Work location:This position requires on-site presence in Wheat Ridge, CO, following a hybrid work model.Job Summary The Illumination Engineer is a core contributor to the Nexus team, Acuity Brands' lighting innovation group. This role focuses on early-stage illumination concepts, optical system design, and photometric analysis to translate customer problems and emerging trends into differentiated lighting solutions.Operating at the front end of the product lifecycle, the role emphasizes optical exploration, performance discovery, and concept validation. The position collaborates closely with mechanical, electrical, industrial design, and product teams to shape concepts that can progress toward commercialization.Open to considering candidates at the following skill levels:Entry Level: Contributes to optical design, simulation, and analysis under guidance; develops foundational skills and supports concept development.Senior Level: Independently drives optical concepts and analysis; owns key portions of projects and influences design direction.Lead Level: Sets optical strategy, leads complex concept development, and influences long-term innovation direction across programs.Key Tasks & Responsibilities (Essential Functions) Collaboratively generate ideas for new products and develop those ideas into product concepts.Translate customer needs, application requirements, and business objectives into illumination concepts and system-level performance targets.Perform competitive analysis and market research to set project objectives and performance criteria.Optical Design & SimulationDevelop optical designs using ray trace and simulation tools to evaluate and refine light distribution, efficiency, glare, uniformity, and visual comfort.Design optical architectures including lenses, reflectors, diffusers, and mixed systems.Photometric Calculation & AnalysisPerform photometric calculations to quantify and set luminaire performance targets and application outcomes.Interpret key metrics such as intensity, illuminance, luminance, uniformity, efficacy, and glare.Prototype, Test, and Validate ConceptsDevelop, build, and evaluate proof of concept prototypes and mockups using lab measurements and group visual review of subjective criteria.Correlate simulation results with measured performance.Conduct Experiments & Design of Experiments (DoE)Plan and execute experiments to explore materials, architectures, and system behaviors.Use data to guide concept evolution and optimization.Lead or Contribute to Innovation ActivitiesParticipate in ideation sessions and innovation events.Generate novel approaches to light delivery, visual experience, and system integration.Research Technologies & Industry TrendsMonitor emerging optical technologies, research, standards, and competitors.Identify opportunities for new illumination approaches.Cross-Functional CollaborationWork with mechanical, electrical, controls, industrial design, manufacturing, sourcing, and product teams.Balance performance, cost, manufacturability, and user experience.Communicate Concepts and TradeoffsDevelop clear presentations of optical concepts, simulations, test results, and tradeoffs.Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders how design decisions impact user experience and the lighting application.Support Intellectual Property DevelopmentDocument innovations and support patent development efforts.Support Broader Product Development EffortsProvide optical expertise across projects, including reviews, benchmarking, application and product performance analysis.Skills and Minimum Experience Required EducationBachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Illumination Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.Experience (by level)Entry Level: 0–3 years in illumination engineering, optics, or related fields.Senior Level: ~5–10 years of relevant experience with demonstrated ownership of optical design and analysis.Lead Level: 10+ years with experience leading complex optical development and influencing product direction.Technical SkillsExperience with optical simulation tools (e.g., Photopia, LightTools, or equivalent).Experience with CAD and photometric tools (e.g., Visual, AGI32, Dialux, Rhino, Grasshopper, SolidWorks, or equivalents).Knowledge of photometric analysis and lighting performance metrics.Experience with prototype development and validation.Additional AttributesStrong analytical and problem-solving skills.Ability to collaborate across disciplines.Clear communication of complex technical concepts.Familiarity with lighting standards and measurement practices (preferred).Experience with IP or patent processes (preferred).CompensationThe range for this position is $104,200.00 to $149,500. Placement within this range may vary, depending on the applicant's experience and geographic location. Acuity offers generous benefits including health care, dental coverage, vision plans, 401K benefits, and commissions/incentive compensation depending on the role.We value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regards to race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ethnicity or national origin, disability, pregnancy, religion, covered veteran status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.#J-18808-Ljbffr
Acuity Brands, Inc iis a North American market leader and one of the world's leading providers of lighting solutions for both indoor and outdoor applications. With fiscal year 2014 net sales of over $2.4 billion, Acuity Brands employs approximately 7,000 associates and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with operations throughout North America, and in Europe and Asia.
Our innovative lighting solutions cover both conventional fixtures and advanced solid-state technology that can seamlessly integrate with powerful digital controls and daylighting to create greater energy efficiencies and a higher quality of light.
Our century of tradition, our current financial strength and our commitment to a sustainable future, ensure our ability to grow, innovate and further capture the rapidly growing market opportunities before us.