Optical Design / Camera Systems Engineer

Level Zero is pioneering next-generation biosensor technology for precise, real-time monitoring of critical endocrine biomarkers. Recognised as one of the top 20 startups across all categories worldwide at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 - and backed by top-tier organisations like SOSV and Entrepreneur First - we're pushing the boundaries of biochemistry and nanotechnology to revolutionize personalised health.

Founded by two seasoned engineers, we bring extensive experience in R&D, technical innovation, and commercial strategy to transform the way people monitor their health. Our mission is bold: to revolutionise health management by delivering clinical-grade data directly to individuals, wherever they are.

We're seeking driven innovators to join us in pushing the boundaries of biosensing and health tech, making personalised health monitoring a reality for everyone. To achieve this ambitious vision, we're assembling the best team in the world - dedicated to turning cutting-edge science into life-changing, real-world solutions.

We're looking for an Optical Design / Camera Systems Engineer to design, prototype and industrialise the optical sensing and imaging systems at the heart of Level Zero's wearable medical devices. Working closely with the founding team, biochemists and multidisciplinary engineers, you'll take optical concepts from simulation through prototyping, verification and volume manufacture, delivering miniaturised camera, illumination and detection systems that produce accurate, repeatable measurements in a compact, body-worn device. This is a hands-on role at the intersection of optical design, imaging, optomechanics and medical product development.

What you'll do

• Own the design and development of the optical and camera subsystems, including image sensors, lenses, illumination sources, filters and light guides.
• Design compact, highly integrated optical systems that fit within tight size, power and thermal constraints, working closely with mechanical and electronics teams.
• Model and simulate optical systems using ray-tracing and optical design tools, including performance analysis, stray light assessment and optical tolerancing.
• Specify, select and qualify camera modules, image sensors, LEDs, photodetectors and optical components, and work with suppliers to integrate them into the product.
• Design optomechanical assemblies, including lens mounts, alignment features and moulded optics, in collaboration with the mechanical team.
• Define image quality and optical performance requirements (e.g. resolution, MTF, SNR, uniformity, dynamic range) linked to the underlying biosensing measurement.
• Develop calibration methods, alignment processes and optical test fixtures for development and production.
• Develop, refine and execute verification test methods to evaluate optical performance and reliability. Plan and conduct engineering testing, analyse results and iterate designs based on data.
• Work with software and data teams to define image acquisition, processing and analysis pipelines.
• Lead optical investigations, identify root causes of failures and implement effective design improvements.
• Apply human-centred design practices, ensuring optical performance remains robust across real-world use, users and wear conditions.
• Work closely with external suppliers, camera module manufacturers and optical component vendors to develop production-ready designs.
• Create detailed design specifications, engineering requirements and optical architecture documentation.
• Balance optical performance, size, power, usability, reliability, manufacturability and cost throughout the design process.
• Contribute to early-stage R&D, collaborating with engineering leadership and the science team to define and refine future sensing and design iterations.

What you bring

The ideal candidate must have:

• Master's degree or PhD with 3+ years of industry experience in optics, photonics, physics, optical engineering, electrical engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience developing optical or camera systems for medical devices, wearables, consumer electronics or other compact products.
• Experience designing miniaturised optical systems or integrating compact camera modules.
• Strong proficiency with optical design and simulation tools (e.g. Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, LightTools, Ansys Speos or similar).
• Solid understanding of image sensors, camera architectures and imaging performance metrics (MTF, SNR, distortion, dynamic range).
• Experience with illumination design, including LED selection, light guides, diffusers and optical filters.
• Experience performing optical tolerance analysis and designing for manufacturability and alignment.
• Experience designing or specifying optomechanical assemblies, with an understanding of engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Experience creating and refining optical test methods, calibration procedures and verification plans.
• Experience working with external suppliers, camera module manufacturers and optical component vendors.
• Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for data analysis, image analysis and test automation.
• Experience with DFMEA and structured engineering risk management.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot optical and imaging problems using structured root cause analysis.
• Experience creating engineering documentation including design specifications and product requirements.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Comfortable taking ownership of significant subsystems while working with appropriate technical guidance.

Nice to have:

• Experience with optical biosensing techniques, such as fluorescence, colorimetric, absorbance or reflectance-based detection
• Experience with point-of-care diagnostics or lateral flow readers
• Experience designing wearable medical devices
• Knowledge of ISO 13485, ISO 14971, IEC 60601 or IEC 62471 (photobiological safety)
• Experience with verification and validation (V&V) testing
• Experience with moulded polymer optics or wafer-level optics
• Experience with image processing, computer vision or machine learning for image analysis
• Experience with active alignment and camera module production processes
• Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical data analysis
• Experience supporting pilot builds, manufacturing scale-up and production transfer
• Prior work in a start-up or small company environment
• Prior work in medical device development

Who You Are

We value culture as much as we value technical expertise, creating an environment that's equal parts collaboration, curiosity, and fun.

We're a fast-paced, mission-driven young team on a quest to make a lasting impact, fueled by uncompromising integrity, unwavering support for one another, and the thrill of exploring uncharted territories. Our passion for excellence drives everything we do, and we welcome individuals who share our commitment to shaping the future.

If our vision excites you, here are the qualities we look for:

• You live and breathe integrity, tackling challenges with honesty and transparency.
• You're a self-starter who loves diving into the unknown, collaborating on complex problems, and taking full ownership of results.
• You excel at open, clear communication and see every piece of feedback as a springboard for growth—especially in a science and data-focused environment.
• You're motivated by creating real impact, particularly when it comes to advancing human health.
• You strike a balance between independence and collaboration, knowing when to seek support or invite others to join in.
• You're confident in defending your ideas, while also valuing respectful, constructive debate as a path to better solutions.
• You thrive in the dynamic atmosphere of a startup, constantly evolving your skill set and fearlessly applying what you learn.

What we offer

• A full-time role with a competitive salary and equity options, reflecting our value in your expertise and potential.
• An environment where you'll collaborate directly with the founding team at a leading biosensor startup, gaining access to industry experts and thought leaders.
• The chance to grow with us, including ample opportunities for leadership, career advancement, and exploration.
• Travel to New York and other potential sites for R&D purposes.
• The excitement of working on cutting-edge technology, shaping strategic decisions, and driving innovation at an early-stage venture alongside a superstar team.

Be Part of Our Journey

If you're ready to be at the forefront of biosensing innovation and thrive in fast-paced, learning-rich environments, we'd love to hear from you.

If your skills and experience do not align perfectly with this role, yet you believe you have something unique to offer, we're keen to listen. Reach out to us with a short statement on how you can contribute and let's discuss where you might fit into our team.