Staff Optical Engineer

Arbejdstilsynet; Orlando (FL); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

HSA Medical and PPO plans

401(k) plan with company match

Flexible vacation program

Parental leave supplemental pay

Job summary

MicroVision is seeking a Staff Optical Engineer for their Orlando office. This role involves designing and analyzing advanced LiDAR optical architectures while collaborating across multiple engineering teams. Applicants should possess a strong background in optical engineering and hands-on experience with Zemax.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for optical component ownership throughout new product development. The position offers hybrid work options and a diverse, inclusive workplace.

Qualifications

• 7-15+ years of industry experience in optical engineering.
• Strong proficiency with Zemax (OpticStudio) for modeling and analysis.
• Hands-on experience with lens design and optical development.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze optical components and subsystems.
• Perform optical tolerance analysis and system analysis.
• Develop and execute optical lab setups for validation.

Skills

Zemax (OpticStudio)

Optical Component Development

Optical System Analysis

MATLAB

Python

Education

Bachelor’s of Science in Optics, Physics or related field

Job description

About MicroVision

MicroVision is at the forefront of driving the global adoption of innovative perception solutions, with the goal of making mobility and autonomy safer. Our engineering excellence, based in Washington State, Washington D.C., Hamburg, Germany and Orlando, Florida, enables us to develop and supply integrated lidar hardware and perception software solutions. Our proprietary technologies enhance safety and automation across various industrial applications, including robotics, automated warehouses, and agriculture, and are instrumental in the development of autonomous systems. MicroVision’s core technology, initially developed for the automotive industry, continues to accelerate advanced driver‑assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving. Building on our history of providing technology to the military segment, our target offerings include semi‑ and fully autonomous airborne and terrestrial sensor systems. With our solid‑state lidar technologies, encompassing FMCW and MEMS‑based long‑range lidar and flash‑based short‑range lidar, integrated with our onboard perception software, MicroVision possesses the expertise to deliver safe mobility at the speed of life.

Position

To strengthen our team at the Orlando location, we are looking for a Staff Optical Engineer.

Summary

In this role you will support the design, analysis, and realization of advanced LiDAR optical architectures. This role blends optical component ownership with significant interaction at the optical system level, supporting new product development from concept through early build phases. The engineer in this position will be responsible for defining optical component requirements, performing detailed analysis, and working directly with global optical suppliers to ensure designs meet performance, manufacturability, and quality expectations. This role emphasizes strong technical ownership, hands‑on validation, and close collaboration across optical, opto‑mechanical, mechanical, and electrical engineering teams.

Objectives of This Role

• Own optical component and subsystem definitions within LiDAR architectures
• Translate system‑level performance needs into clear optical requirements and specifications
• Ensure optical designs are robust, tolerant, and manufacturable
• Serve as a technical interface between internal teams and external optical suppliers

Your Responsibilities

• Design and analyze optical components and subsystems using Zemax (OpticStudio)
• Perform optical system analysis, including performance trade studies and sensitivity assessments
• Conduct FRED based non‑sequential and stray light analysis
• Perform optical tolerance analysis to assess alignment and manufacturing sensitivities
• Support lens design, optimization, and performance evaluation
• Define and document lens requirements, coatings and optical specifications
• Develop and execute optical lab setups for model validation and hardware characterization
• Work closely with global optical suppliers to review designs, specifications, and manufacturing approaches
• Provide technical guidance and review of optical designs and analyses across programs, ensuring consistency, rigor, and best‑practice application
• Collaborate with opto‑mechanical engineers to define alignment strategies and tolerances
• Support documentation, reviews, and technical decision making throughout development phases

Our Requirements

• 7-15+ years of industry experience in optical engineering with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Optics, Physics or related field.
• Strong proficiency with Zemax (OpticStudio) for modeling, optimization, and tolerance analysis
• Hands‑on experience with lens design and optical component development
• Demonstrated ability to perform optical system‑level analysis
• Experience defining optical requirements and specifications
• Hands‑on experience developing and analyzing solutions using MATLAB, Python, or similar programming tools
• Experience defining and reviewing optical coating specifications
• Hands‑on experience designing and executing optical lab setups
• Experience working with global suppliers on optical components
• Ability to work across modeling, lab validation, and design iteration cycles

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using FRED for stray light and non‑sequential optical analysis
• Experience with laser‑based optical systems
• Background in LiDAR, imaging systems, or active optical sensors
• Familiarity with opto‑mechanical integration and alignment methods
• Experience supporting new product development or early production buildsExperience interacting directly with optical vendors during development cycles
• MS or PhD in Optical Engineering

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and equity program
• Choice between an HSA Medical plan with 100% employer‑paid premiums for employees or a Buy‑Up PPO Medical plan
• Buy‑Up PPO Dental plan 100% employer‑paid for employees
• Vision coverage 100% employer‑paid for employees
• 401(k) plan with company match to help you save for your future (50% of your contributions up to the first 6% of your eligible pay)
• Generous time off package including a flexible vacation program as well as incidental personal/sick days and standard holidays
• Supplemental pay for Parental Leave
• Company‑paid basic life and AD&D insurance and long‑term disability

Flexible work schedule may include a hybrid schedule of onsite and remote work, subject to team and business needs. Individual work schedules will be at the discretion of management and dependent on role and business needs. You must live and reside within commuting distance from MicroVision’s office in Orlando, FL.

We are not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position. You must be able to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

MicroVision is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. MicroVision is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam‑era veteran or any other basis prohibited by local, state or federal law. Please let us know if you need reasonable accommodation in completing the application, attending and/or participating in an interview or in taking any test required for employment.

MicroVision is an E-Verify participant. We will provide the Social Security Administration, and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee’s Form I‑9 to confirm work authorization. Please note that we do not use this information to pre‑screen job applicants.

Visit our website at www.microvision.com to learn more about our company.