Senior Test Engineer

ACTalent; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

ACTalent in New York, NY seeks a Senior Test Engineer (Optics) to lead optical characterization and testing across displays, projectors, and near-eye systems. The role includes hands-on lab work, developing new test methods, and maintaining rigorous documentation for QA, R&D, and Production teams.

You will guide test strategy, collaborate with cross-functional groups, and ensure procedures meet ISO 9001:2015 standards while driving continuous improvement in testing performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of hands-on experience in a research or product design environment.
• Extensive experience with optical testing and metrology.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities in a technical lab setting.
• Proficiency in imaging systems, displays, projectors and waveguides.
• Familiarity with optical test equipment and instrument configuration.
• Experience with Zemax optical design software.
• Ability to analyze complex test data and propose corrective actions.
• Strong written and verbal communication; cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to think creatively and work independently and with teams.
• Experience applying ISO 9001:2015 standards.

Responsibilities

• Characterize and test micro-displays, projector systems, optical subsystems, and complete near-eye systems using optical measurement techniques.
• Develop and implement new test methods and procedures for R&D, QA, and production requirements.
• Create, maintain, and improve detailed test documentation, including procedures and data records.
• Collaborate with QA and Production to calibrate inspection procedures and in-process validation methods.
• Identify, procure, set up, and maintain test and measurement equipment for optical metrology.
• Analyze and interpret test results; identify issues and develop corrective actions.
• Provide senior-level optical engineering guidance on testing to cross-functional teams.
• Communicate with vendors and customers on optical testing topics and participate in technical reviews.
• Support transition of test methods from development into full-scale production and ensure on-time delivery.

Skills

Optical testing

Optical metrology

Optical measurement

Test planning

Leadership

Lab management

Data analysis

Documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Imaging systems

Waveguides

Zemax

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering

Tools

Zemax

Job description

Job Description

Senior Test Engineer (Optics)

This role leads the optical characterization and test laboratory, maintaining and documenting existing test procedures while developing new methods that support Quality Assurance, Research and Development, and Production. The engineer works hands‑on with displays, projectors, optical subsystems, waveguides, and other imaging technologies, serving as a Senior technical expert for optical testing and characterization. Success in this multidisciplinary position requires strong leadership, organizational, analytical, and communication skills, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively with customers, vendors, and internal teams.

Responsibilities

• Characterize and test micro-displays, projector systems, optical subsystems, and complete near-eye systems using appropriate optical measurement techniques.
• Develop and implement new test methods and procedures to support research, development, quality assurance, and production requirements.
• Create, maintain, and continuously improve detailed test documentation, including procedures, work instructions, and organized test data records.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance and Production teams to establish and calibrate incoming inspection procedures and in-process validation methods.
• Identify, procure, set up, and maintain test and measurement equipment required for optical metrology and characterization.
• Analyze and interpret test results, identify issues and trends, and independently develop corrective actions to address product and process concerns.
• Provide Senior-level optical engineering expertise and technical guidance on optical testing and characterization to cross‑functional teams.
• Serve as a technical expert in communications with vendors, customers, and internal management regarding optical testing and characterization topics.
• Conduct technical reviews to ensure appropriate procedures and methods are followed, and provide value‑added feedback to the design team.
• Support the successful transition and implementation of test methods and procedures from development into full‑scale production environments.
• Ensure projects meet established schedule, financial, and technical performance objectives while maintaining high‑quality standards.
• Adhere to ISO 9001:2015 standards, complete necessary training, and support relevant quality objectives.
• Demonstrate strong written communication skills by clearly documenting test plans, results, and recommendations for varied audiences.
• Demonstrate strong verbal communication skills by listening attentively, responding appropriately, and clearly expressing technical concepts.
• Collaborate effectively across departments, contributing to a positive team dynamic and prioritizing team success over individual interests.
• Exhibit professionalism by following through on commitments, maintaining confidentiality, managing pressure constructively, and focusing on solutions.
• Show motivation and initiative by working independently, adapting to changes in workflow, overcoming obstacles, and seeking continuous improvement.
• Uphold respect and integrity by working ethically, treating others with consideration, appreciating cultural differences, and supporting an inclusive, harassment‑free environment.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or an equivalent technical discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of detailed experience working in a research or product design environment.
• Extensive experience with optical testing, optical metrology, and optical measurement techniques.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities in a technical setting, including guiding test strategy and lab activities.
• Proficiency in optical engineering principles and practical application to imaging systems, displays, projectors, and waveguides.
• Familiarity with a variety of optical test equipment and the ability to select and configure appropriate instruments.
• Experience with optical design software such as Zemax.
• Ability to analyze complex test data, draw meaningful conclusions, and recommend corrective actions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to adapt communication style for different audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively and apply out-of-box problem‑solving approaches to unique technical challenges.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across departments to achieve company goals.