Senior Optics Engineer

Brelyon; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 144,000 - 182,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plan

Dental plan

Vision plan

401K matching

Employee discount

Flexible schedule

Job summary

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

The role is on-site in San Mateo, with a Ph.D.-level optics background, XR/display experience preferred, and a track record mentoring engineers and shaping

Qualifications

• Ph.D.-level optics expertise with publications in experimental optics.
• Strong foundation in geometrical and physical optics for modeling and metrology.
• Experience combining optical, mechanical, and electronic components.
• Ability to mentor junior engineers and contribute to roadmaps.
• Experience with XR or display technologies is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, modeling, and optimization of optical systems for immersive displays.
• Specify components, conduct lab experiments, and validate performance.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, and product teams.
• Translate requirements into optical specs and guide prototype-to-production.

Skills

XR optics

Optical engineering

Lab experiments

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentoring junior engineers

Education

PhD in Optics

Applied Physics or EE

Tools

Zemax

Code V

LightTools

Lumerical

Job description

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, and actively engages with communities in AI and computer graphics. Brelyonians 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.

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.

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 Ph.D.-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.

Compensation Range:

$144,000 - $182,400

Benefits:

Health, Dental, and Vision plans, Flexible spending account, Health savings account, 401K matching, Employee discount, Flexible schedule, etc.

Ability to commute/relocate:

San Mateo, CA: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)