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 Laser Light™ 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 anddeep technical expertise, KSLD collaborates closely with customers todeliver 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. Guidedby 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.

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.

• Design and develop custom optical systems and components for laserand 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, Light Tools, 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 ofoptical systems.
• Analyze optical test data and implement design improvements basedon 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…