Optical Engineer

HiViz LED Lighting / FireTech Lights

Asheville (NC)

On-site

USD 70,000 - 100,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Tools and labs

Job summary

HiViz LED Lighting is seeking a creative Optical Engineer to lead the design and optimization of LED lighting systems for public safety. This role requires expertise in optical design tools and a passion for innovation in lighting solutions. As the first in-house optical expert, you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of our products significantly, making a direct impact on first responders' safety with competitive salary and benefits.

Qualifications

Proven experience designing optics for LED lighting systems.
Deep understanding of light shaping and control.
Comfortable working independently and innovating on designs.

Responsibilities

Design next-generation LED optics and identify improvement opportunities.
Collaborate with engineers and manufacturers for optical components.
Validate optical performance using photometric equipment.

Skills

Optical design tools

CAD software

Plastic optics knowledge

Tools

Zemax

SolidWorks

LightTools

Job description

2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Direct message the job poster from HiViz LED Lighting / FireTech Lights

Talent Acquisition Specialist at HiViz LED Lighting

We’re HiViz Lighting, and we make mission-critical LED lighting for emergency vehicles — the lights that help first responders save lives. We’re looking for a hands-on, scrappy, creative Optical Engineer to become our in-house expert on all things optics. If you know how to shape, mix, bend, and throw light like a wizard, we want to talk.

This is a ground-floor opportunity: you’ll be our first in-house optical expert. You’ll own the optical performance of every lighting product we make — from warning lights to scene lights to the next generation of integrated multi-color systems — and will play a key role in helping us outshine the competition.

What you’ll do:

· Review and analyze existing products to identify optical improvement opportunities.

· Design next-generation LED optics for warning lights, scene lights, and headlights.

· Drive innovation in multi-color, under-one-optic designs (think stage lighting meets public safety).

· Select lens materials (primarily acrylic or polycarbonate; silicone a plus) and specify optical geometry (reflectors, collimators, beam-shaping elements, etc.).

· Collaborate with our mechanical and embedded product engineers to deliver fully integrated lighting systems.

· Work with suppliers and manufacturers to source, tool, and validate optical components.

· Use photometric equipment (like goniophotometers and integrating spheres) to validate optical performance.

· Guide software/tool selection for optical simulation and modeling — we’re open to what works best.

What we’re looking for:

· Proven experience designing optics for LED lighting systems — whether that’s in warning, architectural, stage, or automotive lighting.

· Deep understanding of how to shape and control light — beam angles, optical efficiency, color mixing, etc.

· Strong background in optical design tools (Zemax, LightTools, TracePro, or similar) and CAD software (SolidWorks experience is a plus).

· Experience working with plastic optics (injection molded preferred), and knowledge of manufacturing constraints.

· Comfortable owning a function solo — you're a team of one for now, so you'll need to set the vision and execute.

· Comfortable testing, prototyping, failing fast, and iterating — we love trying new things.

· Degree? Cool if you have one. But if your portfolio, prototypes, or patent history speak louder — we’ll listen.

Who you are:

· You’ve maybe worked at a small lighting company or engineering startup — and you liked the pace.

· You’re confident, hands-on, and love solving problems that don’t have an obvious answer,

· You’re a builder. An inventor. Someone who sees light differently.

· You’ve always wanted the freedom to say, “Let’s try this crazy idea…” and then actually try it.

· You’re not afraid of regulations — even if you haven’t worked with SAE, FMVSS, or DOT lighting standards before, you’re the kind of person who can dive into the details and figure it out fast.

· You thrive in a tight-knit, high-performance team and aren’t afraid to roll up your sleeves.

· We’re an established company with a tech startup feel. Fast-moving, fun-loving, and mission-driven.

· Our lights protect firefighters, paramedics, and police officers across the world. Your work literally saves lives.

· You’ll get to help shape the optical performance of an entire product line — from scratch.

· Our engineering team is tight, scrappy, and fun. You’ll love working here.

· We’re based in Western North Carolina, just outside Asheville. Think bluegrass, breweries, and world-class mountain biking five minutes from the shop.

· Competitive salary and benefits package.

· Paid time off, 401(k), health/dental/vision insurance.

· Tools, labs, and equipment to help you get the job done

· A team that moves fast, works hard, and supports each other like family.

· Want to help design the lights that keep first responders safe? Let’s talk.

Seniority level