SANUWAVE · 3 hours ago
Senior Vision Systems Engineer
Eden Prairie, MN
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
5+ years expSANUWAVE is seeking a Senior Vision Systems Engineer for a critical hands-on R&D role responsible for the design, development, integration, and validation of optical, photonic, and imaging subsystems for next-generation medical devices. The successful candidate will lead technical development, establish testing laboratories, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust imaging solutions.
Medical Device
Responsibilities
Lead technical development of optical, photonic, and camera/vision subsystems for medical imaging applications
Define imaging system architectures, performance targets, and test methodologies
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers and technicians working on imaging hardware, optics, and firmware
Guide technology selection decisions for sensors, optics, illumination, and processing pipelines
Design, prototype, and integrate imaging systems including sensors, optics, illumination sources, filters, and opto-mechanical components
Review and approve technical designs, specifications, and test plans related to optical and imaging subsystems
Evaluate and select image sensors, camera modules, and illumination technologies (LED, laser, NIR, multispectral)
Develop and refine optical layouts, ray-based concepts, and system-level performance trade-offs
Work closely with mechanical engineering to ensure robust opto-mechanical integration, alignment, and tolerance control
Support design for manufacturability, serviceability, and scalability of optical assemblies
Develop and support Linux-based drivers and low-level firmware for image acquisition, sensor configuration, timing, synchronization, and data transfer
Interface imaging hardware with embedded processors, FPGAs, or SoCs using MIPI, SPI, I²C, LVDS, or similar protocols
Support bring-up and debugging of prototype imaging hardware and firmware in the lab
Establish, maintain, and continuously improve an optics, radiometry, and imaging test laboratory providing turnkey internal capabilities for development, testing, and safety verification
Define and execute optical, radiometric, and image-quality test plans (e.g., MTF, SNR, uniformity, spectral response, stray light)
Design and build custom test fixtures, alignment tools, and experimental setups
Perform hands-on testing, troubleshooting, failure analysis, and root cause investigations
Analyze test data to guide design iteration and performance optimization
Support verification and validation activities to meet product, regulatory, and quality requirements
Work closely with electrical, mechanical, firmware, software, and systems engineers to ensure seamless integration of imaging subsystems
Interface with suppliers and vendors for sensors, optics, illumination components, and test equipment
Support R&D cost estimates for imaging components, lab equipment, and tooling
Create and maintain clear documentation of imaging designs, test methods, calibration procedures, and validation results
Support regulatory submissions and audits by providing traceable design and test documentation
Ensure imaging subsystems comply with relevant medical device standards and guidance (e.g., IEC 62471, IEC 60601, ISO 13485)
Participate in design reviews, risk analyses, and design history file (DHF) activities
Ensure product designs meet safety, EMC, environmental, and industry compliance standards (e.g., UL, CE, FCC, ISO)
Support technical discussions with suppliers, manufacturing partners, and internal stakeholders
Assist with product launches, field issue investigations, and post-market support as needed
Translate clinical, system, and business requirements into actionable imaging engineering specifications
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Systems Engineering, or a related field (Master's or PhD preferred)
5+ years of experience in optical, photonics, imaging, or vision system development (medical device experience strongly preferred)
Proven hands-on experience designing, building, and testing camera, vision, or imaging systems
Strong understanding of image sensors, optics, illumination, and image-quality metrics
Experience with optical test methods and instrumentation (radiometry, photometry, imaging targets). Hands-on experience setting up and running laboratory experiments and test benches
Experience developing or supporting embedded firmware for imaging systems
Familiarity with common imaging interfaces and protocols (e.g., MIPI CSI-2, SPI, I²C). Working knowledge of optical design and analysis tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V) is a plus
Proficiency with data analysis and scripting tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB)
Hands-on experience with test equipment (e.g., power meters, spectrophotometers, radiometers, oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies) and test automation tools
Familiarity with photobiological and optical safety standards applicable to medical imaging systems (e.g., IEC 62471, laser safety per IEC 60825, and related risk assessment practices)
Able to function with urgency in high-pressure situations
Excellent verbal, written communication, especially with development and quality teams
Demonstrated business acumen with the proven ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment
Preferred
Master's or PhD in a related field
Working knowledge of optical design and analysis tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V)
Early stage/start up experience strongly preferred
Company
SANUWAVE
As an emerging leader in the development and commercialization of energy transfer technology, SANUWAVE presents products that help expedite wound healing on a cellular level.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Morgan Frank
CEO/Chairman Of The Board Of Directors
Pete Stegagno
Chief Operating Officer
Company data provided by crunchbase