Optical Engineer

KYOCERA SLD Laser, Inc. (KSLD) is a global leader in the commercialization of gallium nitride (GaN) based laser light sources. As a wholly owned subsidiary of KYOCERA Corporation, KSLD combines advanced laser innovation with the strength, scale, and manufacturing excellence of a global technology leader.

KSLD develops and manufactures high performance LaserLight™ solutions engineered to deliver exceptional brightness, efficiency, and reliability. Our GaN laser technologies enable a wide range of applications, including automotive and mobility, specialty and portable lighting, projection and AR/VR displays, biomedical instrumentation, industrial imaging, and emerging communication technologies such as LiFi. With vertically integrated capabilities and deep technical expertise, KSLD collaborates closely with customers to deliver application specific laser solutions, accelerating development timelines from concept through production. The company operates advanced R&D and manufacturing facilities in Santa Barbara, CA and Fremont, CA, supporting both innovation and high volume manufacturing needs.

KSLD is ISO 9001 certified and IATF 16949 compliant for automotive applications, and its products meet rigorous UL and IEC safety standards, reflecting a strong commitment to quality, safety, and reliability.

Recognized by Fortune magazine’s Best Workplaces in Manufacturing & Production™, KSLD fosters an employee centric culture built on collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous innovation. Guided by a mission to engineer the future of light, KSLD develops laser based solutions that power next generation mobility, consumer, specialty lighting, and industrial technologies.

KSLD will continue to pioneer the future of light by developing, manufacturing and marketing innovative laser based products with high efficiency and luminance for mobility, specialty lighting, consumer, and industrial applications.

To learn more about KSLD, visit www.kyocerasldlaser.com or contact the company at [email protected] or 18667535273.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated Optical Engineer to develop and optimize custom optical solutions for advanced laser and LED-based products. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, analyzing, prototyping, and validating optical systems and components that enhance product performance, efficiency, and manufacturability. This role requires expertise in optical modeling, illumination design, laser beam shaping, and optical package integration, working closely with multidisciplinary teams including mechanical, electrical, process, manufacturing, and product engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop custom optical systems and components for laser and LED packages, including lenses, reflectors, light guides, diffusers, beam shaping optics, and optical assemblies.
• Perform optical modeling, ray tracing, and simulation using industry-standard software such as Zemax, LightTools, CODE V, or equivalent.
• Develop optical architectures that achieve performance targets for efficiency, uniformity, beam quality, power density, and thermal stability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate optical designs into product packages while balancing performance, cost, manufacturability, and reliability requirements.
• Define optical performance specifications and validation methodologies.
• Conduct tolerance analyses and Design for Manufacturability (DFM) assessments to ensure robust production performance.
• Support prototype builds, characterization, and debugging of optical systems.
• Analyze optical test data and implement design improvements based on performance results.
• Work with suppliers and manufacturing partners to develop and qualify optical components and materials.
• Participate in product development activities from concept through commercialization.
• Support failure analysis and root cause investigations for optical performance issues in development and production environments.
• Generate engineering documentation including specifications, drawings, reports, test plans, and design reviews.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field.

• 5+ years of experience in optical design and development for laser, LED, illumination, or photonics products.
• Strong understanding of geometrical optics, physical optics, illumination systems, and laser beam propagation.
• Experience designing custom optical elements and assemblies for packaged products.
• Proficiency with optical design and simulation software such as Zemax, LightTools, CODE V, or equivalent.
• Experience with optical test methods and characterization equipment.
• Knowledge of optical tolerancing, alignment techniques, and manufacturing processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary product development environment.
• Ability to work on ITAR and/or Defense industry programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or related discipline.
• Experience with high-power laser systems, laser packaging, or LED illumination products.
• Knowledge of optical materials, coatings, adhesives, and photonic packaging technologies.
• Experience with automotive, industrial, medical, consumer, or aerospace optical products.
• Familiarity with thermal-optical interactions and FEA-based design approaches.
• Experience with statistical analysis and optical tolerance optimization.
• Knowledge of ISO standards and/or IATF 16949 standards for reliability testing, and product qualification requirements.
• Experience bringing optical products from concept through high-volume manufacturing.

The full-time base salary range for the Optical Engineer position is $93,000 to $110,000 per annum. The range reflects the minimum and maximum possible base salary for new hires for the role, based on the advertised location. Individual pay is determined by several factors including work location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education and training. For more information about the base salary range applicable to the work location, talk to the recruiter. 

Kyocera SLD Laser, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and requirements of personnel as classified.