Senior Optical Design Engineer

Socket.dev; Mountain View (CA); On-site; USD 159,000 - 231,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking a Senior Optical Design Engineer to lead end-to-end development of advanced optical systems for future Pixel products, focusing on high-fidelity modeling and opto-mechanical performance analysis.

The role requires non-sequential ray-trace expertise, collaboration with hardware and product teams, and the ability to translate complex optical designs into manufacturable hardware. Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and education.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a specialized field (e.g., Optics, Sensors, Audio/DSP, etc.), or equivalent practical experience.
• 4 years of experience working in optical design.
• Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related field (e.g., Optics, Sensors, Audio/DSP).
• Specialized experience in optical design.
• Proven proficiency in Python for automating optical simulations, data post-processing, and generating design reports.
• Familiarity with camera systems, sensors, and display technologies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced optical system modeling and simulation.
• Conduct non-sequential straylight simulation and analysis.
• Drive the optical design and architecture of near-eye displays.
• Collaborate with Mechanical, Electrical, and Product Design teams to define specifications, manage tolerances, and ensure successful integration of simulated designs into mass-manufacturable hardware.
• Develop, maintain, and execute complex optical models using industry-standard software and internal Python-based tools for analysis and visualization.

Skills

Python programming

Optical design

AR optics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering / Computer Engineering / Computer Science / Physics

Master's degree or PhD preferred

Tools

Ray tracing software

Job description

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a specialized field (e.g., Optics, Sensors, Audio/DSP, etc.), or equivalent practical experience.
• 4 years of experience working in optical design.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related field (e.g., Optics, Sensors, Audio/DSP).
• Specialized experience in optical design.
• Proven proficiency in Python for automating optical simulations, data post-processing, and generating design reports.
• Familiarity with camera systems, sensors, and display technologies.

ABOUT THE JOB:

Join the innovative Pixel Optics team as a Senior Optical Design Engineer. In this role, you will be instrumental in the end-to-end development of advanced optical systems for future Pixel products, specializing in high-fidelity optical modeling and opto-mechanical performance analysis. Your role requires deep expertise in non-sequential ray trace analysis and sequential optical design. You will lead cross-functional efforts to define optical architectures and ensure manufacturability, leveraging your knowledge of Augmented Reality (AR) optical systems to solve complex, ambiguity-driven design challenges.

Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

US: $159000 - $231000 (USD) + 15% bonus target + equity + benefits

Learn more about benefits at Google (https://www.google.com/about/careers/applications/benefits/).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct advanced optical system modeling and simulation.
• Conduct non-sequential straylight simulation and analysis.
• Drive the optical design and architecture of near-eye displays.
• Collaborate with Mechanical, Electrical, and Product Design teams to define specifications, manage tolerances, and ensure successful integration of simulated designs into mass-manufacturable hardware.
• Develop, maintain, and execute complex optical models using industry-standard software and internal Python-based tools for analysis and visualization.