AgZen is tackling two of agriculture’s biggest challenges: waste and pollution. Billions are spent on pesticides and fertilizers, yet most never reach the crops - resulting in costly waste and significant environmental harm. AgZen optimizes chemical application in real time, reducing input use, minimizing pollution, and protecting both yields and ecosystems.
Requirements
- Demonstrated expertise in designing, building, and testing complex optical setups for imaging and/or microscopy.
- Proficiency in optical simulation software (e.g., Zemax, LightTools).
- Strong understanding of light-matter interactions, particularly in biological or agricultural contexts.
- Hands-on experience with optical components including lenses, filters, light sources (LEDs, lasers), and detectors (CMOS, CCD).
- Experience with image processing and analysis techniques.
- Proficiency with data analysis languages such as Python or MATLAB.
- Experience taking an optical system from concept to a manufactured product.
Responsibilities
- Lead the architecture and development of novel, high-resolution optical systems from the ground up, including component selection (cameras, lenses, illumination) and setup design.
- Utilize optical simulation software (e.g., Zemax, LightTools) to rapidly iterate on designs and validate performance through hands-on prototyping and experimentation.
- Collaborate closely with computer vision and hardware teams to seamlessly integrate optical solutions.
- Contribute to the development of our physics-based droplet simulation tools.
- Drive innovation by staying at the forefront of advancements in optics and imaging to continuously improve our technology and maintain our competitive edge.
- Develop clear documentation for optical systems, experiments, and design choices.
Other
- This role is located in Somerville, MA (Boston area) with work required to be in-person.
- Ph.D. in Experimental Physics, Applied Physics, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
- Curious, creative, and tenacious candidate who is passionate about developing core sensing technology to build hardware that can measure droplets as small as 150μm on leaf surfaces.
- Familiarity with computer vision and machine learning applications.
- Track record of publications or patents in a relevant field.
