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 semi-trucks to ride-hailing passenger vehicles, and underpins Aurora Horizon and Aurora Connect, its driver-as-a-service products for trucking and ride-hailing. Aurora is working with industry leaders across the transportation ecosystem, including Toyota, FedEx, Volvo Trucks, PACCAR, Uber, Uber Freight, U.S. Xpress, Werner, Covenant, Schneider, and Ryder. 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 R&D 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
• Senior or staff level experience is required for this position
• 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

Desirable Qualifications 

• Experienced in automotive lidars and sensors 
• PhD/Masters of Science in Optical Engineering

The base salary range for this position is $181k to $290k 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.

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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.

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