Staff Optical Engineer

Staff Optical EngineerMicroVision 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.To strengthen our team at the Orlando location, we are looking for a Staff Optical Engineer. As a key member of MicroVision's Optical Systems Engineering team, you will collaborate with various technical teams in the company to design and take into production market defining Automotive LiDAR product.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 architecturesTranslate system-level performance needs into clear optical requirements and specificationsEnsure optical designs are robust, tolerant, and manufacturableServe as a technical interface between internal teams and external optical suppliersYour Responsibilities:Design and analyze optical components and subsystems using Zemax (OpticStudio)Perform optical system analysis, including performance trade studies and sensitivity assessmentsConduct FRED based non-sequential and stray light analysisPerform optical tolerance analysis to assess alignment and manufacturing sensitivitiesSupport lens design, optimization, and performance evaluationDefine and document lens requirements, coatings and optical specificationsDevelop and execute optical lab setups for model validation and hardware characterizationWork closely with global optical suppliers to review designs, specifications, and manufacturing approachesProvide technical guidance and review of optical designs and analyses across programs, ensuring consistency, rigor, and best-practice applicationCollaborate with opto-mechanical engineers to define alignment strategies and tolerancesSupport documentation, reviews, and technical decision making throughout development phasesOur 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 analysisHands-on experience with lens design and optical component developmentDemonstrated ability to perform optical system-level analysisExperience defining optical requirements and specificationsHands-on experience developing and analyzing solutions using MATLAB, Python, or similar programming toolsExperience defining and reviewing optical coating specificationsHands-on experience designing and executing optical lab setupsExperience working with global suppliers on optical componentsAbility to work across modeling, lab validation, and design iteration cyclesPreferred QualificationsExperience using FRED for stray light and non-sequential optical analysisExperience with laser-based optical systemsBackground in LiDAR, imaging systems, or active optical sensorsFamiliarity with opto-mechanical integration and alignment methodsExperience supporting new product development or early production buildsExperience interacting directly with optical vendors during development cyclesMS or PhD in Optical EngineeringMicroVision offers a flexible work schedule that could 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.Benefits:MicroVision is proud to offer a comprehensive benefit program including:Competitive compensation and equity programChoice between an HSA Medical plan with 100% employer-paid premiums for employees and generous contributions or a Buy-Up PPO Medical planBuy-Up PPO Dental plan 100% employer-paid for employeesVision coverage 100% employer-paid for employees401(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 holidaysSupplemental pay for Parental LeaveCompany-paid basic life and AD&D insurance and long-term disabilityMicroVision 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 employees' Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. Please note that we do not use this information to pre-screen job applicants.