AR Principal Optical Design Engineer

Base pay range

$70.00/hr - $132.00/hr

Job Title

AR Principal Optical Design Engineer

Location

San Jose, CALocal candidates preferred, but work can be done remotely)

Job Type

Contract W2

Pay Rate

$70 – $132/hr on W2

Your Role

Electronics is a recognized global leader in semiconductor and display materials that is expanding into AI-enabled Smart Glasses (SG) and Augmented Reality (AR) devices. We are committed to advancing technology through innovative materials that enhance device performance. As an Optical Design Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in our Silicon Valley initiative focusing on waveguide design optimization, and performance validation.

Your expertise will contribute to our understanding of AR/VR technology and how our products can elevate the performance of next-generation devices.

Required Skills (Minimum Qualifications)

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

• 4+ years of industry experience in AR technology–related product design.

• Strong fundamental understanding of diffractive waveguide technology, including waveguide architectures and optical KPIs (efficiency, uniformity, FOV, eyebox, color performance).

• Proven experience designing and developing Polarization Volume Hologram (PVH) wave guides or similar holographic/diffractive waveguide components.

• Hands‑on experience in optical simulation methodologies, including RCWA, FDTD, and ray tracing.

• Ability to analyze the impact of material, process, and architectural modifications on waveguide performance.

• Proficiency in scripting or modeling languages (Python, MATLAB) for optical data analysis and simulation.

Preferred Skills (Highly Desirable)

• Experience with commercial optical design and simulation packages such as:

• Light Tools

• Code V

• Lumerical

• Strong understanding of AR/VR display system architectures, including exit pupil expansion, combiners, and diffractive/holographic couplers.

• Knowledge of optical characterization methods used for AR/VR metrology (uniformity, brightness/luminance, MTF/PSF, polarization, wavelength, stray light).

• Familiarity with color and perceptual science related to luminance, uniformity, visual artifacts, and human vision performance.

• Experience working with liquid crystal–based optics or related optical materials.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with computational, metrology, integration, and materials engineering teams.

• Ability to interpret optical experiments and translate findings into design improvements.

• Strong innovation mindset with willingness to push boundaries in AR device modeling.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Technical Skill Keywords (Sourcing-Optimized)

• PVH wave guides

• Holographic gratings

• Diffractive optics

• AR display architecture

• Color science / CIE / perceptual optics

• Optical metrology & characterization

• Python / MATLAB for optical modeling

Behavioral & Cross-Functional Skills

• Ability to work in multidisciplinary R&D teams

• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset

• Clear communication and documentation skills

• Ability to work in fast‑paced innovation‑driven environments

Seniority Level

Mid-Senior level

Employment Type

Contract

Job Function

Information Technology, Design, and Engineering

Industries

IT Services and IT Consulting

Trident Consulting is an award‑winning IT/engineering staffing company founded in 2005 and headquartered in San Ramon, CA. We specialize in placing high‑quality vetted technology and engineering professionals in contract and full‑time roles. Trident shines in fulfilling niche/hard‑to‑fill technical positions, and our commitment is to deliver the best and brightest individuals in the industry for our clients' toughest requirements.

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