About StellarNet

Engineering Intelligence with Light

About our Team

For more than 30 years, StellarNet has been designing and manufacturing advanced spectroscopy instrumentation that helps scientists, engineers, researchers, and manufacturers measure, analyze, and understand the world through light. From laboratory research to industrial process monitoring, our solutions combine precision optics, intelligent software, and application expertise to deliver reliable analytical measurements across a wide range of industries.

Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Tampa, Florida, StellarNet pioneered the development of compact fiber optic spectrometers, helping make high-performance spectroscopy more accessible for research, manufacturing, quality control, and OEM integration. Today, our product portfolio spans UV-Visible, Near-Infrared (NIR), Raman spectroscopy, radiometry, thin film metrology, fluorescence, color measurement, and complete application-specific analytical systems.

What sets StellarNet apart is our commitment to engineering excellence. Our multidisciplinary team designs optical, electronic, mechanical, firmware, and software solutions in-house, allowing us to deliver highly integrated systems tailored to our customers’ unique applications. From custom OEM spectrometers to turnkey analytical instruments, we work closely with customers to solve complex measurement challenges with accuracy, reliability, and long-term support.

Our Tampa headquarters houses engineering, manufacturing, calibration, systems integration, and customer support operations under one roof. Every instrument is assembled, tested, and supported by experienced engineers who understand that successful spectroscopy solutions require more than quality hardware—they require deep application knowledge, responsive technical support, and a commitment to continuous innovation.

At StellarNet, our mission is to transform light into actionable engineering intelligence, empowering our customers with the tools they need to advance scientific discovery, improve manufacturing quality, and develop the next generation of technologies.

StellarNet Global Headquarters- Tampa, Florida

Solutions Designed for Your Applications

Every measurement challenge is unique. StellarNet combines decades of spectroscopy expertise with in-house optical, electrical, mechanical, software, and application engineering to develop solutions tailored to each customer’s needs. From OEM integration and custom instrument design to complete turnkey analytical systems, we help customers solve complex measurement challenges with confidence.

Quality is built into every system we manufacture. Each instrument is assembled, calibrated, tested, and undergoes a 48-hour burn-in process before shipment to ensure reliable performance in laboratory, industrial, and field environments. Our products are backed by a one-year limited warranty and supported by experienced engineers committed to your long-term success.

Our History

Founded in January 1991 by optical systems engineer Will Pierce, StellarNet was established to develop innovative optical process control solutions. Prior to founding the company, Will designed advanced process control systems at Honeywell for testing Ring Laser Gyros used in aerospace inertial guidance systems, bringing a strong foundation in precision optical instrumentation to StellarNet.

Innovation has been at the core of StellarNet from the beginning. In 1993, the company collaborated with Ocean Optics to co-develop the original SpectraScope™ software for the S1000 and PC1000 spectrometers. Building on that success, StellarNet introduced one of the industry’s first truly portable spectrometer systems in 1994, making high-performance spectroscopy practical for notebook computers and field applications.

In 1995, StellarNet developed its own compact fiber optic spectrometer featuring an integrated digitizer that eliminated the need for external acquisition hardware. This modular architecture improved instrument stability, reliability, and flexibility while laying the foundation for the configurable spectrometer platform that continues to evolve today. The company has since been awarded patents for its optical spectrograph designs and, in 1998, introduced SpectraWiz™, a Windows-based spectroscopy software platform that became the cornerstone of StellarNet’s instrument control, data acquisition, and process monitoring solutions.

Today, more than three decades later, StellarNet remains a privately owned company dedicated to advancing spectroscopy through innovative engineering, quality manufacturing, and application-focused solutions. From research laboratories to industrial process control and OEM integration, we continue to help customers around the world transform light into meaningful engineering intelligence.

Advancing our Scientific Community

At StellarNet, we believe innovation grows through collaboration, education, and scientific discovery. We proudly support the global spectroscopy community through professional organization memberships, research partnerships, and educational initiatives. From our Spectroscopy Application Challenge and StellarGrant™ program to celebrating the achievements of our grant recipients and application challenge winners, we are committed to advancing the scientists, engineers, and innovators shaping tomorrow’s discoveries.

Scientific Professional Memberships

Annual Spectroscopy Application Challenge Awards

The Annual StellarNet Spectroscopy Application Challenge celebrates innovative applications of spectroscopy across research, education, and industry. Each year, we recognize scientists, engineers, students, and innovators who are using optical measurement technologies to solve real-world problems, showcase breakthrough research, and inspire the next generation of scientific discovery.

Spectroscopy Application Challenge Results 2025
Spectroscopy Application Challenge Results 2024
Spectroscopy Application Challenge Results 2023
Spectroscopy Application Challenge Results 2022
Spectroscopy Application Challenge Results 2021

StellarNet StellarGrant Opportunities

StellarGrant™ is StellarNet’s annual equipment grant program designed to support universities, research laboratories, and educational institutions advancing scientific discovery. Through the donation of StellarNet Certified Refurbished spectroscopy instrumentation, StellarGrant expands access to advanced analytical tools while fostering innovation, education, and the next generation of scientists and engineers.

To learn more about the StellarGrant™ program or to be notified when applications open, contact us at contactus@stellarnet.us.

Past Tradeshow Pictures –

Check out our Social Media for the most up to date StellarNet info on tradeshows, contests, & giveaways!

ACS24-Wizard-and-Mole

ACS24-Wiz

ACS24-Wiz-and-Bippy

Wizard-and-Miss-Black-Louisiana-Eminence

ACS24-Booth

PW-Booth-Stephanie

PW-Booth-Kim

PW-Booth-Group

PW-Booth

ACS San Francisco 2017

StellarNet SPIE Optics and Photonics 2015

Light Fair 2017

StellarNet ACS Boston 2015

Pittcon 2017

ACS 2014- Dallas – SpectraWizard

StellarNet and Laser2000 Laser World of Photonics Munich 2015

Light Fair 2014- Las Vegas

Strategies in Light 2017

CIOE 2009 with Onset Sales Team -Shenzhen, China

Photonics West 2014- San Fran

Laser World of Photonics 2009 – Munich, Germany

Photonics West 2001- San Jose

CLEO, 2007

Interopto 2008 -Tokyo, Japan

Strategies in Light 2013- Santa Clara

SPIE 2010 with SPECTRO – SD, CA

Jaima 2009 -Tokyo, Japan

Pittcon 1999 – Orlando

SpectraWizard2

Careers at StellarNet – Updated 6/13/2025

1. Production - Electronic Engineer/Technician (Intermediate/Senior Level)

StellarNet, Inc. a small and growing spectroscopy instrumentation and sensor manufacturer is currently seeking an Intermediate/Senior level Electronic Engineer/Technician at our corporate headquarters in Tampa, FL (near Race Track Rd; Oldsmar Flea Market). Check out our product lines that you will be working with! www.StellarNet.us.

– PCB Layout and circuit Design
– Soldering small surface mount parts and wire harness
– Analog and digital circuit troubleshooting
– SMT (0403 package and .5 pitch) and PTH soldering
– RMA analysis, reporting and repair
– Prototyping and working example experience
– PCB rework
– IPC Class 2 & 3, J standard, Cypress ISR and Xilinx experience a plus
– assembles products utilizing process instructions and/or verbal instructions when necessary
– component level testing of incoming parts
– basic machine shop skills for light fabrication
– performs other duties as assigned or directed
– record keeping, organizational & teamwork skills
– Testing and experimentation on new products

Software skills are optional but preferred:
– Python, C, C#, VB, VBA, Pascal, LabVIEW
– USB and driver level communication protocol

Also, availability for recent graduate electronic engineers as well, contact us today!

2. Production -Assembler/Soldering Technician

Job activities will include soldering surface mount parts on PCBs, rework, wiring, and general assembly of electronic instruments. The ideal candidate will possess basic mechanical skills, and will be proficient using hand and power tools, in addition to being familiar with SMD soldering techniques. Additionally, this position will also include optical component assembly such as alignment of lenses, gratings, detectors and packaging of spectrometer products.

– Soldering small surface mount parts and wire harness
– SMT (0403 package and .5 pitch) and PTH soldering
– PCB rework
– Assembles products utilizing process instructions and/or verbal instructions when necessary
– Component level testing of incoming parts
– Basic machine shop skills for light fabrication
– Performs other duties as assigned or directed
– Record keeping, organizational & teamwork skills

Education and/or work experience will determine starting salary. All optical assembly tasks will receive onsite training and can be assumed entry level. StellarNet is a well established, small, and growing company, with a tight knit team that has plenty of room for advancement. We are looking for a new team member who is excited to grow with us and is ready to develop a lasting career.

3. Production - Spectrometer Technician/Optical Assembly

Job activities will include general assembly of spectrometers including alignment of optics such as lenses, gratings, and detectors and packaging of complete spectrometer products. The ideal candidate will possess basic mechanical skills and will be proficient using hand and power tools. Basic use of computer programs such as MS Excel is required.

– Assembly of spectrometers and optics utilizing process instructions and/or verbal instructions when necessary
– Component level testing of incoming parts
– Basic machine shop skills for light fabrication
– Performs other duties as assigned or directed
– Record keeping, organizational & teamwork skills

Education and/or work experience will determine starting salary. All optical assembly tasks will receive onsite training and can be assumed entry level. If you possess experience in the field of optical manufacturing please let us know and we can offer you increased compensation. StellarNet is a well established, small, and growing company, with a tight knit team that has plenty of room for advancement. We are looking for a new team member who is excited to grow with us and is ready to develop a lasting career.

Email your resume to Jpierce@StellarNet.us.

StellarNet Career Benefits

Small company work environment
Exciting new technologies
Unlimited growth potential within StellarNet
2 weeks paid vacation after 1 year, 3 weeks after 5
Health care plan + optional dental
Simple IRA with 3% employer match
Over 90% historical employee retention over 10 years
Monthly “Lunch and Learns” and educational activities
Monthly BBQs & team building activities