Optical Systems Engineer

About Us

Aquila is a fast-growing startup developing dynamic, wireless optical energy networking to power sectors underserved by traditional grid infrastructure—think electric aircraft charged in-flight that never have to land… or mines bustling with cool robotics and powered by wireless energy networks—the possibilities are endless! We're backed by some of the best investors in the world, such as Blackbird, Possible and Icehouse, and we're working with fantastic partners to develop novel and exciting capabilities.

We believe in the power of teamwork and collaboration. We are a dynamic and supportive team of Eagles who share a passion for pushing the boundaries of what is possible. We're looking for exceptional people driven to power the future by solving first-class problems with world-class engineering. Everyone owns their work end-to-end.

At Aquila, we believe in shaping the role around the candidate and the team. As such, if there's a domain you do not fit into, please do not hesitate to apply anyway!

The Role

As a Optical Systems Engineer at Aquila, you will be critical in developing and deploying our power beaming systems. You will be responsible for testing and implementing a laser energy delivery system to unlock the first free-space optical power-beaming product to launch. Lightway Sentry is a drone that can fly forever to establish aerial awareness and save lives in critical infrastructure, search and rescue, life-saving, and defence.

The role spans all elements of optical and laser system operations, testing, and qualification, including high-power laser systems, characterisation of optical components, transitioning test platforms into field-ready power beaming systems and much more.

Role Responsibilities/Expectations

Successful candidates will:

• Design and develop optical systems suitable for field deployable power beaming systems
• Select and integrate laser systems and optical components for high power beam transmission
• Develop and execute characterisation and qualification tests for laser systems and optical components in both lab and field environments.
• Test and measure performance metrics under varied environmental conditions, and validate performance against design specifications.
• Use test results to develop additional diagnostics and root cause analyses to refine optical performance (e.g. beam quality, losses) and improve overall system reliability.
• Transition test systems and prototypes into manufacturable, field-ready products with appropriate documentation and process control
• Stay up-to-date with industry advancements and emerging laser technologies, and contribute innovative ideas to improve system performance and reliability.
• Maintain clear documentation of test results, protocols, and findings, ensuring team-wide understanding and knowledge sharing.
• Roll up your sleeves and help with whatever is required in a dynamic startup environment.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

• Background in Photonics, Optical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in laser and optical engineering, including design, development, and testing of high power laser systems.
• Proficiency with optics metrology tools and laser characterisation equipment such as beam profilers, spectrometers and laser power meters
• Strong comprehension of fundamentals in photonics and bulk/free-space optics
• -Demonstrated ability to design and run experiments, analyse results, and iterate quickly in a “scrappy” hands-on environment.
• Proficiency with programming (e.g. MATLAB, Python) for data analysis, image processing, or instrument control
• Driver’s license and willingness to work in both lab and outdoor settings, and to travel to test sites as needed

We know great candidates may not meet every listed qualification. If you’re excited by our mission and have relevant skills or experience, we encourage you to apply.

Please note: Employment at Aquila is subject to the successful completion of pre-employment screening, including reference checks and a national police check.