Join Our Team

We are seeking a highly motivated Optical Systems Engineer to drive the design and optimization of LumaWave's photoacoustic imaging platform. This role combines hands-on experimentation with computational modeling to enable robust signal generation in tissue and inform system-level design decisions. The candidate will collaborate cross-functionally to integrate optical and acoustic subsystems, partner with academic collaborators to meet milestones, and translate early-stage research into validated prototypes. Operating in a fast-paced startup environment, this role will own technical workstreams, develop reproducible workflows, and create high-quality documentation to support both internal development and external funding efforts.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead the optimization of photoacoustic imaging system parameters to enable robust signal generation in tissue.
• Develop and apply Monte-Carlo models to understand light–tissue interactions and inform system-level design decisions.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams (acoustic, hardware, systems) to ensure cohesive integration of optical and ultrasound components.
• Partner closely with academic collaborators to execute project plans and meet technical milestones.
• Operate effectively in a fast-paced startup environment, demonstrating autonomy, adaptability, and the ability to drive work forward with minimal supervision.
• Develop protocols, technical documentation, and supporting materials for internal alignment and external funding efforts (e.g., grants, reports, presentations).

Required Experience

• MS or PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Applied Physics or an equivalent field.
• Strong background in biomedical optics and/or photoacoustic imaging.
• Proven experience with benchtop optics & hands-on experimentation.
• Proficient in scientific computing tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for data processing.

Compensation

$85,000 – $110,000 annually.

Final compensation offered for this position will depend on role, level, qualifications, experience, and work location. Competitive benefits will be offered, commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

What Success Looks Like at LumaWave

• Photoacoustic design parameters are clearly defined, validated, and aligned with system-level performance goals and deliverables.
• Experimental and modeling workflows consistently produce high-confidence data that de-risks key technical assumptions and accelerates development
• Collaborative milestones with external partners are met on time, with strong alignment across internal and academic teams.
• The platform advances with robust, well-characterized optical performance, supported by clear protocols, documentation, and reproducible results.
• You operate effectively in a fast-paced startup environment, taking ownership of workstreams and driving progress with minimal supervision.
• High-quality technical documentation and supporting materials are developed to enable internal decision-making and strengthen external funding efforts.

EEO

LumaWave is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin/ancestry, age, disability, marital status, medical condition, and veteran status.

We are seeking a highly motivated Acoustic Systems Engineer to lead the development of acoustic sensing and data acquisition capabilities for LumaWave's photoacoustic imaging platform. This role combines simulation, system design, and hands-on experimentation to enable reliable signal detection in tissue. The candidate will develop Verasonics-based acquisition workflows, execute k-Wave simulations, and translate system-level requirements into validated hardware and software solutions. Working closely with internal teams and academic collaborators, this individual will help drive key technical milestones while thriving in a fast-paced startup environment.

Job Responsibilities

• Build and maintain data acquisition scripts for ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging systems.
• Develop and execute k-Wave simulations to model and optimize transducer response and acoustic performance.
• Define, evaluate, and down-select ultrasound transducer specifications to meet system SNR and sensitivity requirements.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with optical, hardware, and systems teams to ensure seamless integration of optical and ultrasound subsystems.
• Partner closely with academic collaborators to execute project plans and achieve technical milestones.
• Operate effectively in a fast-paced startup environment, demonstrating autonomy, adaptability, and ownership of technical workstreams.
• Develop protocols, technical documentation, and supporting materials for internal alignment and external funding efforts, including grants, reports, and presentations.

Required Experience

• MS or PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, or an equivalent field.
• Proficiency in scientific computing tools such as Python and MATLAB for data processing and analysis.
• Experience developing acquisition scripts for ultrasound imaging systems.
• Hands-on experience designing and executing benchtop experiments with acoustic or ultrasound systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with open-architecture ultrasound systems such as Verasonics.
• Demonstrated expertise using k-Wave simulations for acoustic wave propagation and transducer modeling.
• Experience developing acquisition workflows for photoacoustic imaging applications.
• Ability to translate early-stage research concepts into validated prototypes and experiments.
• Previous experience in startup environments or grant-funded research programs.
• Contributions to technical reports, publications, grant proposals, or related documentation.

Compensation

$95,000 – $125,000 annually.

Final compensation offered for this position will depend on role, level, qualifications, experience, and work location. Compensation may also include equity participation and a bonus program. Competitive benefits will be offered, commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

What Success Looks Like at LumaWave

• A well-defined and validated acoustic sensing approach that consistently meets system-level performance requirements.
• Simulation and experimental workflows that reliably inform design decisions, reduce technical risk, and accelerate development.
• Scalable and dependable data acquisition and analysis processes that support efficient experimentation and iteration.
• Strong alignment between acoustic system design, overall platform architecture, and project milestones.
• Successful execution of collaborative technical objectives with academic and internal stakeholders.
• Proactive ownership of technical workstreams, driving measurable progress in a fast-paced development environment.
• High-quality technical documentation and supporting materials that enable informed decision-making and strengthen external funding efforts.

EEO

LumaWave is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin/ancestry, age, disability, marital status, medical condition, and veteran status.