Senior Applied Research Engineer

Description

About Us: Founded in 1997, Vuzix (NASDAQ: VUZI) is a growing, dynamic company that specializes in the design, manufacturing and sale of smart glasses and augmented reality (AR) technologies and products for the enterprise and consumer markets. Company products include wearable displays and computing devices that offer portable, high-quality viewing experience for applications in augmented reality, digital information, utility, and entertainment. 

Position Summary: The ideal candidate is an energetic, self-motivated professional with strong leadership skills who will oversee the characterization and test lab. This role will maintain and document existing tests while developing new procedures to support Quality Assurance, Research and Development, and Production. The candidate will collaborate with customers and vendors, analyze and communicate test results, and work with systems including displays, projectors, optical subsystems, waveguides, and other imaging technologies. Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills are essential for success in this multidisciplinary role. 

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Characterize and test micro-displays, projector systems, optical subsystems, and complete near-eye systems.
• Develop and implement new test methods and procedures to support research, development, quality assurance, and production needs.
• Create and maintain detailed test documentation, procedures, and organized test data records.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance and Production teams to establish and calibrate incoming inspection procedures and in-process validation methods.
• Identify, procure, set up, and maintain appropriate test and measurement equipment.
• Analyze and interpret test results, identify issues, and independently develop corrective actions for product and process concerns.
• Provide senior-level optical engineering expertise and technical guidance on optical testing and characterization.
• Communicate with vendors, customers, and internal management as a technical expert on optical testing and characterization.
• Conduct technical reviews to ensure appropriate procedures and methods are followed and provide value-added feedback to the design team.
• Support the successful transition and implementation of test methods and procedures into full-scale production.
• Ensure projects meet established schedule, financial, and technical performance objectives.
• Meets required ISO 9001:2015 standards and necessary training based on the relevant Quality Objectives.

Competencies:  To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Written Communication – Read and interpret written information effectively, write clearly and concisely, adapt writing style for different audiences.  

Verbal Communication – Give focused attention to what others are saying, take time to understand what and respond when appropriate without interrupting, speak clearly and effectively express ideas and opinions, adapt and react professionally in both positive and negative situations.  

Teamwork & Collaboration – Balance team and individual responsibilities, consider others’ views objectively and with openness to changing your own, give and encourage feedback, contribute to a positive team dynamic, prioritize team success over personal interests, work effectively across departments toward company goals.

Professionalism – Interact with others in a considerate manner, follow through on commitments, react well under pressure and preserve confidentiality, control emotions, and accept responsibility, maintain focus on solutions and treat others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position.  

Motivation & Initiative – Demonstrate persistence and ability to adapt to changes in daily workflow, overcome obstacles, request and provide help as needed, and work independently. Volunteer readily and look for ways to improve and create successful outcomes, positively contributes to overall work environment.  

Respect & Integrity – Treat people with respect, work ethically and with honesty and integrity, inspire the trust of others, demonstrate appreciation and sensitivity for cultural differences, help promote inclusion and understanding of the value of diversity, embrace differences and support a harassment-free environment. 

Requirements

Experience Required: 

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics or equivalent. Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of detailed experience working in a research or product design environment.
• Strong organizational, time management, leadership skills, and the ability to successfully manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment.
• Familiarity with a variety of optical test equipment.
• Familiarity with optical measurement techniques.
• Must be able to demonstrate out-of-box thinking for unique problem solving.
• Familiarity with optical design software such as Zemax.
• Programming experience preferred.

Minimal Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in related field

Supervisory Responsibilities: None. 

Travel: Negligible.  

Physical Demands: Frequently required to sit, speak, hear, see, and perform repetitive motion (data entry). Occasionally required to lift or carry (10 lb. minimum). Reasonable accommodation will be made available if applicable.