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Optical Engineer
About Neuralink:

We are creating devices that enable a bi-directional interface with the brain. These devices allow us to restore movement to the paralyzed, restore sight to the blind, and revolutionize how humans interact with their digital world.

Team Description:

The Robot Optics Team is seeking Optical Engineers passionate about shaping the future of operating rooms. We are responsible for all optical engineering aspects of Neuralink surgeries, which includes working on our surgical robotics, supporting operating room equipment, and manufacturing custom consumables. The core device we work on is the robotic system that performs implant insertions. Key subsystems include 2D and 3D machine vision cameras, optical coherence tomography, and surgical site illuminators.

Our team oversees the entire product lifecycle of all optical subsystems across multiple robot versions, from ideation and design through production, testing, and maintenance. We also design hardware for producing and inspecting consumables, such as laser-machined needle cartridges. As we manufacture a significant portion of our hardware in-house, our core activities include bring-up testing, designing hardware acceptance testers, and overseeing manufacturing processes.

Job Description and Responsibilities:

As an Optical Engineer at Neuralink, you will develop custom optics and imaging systems used directly in our surgical robot and associated consumables-manufacturing systems. These systems impact everything from sub-micron conventional imaging and laser scanning imaging to non-imaging optical power delivery. You will have the opportunity to work closely with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers on the Robotics Team and collaborate with neuroscientists and biologists in the rest of the company. You will be responsible for designs from conception through to implementation as well as prototyping and building these optical systems quickly with the rest of the team. Other job responsibilities will include:

• Designing and simulating optical imaging systems

• Testing, verification, and maintenance of robot vision systems

• Designing and developing custom laser interferometry systems and manufacturing systems

• Testing and verification of optics consumables

• Building and testing of beam-scanning instruments

• Developing image acquisition and processing software

• Researching and developing new imaging technologies for robotic surgeries

• Preparing relevant documentation and SOPs for robot optics

Required Qualifications:

• Evidence of exceptional ability in optical engineering or a related field

• Bachelor of Science or higher-level degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering

• 3+ years of optical engineering experience

• 2+ years of experience simulating and designing optics in Zemax or equivalent software

• Practical experience in designing, testing, and reliability hardening optical systems

• Basic computer skills and proficiency in Google Docs, Google Drive, and Gmail

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in designing and testing of in-vivo imaging systems

• Experience in handling high power laser instruments

• Basic understanding in laser interferometry or optical coherence tomography

• Hands-on experience in fabricating, terminating, and splicing optical fibers

• Software engineering experience in developing scripts for instrument testing

Expected Compensation:

The anticipated base salary for this position is expected to be within the following range. Your actual base pay will be determined by your job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. We also believe in aligning our employees’ success with the company's long-term growth. As such, in addition to base salary, Neuralink offers equity compensation (in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSU)) for all full-time employees.

Base Salary Range:
$86,000 — $143,000 USD

What We Offer:

Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits listed below.

• An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and most talented experts from different fields

• Growth potential; we rapidly advance team members who have an outsized impact

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan

• Paid holidays

• Commuter benefits

• Meals provided

• Equity (RSUs) *Temporary Employees & Interns excluded

• 401(k) plan *Interns initially excluded until they work 1,000 hours

• Parental leave *Temporary Employees & Interns excluded

• Flexible time off *Temporary Employees & Interns excluded

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What this posting asks for

Level: Mid level — The posting asks for 3+ years of experience.

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Technical skill Core
In the posting: “We are responsible for all optical engineering aspects of Neuralink surgeries, which includes working on our surgical robotics, supporting operating room equ…” · “You will have the opportunity to work closely with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers on the Robotics Team and collaborate with neuroscientists a…” · “Developing image acquisition and processing software”
Show it by: Names the tools, languages or systems used and how; Explains a technical choice and its trade-off.
Attention to detail and quality Core
In the posting: “Our team oversees the entire product lifecycle of all optical subsystems across multiple robot versions, from ideation and design through production, testing…” · “As we manufacture a significant portion of our hardware in-house, our core activities include bring-up testing, designing hardware acceptance testers, and ov…” · “Testing, verification, and maintenance of robot vision systems”
Show it by: Gives an example of an error caught before it caused harm; Names the check or standard they used.
Planning and organisation Core
In the posting: “Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan” · “401(k) plan *Interns initially excluded until they work 1,000 hours”
Show it by: Shows how priorities were set when everything was urgent; Mentions deadlines met and how.
Communication Supporting
In the posting: “Preparing relevant documentation and SOPs for robot optics”
Show it by: Adapts the message to the listener; Gives an example of explaining something clearly in writing or speech.
Teamwork and collaboration Supporting
In the posting: “You will have the opportunity to work closely with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers on the Robotics Team and collaborate with neuroscientists a…”
Show it by: Says what they did inside a team, not only what 'we' did; Shows how a disagreement was handled.
Adaptability and learning Supporting
In the posting: “Flexible time off *Temporary Employees & Interns excluded”
Show it by: Describes learning something new quickly and using it; Shows a change of plan and how they adjusted.

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