Manager of Engineering (Multidisciplinary Hardware)

About the RoleWe are seeking a Manager of Engineering (up to Director for the right candidate) to lead our multidisciplinary mechanical, electrical, and optical engineering teams, reporting directly to the CEO & CTO. This role requires a blend of strategic leadership and hands-on technical expertise. The successful candidate will be responsible for defining technical strategy, implementing scalable systems and processes, and directly overseeing the delivery of high-performance imaging products. Candidates who cannot engage deeply with the technical aspects of the business will not be a good fit for this position. What You’ll Do

• Lead and mentor a cross-functional global team of engineers
• Own the technical execution from architecture through prototyping, integration, and production.
• Guide high-impact tradeoff decisions, risk mitigation plans, and quality standards. Manage complex technical negotiations with the senior management team and customers.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, operations, and quality to align engineering execution with business needs.
• Interface with clients to scope technical needs, lead project execution, and ensure high satisfaction.
• Champion engineering excellence, inclusive leadership, and a culture of continuous learning.

• Proven leadership in multidisciplinary hardware teams, ideally including both individual contributor and managerial experience.
• Direct experience shipping optical or opto-electronic systems from concept to production.
• Strong technical background in optical and/or electro-mechanical engineering, with ability to go deep when needed. Hands-on leadership experience is necessary in this role.
• Ability to translate complex technical problems into clear decisions and roadmaps.
• Excellent communicator who thrives in evolving, fast-paced environments.
• Commitment to fostering diverse perspectives and inclusive engineering cultures.

Bonus If You Have

• Experience with optical simulation tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V) or building optical components and test stations.
• Background in embedded vision, sensors, or regulated product development.
• Familiarity with small-batch, high-performance manufacturing environments., Accounts Receivable, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Biomedical Equipment, Biomedicine, Communication Skills, Cross-Functional, Customer Relations, Electrical Engineering, Electromechanical Engineering, Embedded Systems, Engineering Management, Industrial Robotics, Instrumentation, Leadership, Manufacturing, Mentoring, Negotiation Skills, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), Optical Engineering, Optics, Optoelectronics, Product Development, Production Systems, Project Execution, Prototyping, Quality Engineering, Quality Metrics, Risk Management, Robotics, Sales Operations, Simulation, Systems Scalability, Team Lead/Manager, Technical Leadership, Technical Strategy, Testing

• Opportunity for advancement
• Profit sharing

About UsOptopax is a Silicon Valley-based design and OEM manufacturing company delivering integrated AI imaging solutions-from concept through prototyping to production. We specialize in AI-enabled camera modules, high-precision optics across UV to LWIR, and custom embedded systems powering robotics, industrial vision, submersible imaging, biomedical devices, AR/VR optics, medical and optical computing. Join our small, global team headquartered in San Jose, CA on a mission to engineer and manufacture camera solutions that transform how machines see, through custom optics, sensor integration, and embedded imaging platforms., Optopax is a Silicon Valley-based design and OEM manufacturing company delivering integrated AI imaging solutions-from concept through prototyping to production. We specialize in AI-enabled camera modules, precision optics spanning UV to LWIR, and custom embedded imaging systems powering applications in robotics, autonomous vehicles, submersible imaging, biomedical instrumentation, AR/VR, and optical computing. Join the Team Join our small, global team headquartered in San Jose, CA, and help us engineer the next generation of camera solutions that transform how machines see-through custom optics, advanced sensor integration, and embedded AI vision platforms.