Rethink recruit
About Red 6
Red 6 is an innovative AR technology company revolutionizing how fighter pilots train. Our flagship product, ATARS (Airborne Tactical Augmented Reality System), enables realistic, outdoor synthetic training environments that simulate high-stress combat scenarios-transforming how air combat readiness is built.
We are backed by top-tier investors and are assembling a world-class team of engineers and technologists to push the limits of what AR can do in dynamic, real-world applications.
The Role We're looking for a Principal Optical Engineer to lead Red 6's optics team in designing the next generation of ultra-wide field-of-view AR headset systems and advanced optical architectures. This is a high-impact, hands-on leadership role where you'll drive both R&D innovation and production-level execution. You'll work across the entire product lifecycle-from concept development and prototyping to manufacturing support, customer integration, and continuous product improvement.
What You'll Do Lead the development of complex optical systems for AR headsets and future R&D programs Design ultra-wide field-of-view optics and support novel optical architectures from concept through prototyping Develop optical metrology tools and characterization equipment for accurate system evaluation Oversee DFM (Design for Manufacturing) for optics and support full-cycle manufacturing efforts Manage integration efforts with customer systems and maintain a feedback loop for continuous improvement Collaborate with international suppliers on sourcing, testing, and qualifying high-precision optical components Contribute to R&D innovation with rapid prototyping and creative problem-solving Leverage deep knowledge of AR display and backlight technologies to enhance optical performance
What We're Looking For MS or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field 10+ years of hands-on experience in optical design, ideally in AR systems or wearable optics Deep expertise in optical design tools (Code V, Zemax) and optical metrology Proficient in SolidWorks and skilled in designing for manufacturability Demonstrated leadership on end-to-end optical engineering projects, from R&D to customer delivery U.S. Citizenship required (eligible for security clearance) Strong creative problem-solving skills and a proactive, hands-on approach
Bonus Experience AR system optics design and hardware integration Experience working with display and backlight technologies Background in rapid prototyping and iterative optical design Programming experience (e.g. Python, C++) relevant to optical simulation or testing Familiarity with quality control processes for optical component manufacturing
Why Join Red 6 Work at the forefront of aerospace and AR innovation Competitive compensation: $170k-$215k salary Full medical, dental, and vision coverage (100% employee coverage) PTO, sick leave, holidays, and paid parental leave Short and long-term disability coverage Flexible Spending Account (FSA) 401(k) retirement plan Voluntary supplemental benefits (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity)
Ready to Lead the Future of AR Optics? If you're excited by complex optical challenges and want to build technology with real-world impact, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now to help shape the next generation of augmented reality systems.
The Role We're looking for a Principal Optical Engineer to lead Red 6's optics team in designing the next generation of ultra-wide field-of-view AR headset systems and advanced optical architectures. This is a high-impact, hands-on leadership role where you'll drive both R&D innovation and production-level execution. You'll work across the entire product lifecycle-from concept development and prototyping to manufacturing support, customer integration, and continuous product improvement.
What You'll Do Lead the development of complex optical systems for AR headsets and future R&D programs Design ultra-wide field-of-view optics and support novel optical architectures from concept through prototyping Develop optical metrology tools and characterization equipment for accurate system evaluation Oversee DFM (Design for Manufacturing) for optics and support full-cycle manufacturing efforts Manage integration efforts with customer systems and maintain a feedback loop for continuous improvement Collaborate with international suppliers on sourcing, testing, and qualifying high-precision optical components Contribute to R&D innovation with rapid prototyping and creative problem-solving Leverage deep knowledge of AR display and backlight technologies to enhance optical performance
What We're Looking For MS or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field 10+ years of hands-on experience in optical design, ideally in AR systems or wearable optics Deep expertise in optical design tools (Code V, Zemax) and optical metrology Proficient in SolidWorks and skilled in designing for manufacturability Demonstrated leadership on end-to-end optical engineering projects, from R&D to customer delivery U.S. Citizenship required (eligible for security clearance) Strong creative problem-solving skills and a proactive, hands-on approach
Bonus Experience AR system optics design and hardware integration Experience working with display and backlight technologies Background in rapid prototyping and iterative optical design Programming experience (e.g. Python, C++) relevant to optical simulation or testing Familiarity with quality control processes for optical component manufacturing
Why Join Red 6 Work at the forefront of aerospace and AR innovation Competitive compensation: $170k-$215k salary Full medical, dental, and vision coverage (100% employee coverage) PTO, sick leave, holidays, and paid parental leave Short and long-term disability coverage Flexible Spending Account (FSA) 401(k) retirement plan Voluntary supplemental benefits (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity)
Ready to Lead the Future of AR Optics? If you're excited by complex optical challenges and want to build technology with real-world impact, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now to help shape the next generation of augmented reality systems.