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Salary: USD 216,000 - 255,000 / annual
Oura is seeking a Photonics Sensing Architect to lead the design, development, and integration of advanced optical sensing technologies for its wearable health platform. The Oura Ring uses sophisticated sensors to provide users with insights into readiness, activity, and sleep quality.
In this hybrid role based in San Francisco, you will report to the Director of Hardware Sensing and own the full lifecycle of optical sensor innovation—from architecture and prototyping through production validation. You will define and validate new optical sensing modalities (Raman spectroscopy, photoacoustic sensing, QCL, and similar technologies) optimized for low-power wearable platforms, translating product requirements into robust hardware specifications.
Key responsibilities include:
**Sensor Architecture & Design**: Define, prototype, and validate novel optical sensors for wearable applications. Translate sensing requirements into hardware specifications aligned with product goals.
**Development & Integration**: Lead integration of optical sensors into Oura hardware, managing calibration, noise reduction, power efficiency, and signal quality. Design and execute comprehensive sensor characterization and validation tests from prototype through production.
**Cross-Functional Leadership**: Collaborate with firmware, algorithm, and systems teams to ensure sensor data feeds accurately into Oura's signal processing and machine learning pipelines. Contribute to product planning and sensor roadmap discussions.
**Testing & Validation**: Develop rigorous test methodologies, metrics, and automation frameworks for sensor performance evaluation. Diagnose edge cases and performance bottlenecks through data analysis.
**Supplier & Partner Coordination**: Engage with sensor vendors and manufacturers to assess technology options, secure components, and optimize integration into mass-production workflows.
**Documentation & Communication**: Produce clear technical documentation of sensor designs, trade studies, and test plans. Present findings to engineering leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
Oura is a mission-driven company empowering millions globally to understand and improve their health through wearable technology and connected insights.
**Requirements:**
- 5+ years of optical and/or electrode sensor design and integration experience
- Experience with optical and electrode sensors and low-power embedded sensor interfaces
- Strong background in sensor characterization, signal quality analysis, embedded systems, and data integrity practices
- Excellent analytical problem-solving and written/verbal communication skills
- Collaborative mindset with experience working across hardware, firmware, and analytics teams
