Trident Consulting
AR Principal Optical Design Engineer
Trident Consulting, San Jose, California, United States, 95199
Base pay range
$70.00/hr - $132.00/hr
Job Title AR Principal Optical Design Engineer
Location San Jose, CA 95134 (Local candidates preferred, but work can be done remotely)
Job Type Contract W2
Pay Rate $70 – $132/hr on W2
Your Role Electronics is a recognized global leader in semiconductor and display materials that is expanding into AI-enabled SmartGlasses (SG) and Augmented Reality (AR) devices. We are committed to advancing technology through innovative materials that enhance device performance. As an Optical Design Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in our Silicon Valley initiative focusing on waveguide design optimization, and performance validation. Your expertise will contribute to our understanding of AR/VR technology and how our products can elevate the performance of next-generation devices.
Required Skills (Minimum Qualifications)
Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
4+ years of industry experience in AR technology–related product design.
Strong fundamental understanding of diffractive waveguide technology, including waveguide architectures and optical KPIs (efficiency, uniformity, FOV, eyebox, color performance).
Proven experience designing and developing Polarization Volume Hologram (PVH) waveguides or similar holographic/diffractive waveguide components.
Hands‑on experience in optical simulation methodologies, including RCWA, FDTD, and ray tracing.
Ability to analyze the impact of material, process, and architectural modifications on waveguide performance.
Proficiency in scripting or modeling languages (Python, MATLAB) for optical data analysis and simulation.
Preferred Skills (Highly Desirable)
Experience with commercial optical design and simulation packages such as:
LightTools
Code V
Lumerical
Strong understanding of AR/VR display system architectures, including exit pupil expansion, combiners, and diffractive/holographic couplers.
Knowledge of optical characterization methods used for AR/VR metrology (uniformity, brightness/luminance, MTF/PSF, polarization, wavelength, stray light).
Familiarity with color and perceptual science related to luminance, uniformity, visual artifacts, and human vision performance.
Experience working with liquid crystal–based optics or related optical materials.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with computational, metrology, integration, and materials engineering teams.
Ability to interpret optical experiments and translate findings into design improvements.
Strong innovation mindset with willingness to push boundaries in AR device modeling.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Technical Skill Keywords (Sourcing-Optimized)
PVH waveguides
Holographic gratings
Diffractive optics
AR display architecture
Color science / CIE / perceptual optics
Optical metrology & characterization
Python / MATLAB for optical modeling
Behavioral & Cross-Functional Skills
Ability to work in multidisciplinary R&D teams
Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset
Clear communication and documentation skills
Ability to work in fast‑paced innovation‑driven environments
Seniority Level Mid-Senior level
Employment Type Contract
Job Function Information Technology, Design, and Engineering
Industries IT Services and IT Consulting
Trident Consulting is an award‑winning IT/engineering staffing company founded in 2005 and headquartered in San Ramon, CA. We specialize in placing high‑quality vetted technology and engineering professionals in contract and full‑time roles. Trident shines in fulfilling niche/hard‑to‑fill technical positions, and our commitment is to deliver the best and brightest individuals in the industry for our clients' toughest requirements.
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Job Title AR Principal Optical Design Engineer
Location San Jose, CA 95134 (Local candidates preferred, but work can be done remotely)
Job Type Contract W2
Pay Rate $70 – $132/hr on W2
Your Role Electronics is a recognized global leader in semiconductor and display materials that is expanding into AI-enabled SmartGlasses (SG) and Augmented Reality (AR) devices. We are committed to advancing technology through innovative materials that enhance device performance. As an Optical Design Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in our Silicon Valley initiative focusing on waveguide design optimization, and performance validation. Your expertise will contribute to our understanding of AR/VR technology and how our products can elevate the performance of next-generation devices.
Required Skills (Minimum Qualifications)
Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
4+ years of industry experience in AR technology–related product design.
Strong fundamental understanding of diffractive waveguide technology, including waveguide architectures and optical KPIs (efficiency, uniformity, FOV, eyebox, color performance).
Proven experience designing and developing Polarization Volume Hologram (PVH) waveguides or similar holographic/diffractive waveguide components.
Hands‑on experience in optical simulation methodologies, including RCWA, FDTD, and ray tracing.
Ability to analyze the impact of material, process, and architectural modifications on waveguide performance.
Proficiency in scripting or modeling languages (Python, MATLAB) for optical data analysis and simulation.
Preferred Skills (Highly Desirable)
Experience with commercial optical design and simulation packages such as:
LightTools
Code V
Lumerical
Strong understanding of AR/VR display system architectures, including exit pupil expansion, combiners, and diffractive/holographic couplers.
Knowledge of optical characterization methods used for AR/VR metrology (uniformity, brightness/luminance, MTF/PSF, polarization, wavelength, stray light).
Familiarity with color and perceptual science related to luminance, uniformity, visual artifacts, and human vision performance.
Experience working with liquid crystal–based optics or related optical materials.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with computational, metrology, integration, and materials engineering teams.
Ability to interpret optical experiments and translate findings into design improvements.
Strong innovation mindset with willingness to push boundaries in AR device modeling.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Technical Skill Keywords (Sourcing-Optimized)
PVH waveguides
Holographic gratings
Diffractive optics
AR display architecture
Color science / CIE / perceptual optics
Optical metrology & characterization
Python / MATLAB for optical modeling
Behavioral & Cross-Functional Skills
Ability to work in multidisciplinary R&D teams
Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset
Clear communication and documentation skills
Ability to work in fast‑paced innovation‑driven environments
Seniority Level Mid-Senior level
Employment Type Contract
Job Function Information Technology, Design, and Engineering
Industries IT Services and IT Consulting
Trident Consulting is an award‑winning IT/engineering staffing company founded in 2005 and headquartered in San Ramon, CA. We specialize in placing high‑quality vetted technology and engineering professionals in contract and full‑time roles. Trident shines in fulfilling niche/hard‑to‑fill technical positions, and our commitment is to deliver the best and brightest individuals in the industry for our clients' toughest requirements.
#J-18808-Ljbffr