Holographic Optical Engineer

Role Overview

As a Holographic Optical Engineer, you will support the design, execution, and scale-up of holographic optical element (HOE) systems, with a primary focus on automotive head-up display (HUD) applications. This is a hands-on engineering role responsible for both optical system design and the physical implementation of holographic recording systems.

You will work closely with the Optical Engineering Department Manager and cross-functional teams to design optical recording setups, support HOE manufacturing processes, and help transition lab-scale holographic technologies into pilot-line and high-volume roll-to-roll (R2R) manufacturing environments.

Key Responsibilities

Optical Design & System Planning

• Design optical layouts for HOE recording systems using ZEMAX
• Plan holographic recording configurations and system architectures based on application requirements
• Translate optical simulations into executable laboratory and manufacturing setups

Hands-On Optical System Execution

• Physically assemble and align optical systems to match ZEMAX-designed layouts
• Align microscope objectives using pinhole alignment techniques
• Tune, optimize, and stabilize laser systems used in holographic recording
• Execute and troubleshoot holographic recording table setups for manufacturing use

Prototype Development & Validation

• Support prototype design, assembly, testing, and validation activities for holographic optical systems.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to refine optical designs based on testing, characterization, and customer feedback.
• Assist in transitioning prototype systems into pilot-line and production-ready manufacturing processes.
• Document experimental results, process learnings, and performance improvements to support future product development.

Manufacturing & Roll-to-Roll Support

• Support the development and optimization of roll-to-roll HOE manufacturing processes.
• Assist in transitioning HOE fabrication from R&D to pilot-line and production environments.
• Support production-readiness activities for new holographic products and manufacturing processes.
• Ensure optical system designs and recording processes align with manufacturing constraints, throughput requirements, and scalability objectives.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering to improve process stability, repeatability, yield, and overall production performance.

Cross-Functional Engineering Collaboration

• Work closely with Optical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and R&D teams to support development and production goals.
• Participate in design reviews, process-improvement initiatives, and production-readiness discussions.
• Support troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions related to optical performance and manufacturing challenges.
• Contribute to the successful transfer of new technologies from development into manufacturing environments.

Customer & Application Support

• Provide optical design and technical support to Tier-1 automotive partners
• Support application-specific HOE designs for automotive HUD programs
• Collaborate with internal teams and external customers to resolve optical performance challenges
• Participate in customer technical reviews, design discussions, and performance troubleshooting activities.
• Present optical design concepts, experimental results, and performance analyses to internal and external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred)
• 2–5 years of relevant experience (approximately 2 years with a Master’s degree or 5 years with a Bachelor’s degree)
• Proficiency in ZEMAX optical design software
• Demonstrated experience in optical system design, development, or manufacturing
• Hands-on experience with optical alignment, laser tuning, and laboratory setups
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to collaborate in cross-functional and customer-facing environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with holographic optical elements (HOEs)
• Experience adapting lab-scale optical fabrication processes to pilot-line or volume manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with automotive HUD systems or display optics
• Experience supporting prototype-to-production transition activities within optical, photonic, or advanced manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with quality systems and manufacturing process controls used in high-volume production environments.

Who You’ll Work With

• Optical Engineering Department Manager
• Internal optical engineering and R&D teams
• Manufacturing engineering teams and the VP of Manufacturing
• External customers and suppliers, including Tier-1 automotive partners

Work Environment & Logistics

• On-site role based in Torrance, CA
• Access to optical labs, holographic recording tables, and manufacturing pilot lines
• Collaboration across R&D, engineering, and manufacturing teams

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Comprehensive benefits
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge automotive and display technologies