Senior Optical System Engineer

CEPTON (Nasdaq: CPTN), a leading intelligent lidar solution provider, is seeking a highly motivated Senior Optical System Engineer to join our team. This role focuses on the design, development, and optimization of advanced metrology systems and calibration methodologies for LiDAR technologies. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical background in optical, mechanical, and electronic systems, with the ability to troubleshoot complex issues, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. This position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology in a fast-paced R&D environment, supporting both product development and volume production.

The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in optical systems, sensor calibration, and metrology tool development, driving the performance of high-quality optical sensor products.

Here at CEPTON, we use technology to make some difficult problems become easy and some impossible tasks become feasible. We value one's ability to learn higher than the knowledge one has acquired in the past. We enjoy solving hard problems together. As we are at the cutting edge of technological advancement, join us if you are willing to work with like-minded people to face the challenges posed by the new era of technology, together with opportunities to work with strong industry leaders in the fields of automotive OEM, ADAS, Imaging-based AI application.
Department
Application Engineering
Employment Type
Full Time
Location
San Jose, CA
Workplace type
Onsite
Compensation
$140,000 - $180,000 / year

Key Responsibilities

1. Lidar Metrology and Calibration System Development:
  • Develop and refine comprehensive calibration methodologies and procedures to ensure long-term accuracy and stability of LiDAR systems.
  • Analyze optical system distortions, aberrations, and thermal or electrical impacts on LiDAR signal intensity.
  • Design and implement mathematical models to correct errors, ensuring point cloud position and reflectivity accuracy.
2. Troubleshooting and Improvement:
  • Debug and resolve system-level issues, conducting root cause analysis to address technical challenges effectively.
  • Improve measurement precision, validation techniques, and calibration processes by identifying and implementing corrective actions.
3. Collaboration and Production Support:
  • Work closely with hardware, software, and manufacturing teams to ensure smooth integration of metrology systems into production pipelines.
  • Provide support for volume production maturity and assist key customers in understanding LiDAR use cases.
4. Documentation and Communication:
  • Maintain detailed documentation of metrology processes, calibration protocols, testing results, and system performance.
  • Present findings, insights, and technical concepts to internal and external stakeholders effectively.

Qualifications

Education:
  • Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field is strongly preferred.
  • Candidates with a Master’s degree and significant relevant experience will also be considered.
  • Fresh graduates with strong technical expertise are encouraged to apply.
Technical Expertise:
  • Strong knowledge of optical imaging systems, including alignment, characterization, and validation.
  • Familiarity with high-speed mixed-signal electronics, circuitry theory, and mechanical systems (e.g., stack-up error analysis, servo systems) is a plus.
  • Proficiency in scientific tools such as Python, MATLAB, or similar software for modeling, data processing, and analysis.
Problem-Solving and Innovation:
  • Proven experience in solving complex technical challenges in optical, electronic, and mechanical systems.
  • Ability to conduct systematic system-level analysis, develop experiments, and interpret data methodically.
Interpersonal and Leadership Skills:
  • Self-motivated, reliable, and accountable, with a strong work ethic under pressure.
  • Effective team player, capable of leading cross-functional teams and collaborating in a fast-paced R&D environment.
Preferred Experience:
  • Experience with LiDAR, IR laser systems, and point cloud calibration processes.
  • Hands-on knowledge of calibration tool development and statistical process control.

Benefits

  • Opportunities to work with strong industry leaders and opportunities to relocate to Silicon Valley. 
  • Competitive compensation package.
  • Comprehensive employee benefits program, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and more.  
  • Paid time off and paid holidays.
  • Bonus program eligibility.  
  • 401k and FSA or HSA.
Locations:
  • Cepton Headquarters – San Jose, CA.
  • Some local on-site visits to key customers.
  • Travel to regional customer sites and to support trade shows & conferences if needed.
Cepton is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices.
The pay range for this role is $140,000–$180,000. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, depth of experience, certifications, and specific work location. This may be different in other locations due to differences in the cost of labor.  

The total compensation package for this position may also include an annual performance bonus, stock, benefits and/or other applicable incentive compensation plans.

Cepton Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against applicants due to race, ethnicity, gender, veteran status, or on the basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

About Cepton, Inc.

Cepton (Nasdaq: CPTN) provides state-of-the-art, intelligent, lidar-based solutions for a range of markets such as automotive (ADAS/AV), smart cities, smart spaces and smart industrial applications. Cepton’s patented MMT®-based lidar technology enables reliable, scalable and cost-effective solutions that deliver long range, high resolution 3D perception for smart applications.

Founded in 2016 and led by industry veterans with over two decades of collective experience across a wide range of advanced lidar and imaging technologies, Cepton is focused on the mass market commercialization of high performance, high quality lidar solutions. Cepton is headquartered in San Jose, California, USA, with a presence in Germany, Canada, Japan and India, to serve a fast-growing global customer base.

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Department
Application Engineering
Employment Type
Full Time
Location
San Jose, CA
Workplace type
Onsite
Compensation
$140,000 - $180,000 / year
View all opportunities at Cepton, Inc.