Senior Technical Expert - Automotive Lighting Optics

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

Job summary

OPmobility in Troy, MI, is seeking a Principal Engineer - Optical Performance & Validation to lead the design and validation of exterior lighting systems. You will drive acceptance with OEMs in North America, serving as the global authority for optical performance and validation, and will define validation methods for complex optical systems, including ADB.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s in Engineering/Optics/Physics or 10+ years in automotive lighting, with 5+ years of optical development

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 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).

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.

Skills

Optical development

Test methodologies

Optical testing equipment

Cross-team collaboration

Customer focus

Education

Master's degree in Engineering/Optics/Physics

Tools

Goniometer

Flux sphere

Luminance camera

Job description

• Job Title : Principal Engineer - Optical Performance & Validation
• Location: Troy, MI

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).