Optical Systems Scientist

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) is an employee-owned company located just north of Boston in Andover, MA. Our Optical Systems Division is a leader in developing cutting-edge optical technologies for defense, sensing, and next-generation applications. We specialize in building innovative solutions that push the boundaries of imaging, illumination, spectroscopic systems, and metasurface optics.

About the Role
We are seeking an Optical Systems Scientist to join our growing team. You will support the design, simulation, prototyping, and testing of advanced optical systems across a variety of application-driven programs. Current development efforts include structured illumination systems, metasurface optics for imaging, and novel spectrometer architectures.

This role requires a strong foundation in optical system design and hands-on experimentation, combined with the ability to work across interdisciplinary teams. In addition to technical contributions, you will support program management, customer interactions, and business development. PSI values individuals with a strong desire to pursue novel research initiatives. As you advance in your career at PSI, we encourage and support growth in independent ideation, proposal generation, and the development of new customer relationships.

What You’ll Do

• Design, analyze, and prototype optical systems for imaging and non-imaging applications.
• Use optical design software (e.g., Zemax/OpticStudio) and system-level modeling tools (MATLAB, Python) to model and optimize system performance.
• Develop instrumentation for optically-based chemical analysis and spectroscopy.
• Integrate free-space optics with photonic integrated circuits and fiber systems.
• Specify and characterize detectors, coherent and incoherent light sources, and subsystems.
• Define and execute laboratory and field test plans; analyze and interpret resulting data.
• Present technical results to sponsors, collaborators, and professional societies.
• Contribute new technology ideas and applications that can evolve into future business.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, Physical Chemistry or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Strong understanding of optical system layout, construction, and performance metrics.
• Experience with instrumentation design, optical alignment, and system integration.
• Proficiency with optical design software (Zemax or equivalent).
• Familiarity with system-level radiometric modeling in MATLAB or Python.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with metasurface optics, structured illumination, or spectrometer system design.
• Background in integrating optics with imaging algorithms, electronics, or embedded systems.
• Knowledge of advanced photonics (PIC integration, fiber optics, laser systems).
• Strong laboratory prototyping and experimental design skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work across multidisciplinary teams and manage technical programs.
• Interest in developing customer relationships and leading proposal efforts.

Why Join Us
At PSI, you’ll be part of a collaborative, employee-owned company where your ideas directly shape groundbreaking technologies with national security and commercial impact. We encourage our engineers and scientists to grow not only as technical experts but also as innovators and future business leaders. PSI offers career growth opportunities, hands-on experimentation, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and engagement with customers — all while working on projects that advance the state of the art in optics.

Additional Information

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• PSI is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

For a list of company benefits, visit PSI benefits