Optics Engineer

Brelyon; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Brelyon is seeking a Senior Optics Engineer in San Mateo, CA to lead optical design and optimization for immersive display products. You will model architectures, specify components, run lab experiments, and collaborate with hardware, software and product teams to translate requirements into specs.

The role requires a Postdoc/PhD in optics or related field, hands-on lab experience, and a track record in publications. On-site role focusing on high-precision design and prototyping.

Qualifications

• Postdoc-level understanding of optics and photonics with publications.
• Experience with XR optics design and imaging systems.
• Ability to translate product requirements into optical specs.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development and optimization of optical systems.
• Model and simulate optical architectures and validate components.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with hardware, software and product teams.
• Guide prototype-to-production transitions and manufacturing processes.
• mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical roadmaps.

Skills

Optics design

Optical engineering

Geometrical optics

Physical optics

Lab testing

Prototyping

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Postdoc/PhD in Optics

Tools

Zemax

Code V

LightTools

Lumerical

Job description

Location:

San Mateo, CA

Company Description:

BRELYON programs light to amplify the human-computer experience, aiming to deliver immersive visual experiences without the need for headsets. The company focuses on advanced display technologies, including XR, lightfield, and 3D displays, as well as AI and computer graphics to bring new types of processing to screens. We are bringing together cutting-edge optics and system design to create next-generation visual interfaces. Prospective team members can expect to work at the intersection of hardware, software, and user experience in a fast-evolving technology domain.

(See CES announcement here: https://youtu.be/LK05QlJVK90?si=wnWpeDbERtAEeNVK)

Role Description:

The Senior Optics Engineer will lead the design, development, and optimization of optical systems for BRELYON’s immersive display products. Day-to-day responsibilities include modeling and simulating optical architectures, specifying and validating optical components, conducting lab experiments and measurements, and collaborating with cross-functional teams in hardware, software, and product design. This role will also involve translating product requirements into optical specifications, troubleshooting system-level issues, and guiding prototype-to-production transitions. The position is full-time on-site and based in San Mateo, CA.

Job Responsibility:

• Make the optical system design from lab design to mass production.


• Familiar in one or more optical design software (e.g. Zemax, CodeV, OSLO, etc).


• Partner with external vendors to develop complex manufacturing processes, including material selection, process and equipment, metrology, and quality control.


• Develop with electromagnetic modeling and analysis of nanoscale structures, anisotropic materials, films, or holographic elements, using algorithms such as FFT, FEM and FDTD Simulation tools.


• Define system requirements, then deliver hardware, software, and calibration that meet specifications. This may include hardware (optics, electronics, mechanics, silicon, sensor, data-communication), software (computer vision algorithms, calibration, modeling, analysis), and performance analysis.


• Uses 3D design software for designing and design review, is involved in choosing materials, geometries, and assessing the mechanics of proposed designs.


• Build and test product components through innovation methods and helps with patents.


• Model, build, test, and refine prototypes and characterization systems.


• Familiar with state-of-the-art manufacturing and emerging materials to develop and support the future direction of the product line.


• Apply rigorous engineering and tolerance techniques to high-precision design requirements.


• Works in the lab and behind the computer.

Qualifications

• Strong optical design and optical engineering skills for complex display and imaging systems. From XR optics design to imaging systems to light-matter interactions and photonics, this position requires a Postdoc-level understanding of optics and photonics with a stellar track record of publications in experimental optics and photonics.


• Applied physics expertise, including geometrical and physical optics, to inform system modeling, surface metrology, and analysis.


• Exceptional geometry and advanced mathematical skills combined with a highly creative, first-principles problem-solving spirit.


• Experience with systems design and the integration of optical, mechanical, and electronic components into cohesive products.


• Hands-on experience with laser-based systems, alignment, safety, optical metrology, and characterization.


• Proficiency with optical design and simulation tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V, LightTools, Lumerical, or equivalent).


• Demonstrated ability to plan and execute optical experiments, manage and organize a lab, archive samples, collect data, and interpret results to drive design decisions.


• Extraordinary written and spoken communication skills, with a track record of collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.


• PostDoc/Ph.D. in Optics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.


• Experience with display technologies, XR systems, or lightfield/3D imaging is highly beneficial.


• Ability to mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical roadmaps and best practices.

Nice to Have

• Expertise in 3D SW such as SolidWorks, Adobe Illustrator, or equivalent software with optical function. Structure design and tolerance analysis through mechanical software (e.g. Soildworks).


• Exposure to computational imaging and computational display techniques.


• Expert in one or more 3D design software (e.g. SolidWorks, KeyCreator, Rhino, CATIA, etc).


• Experience designing mechanical constraints of PCBs, FPCs, etc.


• Drive external supplier to achieve mass production.


• System integration experience is plus.


• Deep understand mechanical engineering principles.

• We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.