Optical Engineer

KYOCERA SLD Laser, Inc; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 93,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

KYOCERA SLD Laser, Inc. seeks an Optical Engineer to develop and optimize custom optical solutions for advanced laser and LED products. You will design, analyze, prototype, and validate optical systems and components to improve performance, efficiency, and manufacturability.

The role requires expertise in optical modeling, illumination design, laser beam shaping, and optical package integration, working with mechanical, electrical, process, and product engineering teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of optical design and development experience for laser/LED products.
• Strong knowledge of geometrical and physical optics, and illumination systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop custom optical systems and components for laser and LED packages.
• Perform optical modeling, ray tracing, and simulations using Zemax, LightTools, CODE V.
• Define optical performance specs, validation methodologies, and tolerance analyses.
• Support prototype builds, characterization, and failure analysis.

Skills

Optical Design

Zemax

LightTools

CODE V

Beam Propagation

Education

Bachelor's in Optical Engineering

Master's preferred

Tools

LightTools

CODE V

Job description

KYOCERA SLD Laser, Inc. (KSLD) is a global leader in thecommercialization of gallium nitride (GaN) based laser light sources.As a wholly owned subsidiary of KYOCERA Corporation, KSLD combinesadvanced laser innovation with the strength, scale, and manufacturingexcellence of a global technology leader.

KSLD develops and manufactures high performance LaserLight™ solutionsengineered to deliver exceptional brightness, efficiency, andreliability. Our GaN laser technologies enable a wide range ofapplications, including automotive and mobility, specialty andportable lighting, projection and AR/VR displays, biomedicalinstrumentation, industrial imaging, and emerging communicationtechnologies such as LiFi. With vertically integrated capabilities anddeep technical expertise, KSLD collaborates closely with customers todeliver application specific laser solutions, accelerating developmenttimelines from concept through production. The company operatesadvanced R&D and manufacturing facilities in Santa Barbara, CA andFremont, CA, supporting both innovation and high volume manufacturing needs.

KSLD is ISO 9001 certified and IATF 16949 compliant for automotiveapplications, and its products meet rigorous UL and IEC safetystandards, reflecting a strong commitment to quality, safety, and reliability.

Recognized by Fortune magazine’s Best Workplaces in Manufacturing& Production™, KSLD fosters an employee centric culture built oncollaboration, technical excellence, and continuous innovation. Guidedby a mission to engineer the future of light, KSLD develops laserbased solutions that power next generation mobility, consumer,specialty lighting, and industrial technologies.

KSLD will continue to pioneer the future of light by developing,manufacturing and marketing innovative laser based products with highefficiency and luminance for mobility, specialty lighting, consumer,and industrial applications.

We are seeking a highly motivated Optical Engineer to develop andoptimize custom optical solutions for advanced laser and LED-basedproducts. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing,analyzing, prototyping, and validating optical systems and componentsthat enhance product performance, efficiency, and manufacturability.This role requires expertise in optical modeling, illumination design,laser beam shaping, and optical package integration, working closelywith multidisciplinary teams including mechanical, electrical,process, manufacturing, and product engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop custom optical systems and components for laserand LED packages, including lenses, reflectors, light guides,diffusers, beam shaping optics, and optical assemblies.
• Perform optical modeling, ray tracing, and simulation usingindustry-standard software such as Zemax, LightTools, CODE V, or equivalent.
• Develop optical architectures that achieve performance targets forefficiency, uniformity, beam quality, power density, and thermal stability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate opticaldesigns into product packages while balancing performance, cost,manufacturability, and reliability requirements.
• Define optical performance specifications and validation methodologies.
• Conduct tolerance analyses and Design for Manufacturability (DFM)assessments to ensure robust production performance.
• Support prototype builds, characterization, and debugging ofoptical systems.
• Analyze optical test data and implement design improvements basedon performance results.
• Work with suppliers and manufacturing partners to develop andqualify optical components and materials.
• Participate in product development activities from concept through commercialization.
• Support failure analysis and root cause investigations for opticalperformance issues in development and production environments.
• Generate engineering documentation including specifications,drawings, reports, test plans, and design reviews.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics,Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in optical design and development forlaser, LED, illumination, or photonics products.
• Strong understanding of geometrical optics, physical optics,illumination systems, and laser beam propagation.
• Experience designing custom optical elements and assemblies forpackaged products.
• Proficiency with optical design and simulation software such asZemax, LightTools, CODE V, or equivalent.
• Experience with optical test methods and characterization equipment.
• Knowledge of optical tolerancing, alignment techniques, andmanufacturing processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary productdevelopment environment.
• Ability to work on ITAR and/or Defense industry programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, orrelated discipline.
• Experience with high-power laser systems, laser packaging, or LEDillumination products.
• Knowledge of optical materials, coatings, adhesives, and photonicpackaging technologies.
• Experience with automotive, industrial, medical, consumer, oraerospace optical products.
• Familiarity with thermal-optical interactions and FEA-based design approaches.
• Experience with statistical analysis and optical tolerance optimization.
• Knowledge of ISO standards and/or IATF 16949 standards forreliability testing, and product qualification requirements.
• Experience bringing optical products from concept throughhigh-volume manufacturing.

The full-time base salary range for the Optical Engineer position is$93,000 to $110,000 per annum. The range reflects the minimum andmaximum possible base salary for new hires for the role, based on theadvertised location. Individual pay is determined by several factorsincluding work location, job-related skills, experience, and relevanteducation and training. For more information about the base salaryrange applicable to the work location, talk to the recruiter.

Kyocera SLD Laser, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We do notdiscriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (includingpregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), genderidentity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship,age, physical or mental disability, legally protected medicalcondition, military or veteran status, marital status, domesticpartner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any otherbasis protected by local, state, or federal laws

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature andlevel of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They arenot intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties,and requirements of personnel as classified.