Optical Engineer

ArkeusPort MelbourneRemoteFull-time3 Sept 2026

Arkeus is seeking an Optical Engineer to design, develop, and optimize optical and electro-optical systems for AI-powered sensing technology used in defense and national security. The role involves working at the intersection of optics, imaging, hardware, and machine learning, taking systems from concept to deployment. Candidates should have 2-4 years of hands-on optical design experience and a degree in optics, photonics, physics, or a related field.

What you'll do

Design, model and optimise optical and imaging systems for sensing applications.
Perform optical tolerancing, sensitivity analysis, and performance optimisation (resolution, MTF, aberrations).
Conduct non-sequential simulations, stray light and ghost analysis to ensure image quality.
Select and specify optics, sensors and imaging components, and define the imaging chain from scene to sensor.
Prototype, align and characterise optical systems on the bench and on real hardware.
Work with mechanical and electronics engineers on optomechanical design and integration.
Collaborate with the ML/CV teams to ensure image quality supports downstream detection and classification.
Support the transition of designs into manufacturing; participate in design reviews; maintain documentation.

What you need

Must-have

Zemax OpticStudioCode VFREDOSLOOptical designOptical tolerancingNon-sequential simulationStray light analysis

Nice-to-have

Hyperspectral imagingEO/IR systemsSpectrometer-based imagingAerospaceAirborne remote sensingSpace optical instrumentationOGSEPython

Soft skills

CollaborationCommunicationProblem-solvingCuriosityOwnershipMentoring

Optical EngineerDefenseSpaceAISensingOpticsPhotonicsImagingFull-timeRemote

/What you'll do

/What you need

Must-have

Nice-to-have

Soft skills

What you'll do

What you need