Optical Design Engineer - Automotive Lighting Systems

Bertrandt Group; Crewe; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Bertrandt Group in the UK develops and validates cutting-edge automotive lighting systems, guiding concepts to production readiness. You will shape optical concepts, simulate performance, and ensure regulatory compliance for exterior and interior lighting.

Join a multidisciplinary engineering team and deepen expertise in light sources, materials, and HUD technologies, contributing to innovative mobility solutions worldwide.

Qualifications

• Engineering/Physics/Optics degree (or equivalent).
• Experience in optical design, simulation, or development, preferably automotive.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and design optical concepts for automotive exterior and interior lighting.
• Evaluate regulatory requirements and ensure compliance with customer specifications.
• Select appropriate light sources, optical materials, and finishes.
• Simulate, analyze, and optimize optical systems (reflectors, lenses, HUD).
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to validate technical feasibility.
• Create visualizations and renderings of lighting functions and appearance.
• Document development results and communicate technical findings to customers and project stakeholders.

Skills

Optical design

Simulation

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Communication

Python

C++

C#

MS Office

Education

Engineering/Physics/Optics degree

Tools

Speos

LucidShape

CATIA V5

MS Office

Job description

We are Bertrandt. An independent, international engineering service provider with decades of expertise. With cross-industry know-how and a comprehensive understanding of systems and products, we create technological solutions across the entire value chain. We focus on the trending topics of digitalization, e-mobility, and autonomous systems, primarily for the automotive, aerospace, defense, and mechanical engineering industries, consistently enabling the development of tailor‑made solutions. Our goal: to accelerate technological progress and make a meaningful contribution to a sustainable future. We work toward this every day - with approximately 12,000 employees at over 50 locations worldwide.

Shape the Future of Automotive Lighting

Modern lighting technologies are redefining vehicle design, safety, and user experience. Join our development team and help create innovative automotive lighting systems—from initial concept development and optical simulation to validation and production readiness.

Your Responsibilities

• Develop and design optical concepts for automotive exterior and interior lighting applications
• Evaluate regulatory requirements and ensure compliance with customer specifications
• Select appropriate light sources, optical materials, and technical surface finishes
• Simulate, analyze, and optimize optical systems such as reflectors, lenses, light guides, projection systems, and head-up display (HUD) solutions
• Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams, including design, electronics, and thermal engineering, to validate technical feasibility
• Create realistic visualizations and renderings of lighting functions and appearance (lit and unlit conditions)
• Document development results and communicate technical findings to customers and project stakeholders

Your Profile

• Degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, Photonics, Lighting Technology, or a related field
• Experience in optical design, simulation, or development, preferably within the automotive industry
• Strong analytical thinking and problem‑solving skills
• Excellent teamwork and communication abilities
• Proficiency in standard Microsoft Office applications
• Experience with optical simulation software such as Speos, LucidShape, or comparable tools
• Working knowledge of CATIA V5
• Basic programming skills in Python, C#, C++, or similar languages
• Understanding of automotive lighting regulations and homologation requirements

What We Offer

• Exciting development projects in the field of cutting‑edge automotive lighting technologies
• Collaboration with leading international automotive customers
• A highly motivated and interdisciplinary engineering team
• Opportunities for professional growth and technical specialization
• The chance to actively shape innovative lighting solutions from concept to production

Join Us

Are you passionate about optics, lighting technology, and innovation? Together with our customers, we develop next‑generation lighting systems for vehicles around the world. If you are looking for a challenging role with real impact and the opportunity to contribute your expertise in a dynamic environment, we would love to hear from you.

At Bertrandt, we place great importance on equal treatment and equal opportunity. Our hiring decisions are based on the experience and skills of the applicants. People with severe disabilities or those deemed equivalent under SGB IX are warmly welcomed and will be given preference in hiring if equally qualified.