Manager - Optics (Optoelectronics)

TAK Technologies; Dadri; On-site; INR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Job summary

TAK Technologies seeks a Design Lead Optical Systems to steer the design, development, optimization, and validation of advanced optical and electro‑optical systems for defense and security applications. You will mentor the optics team and drive innovation from concept to production, including supplier qualification.

The role requires 8–10 years of hands‑on optical design experience, with strong proficiency in Zemax OpticStudio and OSLO; knowledge of Code V is desirable.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years of hands‑on experience in optical design and development.
• Minimum 3 years in technical leadership or mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Optical Architecture translate requirements into specs, budgets and verification plans.
• Design, optimize and document lenses and optical modules.
• Perform paraxial analysis, aberration balancing and MTF/PSF analysis.
• Develop tolerance models, Monte Carlo analyses and alignment strategies.
• Define optical-to-mechanical interfaces and integration concepts.
• Support prototype build, alignment and validation activities.
• Prepare prescriptions, data sheets and assembly drawings.
• Evaluate suppliers and OEMs; assess quotations and capability.
• Plan optics work packages, review designs and mitigate risks.

Skills

Optical leadership

Optical design

Mentoring

Requirements translation

Education

M.Tech./M.Sc./M.Tech. in Optical Engineering

PhD in Optics (preferred)

Tools

Zemax OpticStudio

OSLO

Code V

Job description

Role Overview

The Design Lead Optical Systems will lead the design, development, optimization, and validation of advanced optical and electro-optical systems for defense and security applications. The role is responsible for developing imaging optics, infrared optics, night vision systems, thermal imaging assemblies, weapon sights, and other precision optical modules. The incumbent will provide technical leadership throughout the product lifecyclefrom concept and optical architecture to prototype development, production support, and supplier qualification—while mentoring the optics team and driving innovation in optical engineering.

Key Responsibilities

1. Optical Architecture and Requirements: Translate customer, tender, product, and system requirements into optical specifications, performance budgets, interface requirements, acceptance criteria, and verification plans.

2. Lens and Assembly Design: Design, optimize, and document objective lenses, eyepieces, relay groups, collimators, near-eye display optics, reticle paths, illumination paths, IR lens assemblies, and complete optical modules.

3. Optical Performance Analysis: Perform paraxial analysis, aberration balancing, MTF/PSF analysis, distortion and illumination assessment, ghost analysis, stray-light evaluation, pupil and field analysis, and design trade studies.

4. Tolerance and Manufacturability: Develop tolerance models, Monte Carlo analyses, alignment strategies, datum schemes, compensators, assembly sequences, and inspection requirements to ensure repeatable production performance.

5. Opto-Mechanical Integration: Define optical-to-mechanical interfaces, lens mounting concepts, spacers, retainers, sealing provisions, focus/diopter mechanisms, thermal compensation, and alignment features in coordination with the mechanical team.

6. Prototype, Alignment and Validation: Support prototype build, optical alignment, image-quality evaluation, troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, design verification, field trials, and environmental qualification.

7. Drawings and Technical Documentation: Prepare optical prescriptions, lens data sheets, coating specifications, optical assembly drawings, interface-control documents, tolerance reports, design-review records, verification reports, and controlled design documentation.

8. Supplier and OEM Development: Evaluate optical component manufacturers, lens fabricators, coating suppliers, metrology partners, and OEMs; technically assess quotations, samples, capability, quality risks, obsolescence, and localization opportunities.

9. Technical Leadership: Plan and review optics work packages; mentor team members; conduct design reviews; approve analyses and drawings; resolve technical risks; and coordinate with project, quality, production, and leadership stakeholders.

10. Technology and Product Roadmap: Track relevant optical technologies, competitor products, materials, coatings, detectors, displays, and manufacturing methods; prepare feasibility, cost, risk, and make-versus-buy recommendations.

Qualification

• Mandatory: M.Tech./M.Sc./M.Sc. (Tech.) in Optical Engineering, Applied Optics, Photonics, Physics, or a related discipline from a recognized institute.
• Preferred: Ph.D. in Optics, Photonics, or specialization in Lens Design, Imaging Systems, Infrared Optics, or Electro-Optical Systems.
• Experience: 8–10 years of hands‑on experience in optical design and development. Minimum 3 years in a technical leadership or team mentoring role.
• Experience in defense, aerospace, electro-optics, imaging systems, or precision optical products will be preferred.

Technical Skills

Expertise in Zemax OpticStudio and/or OSLO.

Knowledge of Code V or equivalent optical design software is desirable.

Strong understanding of:

• Sequential ray tracing
• Imaging optics
• First-order optics
• Aberration theory
• MTF & PSF analysis
• Optical tolerancing
• Monte Carlo analysis
• Stray light and ghost analysis
• Optical alignment
• Athermalization
• Opto-mechanical integration

Experience with visible, NIR, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR optical systems.

Why Join This Role:

This position offers the opportunity to lead the development of cutting‑edge electro‑optical technologies for defense and homeland security applications. The role provides ownership of advanced optical product development while building in‑house optical engineering capability, mentoring engineers, and contributing directly to indigenous technology development and product innovation.