Principal Engineer - Optical Performance & Validation

OPmobility; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

OPmobility in Michigan is seeking a Principal Engineer – Optical Performance & Validation to lead the global optical validation of exterior lighting systems and to define standardized methods for OEM collaborations in North America.

You will act as the technical authority, drive advanced optical system validation including ADB, and mentor regional teams while traveling about 20–25% to support global projects.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or 10 years of automotive exterior lighting experience.
• 5+ years in automotive optical development with deliveries of optical designs.
• Experience with ADB and complex optical systems validation.
• Strong knowledge of exterior lighting regulations (ECE, SAE, IIHS).
• Ability to lead through influence and communicate clearly.

Responsibilities

• Drive technical acceptance and adoption of OPmobility lighting technologies by OEMs in North America.
• Serve as the global technical authority for optical performance and validation of exterior lighting systems.
• Enable validation of advanced optical systems, including ADB.
• Define, standardize, and deploy global optical validation methods, tools, and best practices.
• Support regional teams in resolving complex optical issues and speeding root-cause analysis.

Skills

Optical design

Optical testing

Regulatory knowledge

Technical leadership

Cross-cultural collaboration

Travel readiness

Education

Master's degree in engineering/Optics/Physics

Tools

Goniometers

Flux spheres

Luminance cameras

Job description

Ready to take on meaningful challenges and shape the next generation of mobility? Joining OPmobility means stepping into a global group with a purpose to keep people and goods moving safely, smarter, and sustainably everywhere.

• Job Title : Principal Engineer – Optical Performance & Validation
• Type of contract : Long-term At-will
• Expected Hiring Date : June 2026
• Scope : regional

Responsibilities

• Drive technical acceptance and adoption of OPmobility lighting technologies by OEMs in North America.
• Serve as the global technical authority for optical performance and validation of exterior lighting systems.
• Enable the successful validation of advanced and complex optical systems, including ADB.
• Define, standardize, and deploy global optical validation methods, tools, and best practices.
• Support regional teams in resolving complex optical issues and accelerating root-cause analysis.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Master’s degree in engineering, Optics, or Physics or 10 years of working experience in Automotive exterior lighting with focus on main functions.
• At least 5 years of automotive optical development with track record of deliveries of optical designs
• Development and validation of ADB and complex optical systems.
• Optical benchmarking and performance evaluation.
• Definition and execution of optical test methodologies.
• Use of optical testing equipment (e.g. goniometers, flux spheres, luminance cameras).
• Deep knowledge of exterior lighting regulations and standards (ECE, SAE, IIHS).
• Evaluation of optical metrics such as homogeneity, visibility, performance, and compliance.
• Strong customer and results orientation
• Ability to lead through influence and technical authority.
• Excellent organization, prioritization, and planning skills.
• Clear, structured, and persuasive communication.
• Collaborative mindset across global, multicultural teams.
• High level of curiosity, learning agility, and innovation mindset.
• Willingness to travel internationally (approx. 20–25% of time).

At OPmobility, people truly matter. We are committed to building inclusive teams, promoting diversity and equality, and ensuring that every application is considered fairly - because the future of mobility is built by diverse perspectives, bold ideas, and people who dare to move forward.

Innovation is therefore not a buzzword, but a natural part of everyday work. You’ll grow in an international environment where cutting-edge technologies, industrial excellence, and real-world impact come together to tackle the challenges of tomorrow’s automotive industry.

Founded in 1946 by Pierre Burelle, OPmobility, known until 2024 as Plastic Omnium, has transformed itself into a player in sustainable and connected mobility. Today, OPmobility develops technological solutions across four areas of expertise: exterior and lighting systems, the integration of complex modules, technologies related to energy storage, hydrogen and electrification, and a division dedicated to the development of embedded software and digital solutions.

With €11.5 billion in revenue in 2025, 152 factories, 40 R&D centers, and nearly 38,100 employees across 28 countries, OPmobility combines global scale with local impact. All driven by a shared ambition to accelerate the automotive energy transition.