Engineer Optics

BARCO; Town of Belgium (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Bonus system

Group insurance

Health insurance

Continuous learning opportunities

Job summary

BARCO is looking for a Senior Engineer Optics to develop advanced projection technologies for immersive experiences. This role involves designing illumination systems and defining specifications in collaboration with suppliers while ensuring quality and performance standards.

The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree in Optical Engineering or related fields and at least 2-5 years of experience in optical design. The position includes benefits such as health insurance and a competitive salary package.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or equivalent.
• Minimum 2-5 years of engineering experience in a design environment.
• Strong experience with Ansys Zemax OpticStudio.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize illumination systems for 1-DLP projectors.
• Develop optical models using Zemax OpticStudio.
• Collaborate with suppliers on specification and design.

Skills

Optical engineering

Projector design

Zemax OpticStudio

Colour science

Solid-state light sources

Education

Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or equivalent

Tools

Zemax OpticStudio

Spectrometers

Colorimeters

Python

Job description

Location

Kortrijk, BE

About the role

Barco IX (Immersive Experiences business unit) is a technology and creativity hub that immerses audiences in unforgettable experiences. Our IX R&D organization focuses on developing projection and image processing technologies for live events, theme parks, museums, flight simulators, and concert stages.

We are seeking a Senior Engineer Optics for its Immersive eXperiences Business unit in Kortrijk.

As a senior engineer, you will use your optical engineering skills to develop advanced projection systems with DLP technology and solid‑state light sources (laser, LED, phosphor) that lead the industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and optimize illumination systems for 1‑DLP projectors.
• Develop optical models using Zemax OpticStudio, including:
  • Light source coupling and illumination optics
  • Integrator rods, light tunnels, or homogenization optics
  • Relay optics up to the DMD
• Define and review projection lens specifications in collaboration with system and lens suppliers.
• Apply colour science principles to achieve target colour or brightness performance and stability.
• Measure and validate colour, luminance, and uniformity using spectrometers and colorimeters.
• Analyze measurement results and correlate them with simulations.
• Develop analysis tools and perform data processing using Python or other scientific programming languages.
• Work closely with key optical suppliers on requirement definition, technical reviews, design follow‑up, and performance validation.
• Support prototype builds, optical alignment, and system‑level testing in cooperation with operations/production engineers.
• Document designs, results, and design decisions.
• Provide maintenance, support, and continuous improvement for existing products.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or equivalent.
• Minimum 2-5 years of engineering experience in a design environment.
• Strong experience with Ansys Zemax OpticStudio.
• Solid knowledge of illumination optics for projection systems, 1‑DLP projector architectures, projection lens definition and specification, and colour science (CIE colour spaces).
• Hands‑on experience with optical and colour measurement equipment.
• Experience working with laser‑based projectors.
• Familiarity with DMD characteristics, optical tolerancing, stray light analysis, and laser and optical safety standards.
• Experience in a product development environment from concept to industrialization.
• International supplier collaboration experience.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English and/or Dutch.

Soft Skills

• Self‑motivated with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Team player able to work in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Proactive, result‑driven, and innovative with strong analytical skills.
• Detail‑oriented, quality‑conscious, and cost‑aware.
• Willing to travel occasionally to Barco locations, suppliers, or customers worldwide.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package based on experience.
• Bonus system.
• Group insurance, health insurance.
• Continuous learning opportunities.
• Modern state‑of‑the‑art working environment.

EEO Statement

At Barco, we have no discrimination or retaliation policies and are committed to equal opportunity. Diversity and inclusion are integral to our organization. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants.