Aeva · 1 month ago
Staff Optical Engineer
Mountain View, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$181K/yr - $245K/yr
6+ years expAeva is a company focused on transforming autonomy with its innovative sensing and perception technology. They are seeking a highly innovative Staff Optical Engineer to lead the design, development, and validation of advanced optical sub-components and systems for their coherent LiDAR technology.
AutomotiveAutonomous VehiclesComputer VisionNavigationSensor
Responsibilities
Leading advanced modeling and simulation of optical systems, including beam propagation, tolerance analysis, stray-light and scattering analysis, polarization effects, and sensitivity studies
Performing and reviewing optical simulations to evaluate architectures, predict performance, and identify design trade-offs
Conducting system-level analyses to ensure manufacturability, robustness, and alignment with performance requirements
Developing requirements and specifications for optical components based on detailed analytical insights
Generating and documenting new intellectual property related to optical modeling, analysis techniques, and system concepts
Providing cross-functional technical guidance to photonics, mechanical, and systems engineering teams
Mentoring junior engineers in modeling methodologies, simulation workflows, and interpretation of results
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree with 10+ years of relevant experience; or Master's degree with 6+ years; or PhD with 3+ years; or equivalent experience
Demonstrated experience driving optical system designs from proof-of-concept through high-volume production
Strong proficiency with physical/wave/Fourier optics principles
Strong proficiency with modeling and scripting tools such as ZEMAX, Code V, FRED, or similar
Expertise in tolerance analysis, stray-light, and scattering analysis
Deep experience with precision optical, micro-optic, and/or fiber-optic components
Hands-on laboratory skills for setting up, testing, validating, and troubleshooting optical, fiber-optic, and opto-mechanical subsystems
Knowledge of optical fabrication processes (molded, polished, diamond-turned) as well as micro-structured components
Ability to influence system-level decisions, present technical recommendations, and work across disciplines
Benefits
Medical
Dental
Vision
Unlimited PTO
401k plan
Life and disability benefits
Flexible time off
Paid parental leave
11 paid holidays annually
Company
Aeva
Aeva develops a sensing and perception paradigm for autonomous machines.
201-500 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Aeva has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (43)
2024 (32)
2023 (12)
2022 (29)
2021 (27)
2020 (14)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$568.5MKey Investors
ApolloLG InnotekSylebra Capital
2025-11-05Post Ipo Debt· $100M
2025-07-29Post Ipo Equity· $50M
2025-05-14Post Ipo Equity· $50M
Leadership Team
Soroush Salehian
Co-founder and CEO
Mina Rezk
Co-Founder
Recent News
2026-01-07
Company data provided by crunchbase