Principal Engineer - Optical Performance & Validation

OP Mobility; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

OPmobility seeks a Principal Engineer - Optical Performance & Validation to lead the global optical strategy for exterior lighting, collaborating with OEMs in North America to drive adoption and ensure pathfinding performance.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s in engineering, optics, or physics or 10+ years in automotive lighting, with 5+ years delivering optical designs and validating ADB systems. Travel internationally 20–25% is expected.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in engineering, Optics, or Physics or 10 years of automotive exterior lighting experience.
• At least 5 years of automotive optical development with a proven deliveries track record.
• Development and validation of ADB and complex optical systems.
• Optical benchmarking and performance evaluation.
• Definition and execution of optical test methodologies.
• Experience with optical testing equipment and standards (ECE, SAE, IIHS).

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 successful validation of complex optical systems, including ADB.
• Define, standardize, and deploy global optical validation methods, tools, and best practices.
• Support regional teams in resolving optical issues and accelerate root-cause analysis.

Skills

Optical engineering

Automotive lighting

Test methodologies

Cross-functional leadership

International travel

Education

Master's degree in engineering, Optics, or Physics

Tools

Goniometers

Flux spheres

Luminance cameras

Job description

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Principal Engineer - Optical Performance & Validation

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
• 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.