Principal Optical Design Engineer

4 days ago

San Jose, California, United States Cavya solutions Full time

Role Summary

In this role, you will design and optimize advanced Polarization Volume Hologram (PVH) waveguides, analyze system-level interactions, and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to advance AR/VR optical performance. You will play a key part in shaping how our materials enable the next generation of immersive devices.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and develop PVH waveguides, applying deep understanding of waveguide KPIs and related performance trade-offs.
  • Create optical architectures that balance device performance, manufacturability, and user experience for AR systems.
  • Evaluate the impact of materials, processes, and device architecture changes on waveguide performance.
  • Lead a closed-loop optical data analysis workflow to align optical design models with experimental results.
  • Partner with computational and software teams to advance modeling capabilities and design workflows.
  • Collaborate with metrology and integration teams to understand underlying factors influencing device performance.

Minimum Qualifications

  • B.S. in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • 4+ years of industry experience designing AR-related optical technologies.
  • Fundamental understanding of diffractive waveguide technology.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience modeling AR optical systems using RCWA, FDTD, ray tracing, or similar methods.
  • Familiarity with commercial optical simulation tools (e.g., VirtualLab, Zemax, LightTools, Code V, Lumerical) and custom simulation code (Python, MATLAB, etc.).
  • Strong understanding of AR materials, architectures, and their influence on optical KPIs and user experience.
  • Knowledge of optical characterization and metrology techniques used in AR/VR components.
  • Understanding of color and perceptual science, including luminance, uniformity, and artifact analysis.
  • Experience with liquid-crystal-based optics.
  • Familiarity with AR display system architectures.
  • Demonstrated willingness to innovate and push boundaries in AR optical modeling.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

We Offer

  • Opportunity to work on breakthrough AR and SmartGlasses technologies in a fast-moving, innovative environment.
  • Collaboration with world-class experts in optical design, materials science, and AR system engineering.
  • Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.

Job Type: Contract

Pay: Up to $120.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Work Location: In person

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