Title: Founder and Optical Engineer
Company: Ruda Optical
Location: Tucson, Arizona, United States
Tilman W. Stuhlinger, PhD, Founder and Optical Engineer at Ruda Optical, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Engineers for dedication, achievements, and leadership in Research and Development.
Dr. Stuhlinger, lauded for his expertise in optical sciences, has spent 30 years in the industry, culminating in his current role as an optical engineer at Ruda Optical (formerly Ruda-Cardinal Inc.), a position he assumed in 2021. Based in Tucson, Arizona, the woman-owned, certified small business specializes in the design, modeling, assembly, and testing of optical and optomechanical precision systems.
As part of his daily routine, Dr. Stuhlinger develops optical designs based on the current contrast requirements. He also ensures that the fundamental characteristics of the lens, such as focal length and field of view, are accurate. Moreover, he designs optical systems, assembling and specifying various lenses to be manufactured by external partners, and collaborates with other team members, including optomechanical engineers and laboratory technicians, to ensure that the tolerances can be realistically achieved.
Dr. Stuhlinger’s career began as a staff engineer at Talandic Research Corporation in 1986, where he spent the next few years learning the complexities of the industry. He then joined Ruda Optical as the company’s vice president in 1994, where he remained for over 25 years before pivoting into his current position.
Possessing a rich educational background, Dr. Stuhlinger received a Bachelor of Science in physics and astronomy from Vanderbilt University. Subsequently, he received a master’s degree in optical sciences from the Optical Sciences Center and a second master’s degree in physics and astronomy from the University of Georgia. Dr. Stuhlinger then acquired a Doctor of Philosophy in optics and optical sciences from the University of Arizona in 1984.
As part of his continued commitments to the industry, Dr. Stuhlinger has been a member of the Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers since 1984. His tenured membership has allowed him to remain at the forefront of the field.
As an expert in optical design and analysis, Dr. Stuhlinger has established a reputation for his groundbreaking work and significant contributions to research and development and systems design. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to design complex systems and undertake intricate projects that others might shy away from. Among his notable career highlights was a display for a business jet system, which had to accommodate various structural components of the airplane, making the design both unique and challenging. Dr. Stuhlinger was also involved in designing a phased array telescope consisting of several sub-telescopes. This approach facilitated the achievement of a larger telescope diameter, enabling him to obtain a broader field of view than those working on similar projects at the time. Beyond these achievements, he secured several patents, including one for array telescopes.
Dr. Stuhlinger attributes his success to the support of his professors, who helped him progress and develop better study and work habits. He also acknowledges the work ethic he developed over the years, a characteristic he earned from his parents, who served as role models. In the coming years, Dr. Stuhlinger intends to continue excelling at Ruda Optical while also providing mentorship to the younger generation of engineers. He recognizes these upcoming engineers as the future of the company and aims to support their growth and development.
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