Staff Optical Engineer, LiDAR

Tensor Auto; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Tensor is seeking senior optical engineers to join our LiDAR team in San Jose, CA. You will develop detailed optical models, run analyses, and contribute to autonomous sensing technology used in next‑gen vehicles.

The role requires 7+ years in optical engineering, hands‑on experience with non‑sequential design tools (FRED/ASAP), strong CAD/MATLAB/Python skills, and the ability to produce clear technical reports.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in an optical engineering role.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience with non‑sequential optical design software such as FRED or ASAP.
• Expertise in CAD tools for preparing and transferring optical system designs.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or comparable programming languages for simulation and automation.
• Excellent communication skills, with experience in writing clear and concise technical reports.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed models of optical systems, tracing light paths from generation to detection and optimizing performance.
• Perform stray light analyses at the system level and propose effective mitigation strategies.
• Manage material property libraries, including reflectivity and scatter models, such as Harvey-Shack, ABg, and BSDF.
• Automate simulation workflows through scripting to enhance analysis efficiency and scalability.
• Conduct coherent beam propagation and opto‑mechanical tolerance simulations to evaluate system impacts.
• Troubleshoot optical system irregularities using simulations and data analysis.
• Design, build, and test prototypes and measurement tools to support New Product Integration and Advanced Manufacturing Teams.
• Produce comprehensive technical reports to effectively communicate simulation results and recommendations.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering or Physics

Tools

FRED

ASAP

CAD tools

Job description

Tensor is an agentic AI company dedicated to building agentic products that empower individual consumers. Our flagship product, the Tensor Robocar, is the world’s first personal Robocar and the first AI agentic vehicle — fully autonomous, automotive-grade, and built for private ownership at scale. Founded in 2016 in Silicon Valley, Tensor is headquartered in San Jose, California, with offices in Barcelona, Singapore, and Dubai. At Tensor, we champion personal AI autonomy and ownership. Our vision is to build a future where everyone owns their own Artificial General Intelligence — a personal AGI that enables more time, freedom, and autonomy. We’re forging an alternative path where AGI serves only you, and is controlled solely by you.

We provide a competitive compensation package, opportunities for professional growth, participation in a discretionary equity incentive plan, and access to a comprehensive company benefits program, subject to eligibility requirements.

Join us to shape the future! Work with brilliant minds on technology transforming automotive industry and make a lasting impact.

We’re seeking talented and self‑motivated engineers to join our LiDAR team.

Locations

• San Jose, California, US (Salary Range: $75k—$300k USD)
• Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed models of optical systems, tracing light paths from generation to detection and optimizing performance.
• Perform stray light analyses at the system level and propose effective mitigation strategies.
• Manage material property libraries, including reflectivity and scatter models, such as Harvey-Shack, ABg, and BSDF.
• Automate simulation workflows through scripting to enhance analysis efficiency and scalability.
• Conduct coherent beam propagation and opto‑mechanical tolerance simulations to evaluate system impacts.
• Troubleshoot optical system irregularities using simulations and data analysis.
• Design, build, and test prototypes and measurement tools to support New Product Integration and Advanced Manufacturing Teams.
• Produce comprehensive technical reports to effectively communicate simulation results and recommendations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in an optical engineering role.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience with non‑sequential optical design software such as FRED or ASAP.
• Expertise in CAD tools for preparing and transferring optical system designs.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or comparable programming languages for simulation and automation.
• Excellent communication skills, with experience in writing clear and concise technical reports.

Preferences

• Master’s degree in Optical Engineering or a related field.
• Experience in designing LiDAR systems and related optical technologies.
• Expertise in Fourier analysis techniques for electromagnetic fields, such as FDTD or RCWA.
• Familiarity with Cornerstone data analysis software.
• Proficiency in advanced CAD tools, such as SolidWorks, CREO, or CATIA.
• Knowledge of Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) principles.
• Experience evaluating and applying material property data for optical designs.

Tensor is an equal employment opportunity employer, dedicated to fostering a respectful, supportive, and inclusive workplace for all.

We do not discriminate against, and strictly prohibit harassment of, any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Tensor also considers qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with applicable laws.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Tensor is an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.