora is committed to providing access to anyone who seeks information from our website. We invite anyone using assistive technologies, such as a screen reader or Braille reader, to email us at [email protected] if they experience difficulty using our website. Please describe the accessibility problem and include a URL (if available).

*Aurora considers candidates without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy status, parent or caregiver status, ancestry, political affiliation, veteran and/or military status, physical or mental disability, or any other status protected by federal or state law. Aurora considers qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [email protected]. *

For California applicants, information collected and processed as part of your application and any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Aurora’s California Employment Privacy Policy.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At Aurora, every employee is empowered to take an active role in building an inclusive, collaborative, and unified culture that leverages our diverse strengths, perspectives, and backgrounds.

Transforming how the world moves people and goods involves seeking to understand backgrounds, insights, and lived experiences that differ from our own. One way we accomplish that is with our 15 employee-led Aurora Unified Groups, which support diverse voices and drive inclusive collaboration. We believe that teamwork, belonging, and trust motivate and support our employees to do their best work. As our team grows, we strive to attract and retain exceptional talent that adds new perspectives and experiences and continues to drive innovation. Learn more on our Culture Page.

We are committed to helping qualified military community members leverage their talents in service of our mission. To understand how your military experience aligns with career opportunities at Aurora, review your military job classification at MyNextMove.org and consider applying for open positions corresponding to your identified skills and experiences!