Optical Engineer

BHT; Southfield (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

BHT, located in Southfield, Michigan, is looking for an engineer to design innovative exterior and interior lighting systems for automotive applications. The role involves collaboration with design and engineering teams to ensure compliance with legal standards and to optimize product designs.

Candidates should have a B.S. in Engineering or Applied Physics, experience with optical design software, and strong communication skills. A background in 3D CAD and a team-oriented mindset are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Experience with optical design software is required.
• 3D CAD experience is a must.
• Basic programming knowledge preferred.
• Strong communication skills are essential.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Create innovative lighting systems for various vehicle types.
• Analyze and certify optical designs.
• Conduct feasibility and benchmarking studies.
• Interface with multiple engineering disciplines.
• Define legal market requirements for vehicle lighting.

Skills

LucidShape or similar optical design software experience

CATIA V5 or other 3D CAD experience

Basic programming experience

Excellent communication skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office applications

Education

B.S. in Engineering or Applied Physics

Tools

Test equipment like Goniometer and integrating sphere

Job description

• Create innovative exterior and interior lighting systems for Automotive, Commercial Vehicles, and Recreational Vehicles using incandescent, HID, and LED light sources.
• Ensure that optical designs can be tooled, manufactured, and meet legal and customer requirements within defined tolerances.
• Perform feasibility, and benchmark studies to support quotes, and future marketing.
• Analyze off-tool parts, perform root cause analysis, and assist in certification of lamps.
• Interface pro-actively with Design Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Tooling Engineers, and Customers.
• Define and understand legal market requirements for vehicle lighting including: FMVSS 108, ECE, CCC, and SAE standards.
• Assist in design of manufacturing tools, fixtures and processes that are required to build and service the optical sub-systems.
• Evaluate parts, optical testing related equipment and vendors related to optical development of lamps.
• Review all engineering designs that interact with the optical subsystems of company products.
• Optimize designs to improve beam characteristics and overall optical efficiency.
• Evaluate and characterize secondary optical solutions and customer lighting fixtures using optical instrumentation such as a goniometer, optical comparator, spectrometer etc.
• Generate clear and detailed documentation.
• Work closely with Engineering teams to find solutions to next generation products.
• Work with Manufacturing to diagnose complex issues with the company’s products.

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

• B.S. in Engineering or Applied Physics.
• Must have LucidShape or similar optical design software experience.
• CATIA V5, or other 3D CAD experience.
• Certification/Knowledge of test equipment like Goniometer and integrating sphere.
• Basic programming experience preferred.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Well versed in Microsoft office applications.
• Team player and self-motivated, and be able to thrive in a start-up environment.
• Balanced judgment to operate within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.

Additional Information

Salary is based on experience