Optical Engineer

About the Role

We are looking for an Automotive Lighting Optical Design Engineer to support the development and optimization of automotive lighting systems, including headlights, taillights, signal lights, light guides, and advanced projection technologies. The role involves defining optical concepts, performing photometric simulations, and ensuring compliance with automotive lighting regulations. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in optical design and simulation tools, experience with automotive lighting technologies, and the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams and global clients.

Responsibilities

• Analyze customer specifications to establish optical design criteria and product requirements.
• Define and evaluate optical technologies and concepts according to product performance requirements.
• Participate in interdisciplinary engineering meetings to assess the feasibility of optical concepts and their integration into the overall product design.
• Design and optimize optical surfaces, including reflectors, collimators, Fresnel lenses, and light guides.
• Perform photometric simulations using tools such as LucidShape, SPEOS, or ASAP.
• Analyze simulation results and prepare technical reports to demonstrate compliance with design requirements and applicable regulations.
• Prepare technical justifications and recommendations to support optical concept selection and design decisions.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electronic, and other engineering teams to ensure proper integration of optical components into the product.
• Support optical tolerance analysis and correlation between simulation results and physical prototypes.
• Contribute to product development activities in accordance with project plans, schedules, and quality requirements.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering or a specialization in Optomechatronics, Physics, Mechatronics, Photonics, Mechanics, or a related field.

Required Skills

• Relevant experience in optical design for the automotive industry, particularly in headlights, taillights, signal lights, light guides, or LED/laser projection systems.
• Advanced proficiency in photometric simulation tools such as LucidShape, SPEOS, or ASAP.
• Proficiency in CATIA V5 for optical surface integration and coordination with mechanical assemblies.
• Thorough knowledge of automotive lighting regulations, including ECE requirements for Europe and FMVSS 108 / SAE requirements for North America.
• Experience with LED light sources, Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB), matrix projection, and reflection/refraction systems.
• Knowledge of photometry and goniometry laboratory testing, optical tolerance analysis, and correlation between simulation results and physical prototypes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret optical simulation results and translate them into design improvements.
• Attention to detail and commitment to optical performance and product quality.
• Effective communication and collaboration across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Ability to manage priorities and deliver technical results within project timelines.
• Proactive approach to technical challenges and continuous improvement.