Senior Optical Engineer

Job Description

Job Summary

The Senior Optical Engineer is part of the Hardware Engineering Team in Aachen, which is responsible for the development of hardware for machine vision applications, including cameras, lighting systems and 3D image formation systems.

This role requires a strong system-level understanding of optical and vision systems and how sensors, lenses, lighting, filters and other optical components interact within the overall product. The Senior Optical Engineer will contribute to defining optical system requirements and concepts and will work closely with Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Test Engineering throughout the product development process.

The role also involves close collaboration with external engineering partners, contract manufacturers and suppliers, particularly in Asia, to translate optical system concepts and specifications into robust, manufacturable solutions.

Essential Functions

• Define and develop optical system requirements based on product and system requirements.
• Develop and evaluate optical concepts for imaging, illumination and vision systems.
• Specify, design and qualify optical components and subsystems and provide optical engineering support during pre-production builds.
• Provide system-level optical expertise throughout the product development lifecycle and ensure the effective integration of sensors, lenses, lighting, filters and related components.
• Collaborate closely with Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Test Engineering to develop integrated solutions.
• Define and recommend optical test methods, qualification approaches and acceptance criteria in cooperation with Test Engineering.
• Analyze and troubleshoot complex product and system issues where the root cause may be related to optical design or system integration.
• Work with external engineering partners, contract manufacturers and suppliers on the design, development and manufacturability of optical components, subsystems and assemblies.
• Provide technical direction and specifications to suppliers and partners and support the successful implementation of optical system concepts into production-ready solutions.
• Evaluate new technologies, components and technology partners and contribute to innovation and future product concepts.
• Balance optical performance, manufacturability, cost, quality and scalability when developing solutions for high-volume products.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong understanding of optical and machine vision systems and the interaction between sensors, lenses, illumination, filters and other optical components.
• Ability to approach optical challenges from a system perspective and quickly connect technical dependencies across multiple engineering disciplines.
• Strong ability to develop optical concepts from underdefined requirements and translate them into clear technical specifications.
• Ability to perform first-order calculations and create initial optical system concepts for imaging and illumination applications.
• Experience with optical design and simulation tools such as Zemax and/or LightTools.
• Experience with 3D CAD software, preferably SolidWorks, is beneficial.
• Knowledge of lenses, mirrors, LEDs, visible diode lasers, CMOS sensors, optical filters and coatings.
• Experience working with external engineering partners, suppliers or contract manufacturers, ideally in an international environment.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to independently drive complex technical topics.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary and international teams.
• Creative and innovative mindset with a strong interest in developing high-performance machine vision products that can be manufactured cost-effectively and at scale.

Minimum Education and Work Experience Required

• University degree in optics, optical engineering, physics or a related engineering field.
• Relevant professional experience in optical engineering, optical systems, machine vision or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience working on complex optical or vision systems from concept and specification through development and qualification.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary product development environments.
• Candidates with less professional experience but an outstanding academic track record, strong technical capabilities and demonstrated potential are also encouraged to apply.

Additional Job Description