Staff Optical Scientist

Who Are We?Are you someone that likes new challenges? Do you want to explore new technologies and help solve some of the world’s most difficult problems, like air quality and safety solutions? At TSI, these opportunities are real. Our engineers work with industry-leading experts both internally and externally. We encourage and enable our engineers to get into the field with customers to better understand their issues and solve their problems. At TSI, you make a difference – every day.Staff Optical Scientist at TSIThe primary role of the Staff Optical Scientist will be to lead the modeling, design, and development of laser and optical assemblies for use in various measurement technologies. This role will serve as a subject matter expert in optics throughout the organization and will create test plans, author test reports, work with technicians to perform tests, and document the test results. This role will have contact with systems engineers, technicians, design engineers, project management, metrology, quality, marketing, sales, customers, and tech support.The Staff Optical Scientist will require a strong working knowledge of mathematical modeling tools, electronics, electro-optics, laser physics, light scattering theory, sensor technology, and metrology. Among other tasks, the Optical Scientist will work with multi-disciplinary design teams to define technical requirements, determine feasibility, and lay out and maintain a technology roadmap for future products. The optical solutions will have applications in aerosol physics, particle counting, gas concentration measurement and speciation, agriculture, ventilation/humidity/air flow/velocity, and outdoor air quality.What Will You Do?In order to grow and build a successful career with TSI, you will:Support existing methods and contribute ideas to improve the company’s core competency in the areas such as lasers, spectroscopy, instrumentation design, particle counting and sizingDesign and prototyping of optical systems to include lenses, coatings, mirrors, fibers, and waveguidesEvaluate existing methods and develop improved methods for measurements and instrumentationAs needed, write, comment, and de-bug software/modeling code for optics and other models accurately and efficiently, while following TSI coding standardsPublish papers and generate patent applications relating to the company’s measurement needsParticipate on project teams and attend technical reviews offering insights on detection possibilitiesKeep active in the fields of interest by reviewing literature, interacting with existing and potential collaborators, and networking with industrial and academic colleaguesWork with leaders in the field to develop and implement advanced optical measurement techniques; this can include working from published literature or directly with developers of licensed technologiesParticipate in technical feasibility projectsProvide consulting across the organization to address problems and recommend solutionsDevelop and execute research, feasibility, verification, and validation subsystem and system level test plansLead technicians in the testing effortMentor technicians on performing tests, documenting test results, and providing a physics-based explanation of what is being testedRespond to advanced technical questions from the fieldParticipate in technical reviews offering insights on design, especially from a customer’s perspectiveParticipate in design reviews; give critical and constructive feedback to improve the reviewed designsWork cooperatively with other departments to develop best practicesComplete other assignments and special projects, as requestedWhat Do You Need?RequiredMS or PhD (PhD preferred) in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, optical engineering, mechanical engineering, or similar field from an established research institution8+ years experience in a product development environment as a scientist or test engineerElectro-optics and laser physics as applied to instrumentationThorough understanding of laser operation and non-linear characteristicsPhysical optics: diffraction, polarizationGeometric optics: ability to design and/or specify special-purpose lenses; aberrationLight scattering theory and practical applicationsExperience with optical modeling using tools such as Matlab, Mathcad, Zemax, or similarExcellent hands-on experimentalist, rigorous documentation, and reportingStrong understanding of problems and best-practice solutions in detecting, counting, and sizing particlesStrong understanding problems and best-practice solutions with photometersGood working knowledge of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and opticsExperience converting requirements into testsDesiredExperience in photonicsExperience with lens and mirror design and coating design or selectionExperience designing and using photodiodes, APDs, photomultipliers, spectrometers, and array detection devices like CCDsUnderstanding problems and known solutions in detecting, sizing, and counting aerosol and liquisol particlesKnowledge of signal processing techniquesExperience leading techniciansKnowledge gas measurement techniques (FTIR, FID, NDIR, EC, and PID)Performing uncertainty analysis of complex calibration systemsDeveloping products used for environmental monitoring applicationsWhat Can We Give You?At TSI, our employees are our most valuable assets, and we care about their health and happiness. We offer a competitive benefits program to keep our employees and their family members protected and foster a healthy work-life balance. Additionally, we are committed to employee development and growth, and encourage and foster an environment of collaboration, and innovation. Our work has meaning and the products we design and build help protect people and the environment.Dress for your day: We want our employees to be comfortable at work and we know they are more productive when they’re comfortable. The dress for your day policy allows employees’ discretion to select appropriate dress for the business of each workday.Pay & Benefits: Competitive market salary from $155,000 - $170,000 per year* depending on qualifications and experience. For eligible Leadership and individual contributor roles, additional bonus opportunities may be available and awarded at the discretion of the Company.Benefits:Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage. Retirement Plan: 401(k) with company match. Paid Time Off Program: Paid time off, paid holidays, and paid floating holidays. Other Benefits: Life insurance, employee assistance program (EAP), and professional development opportunities. Pay amount does not guarantee employment for any particular period of time. Legal authorization to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship. We require proof of eligibility to work in the United States.EOE/Vet/Disability