Optical Engineer – Augmented Reality (AR)

Full Listing

Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Team: Hardware / Optics / AR
Experience Level: Mid–Senior

Role Overview

Coda Octopus Engineering Inc., a division of Coda Octopus Group, is a certified small business in search of an Optical Engineer (OE) to design, prototype, and optimize optical systems for next-generation Augmented Reality (AR) devices. In this role, the OE will develop and evaluate optical architectures that deliver high-quality visual experiences within compact wearable systems. This role will collaborate closely with hardware, display, mechanical, and perception teams to translate advanced optical concepts into manufacturable AR products.

Responsibilities

  • Design and develop AR optical systems, including waveguides, combiners, freeform optics, projection optics, and illumination paths.
  • Perform optical simulations using tools such as Zemax, Code V, or LightTools.
  • Optimize image quality metrics including MTF, distortion, eyebox, field of view, brightness, and efficiency.
  • Work with microdisplays (LCOS, OLED, MicroLED) and evaluate their integration into AR optical architectures.
  • Build and test optical prototypes to validate performance and identify design improvements.
  • Define optical tolerances and collaborate with mechanical engineering on packaging constraints.
  • Develop optical test setups and measurement procedures.
  • Work with manufacturing partners to transition optical designs into production.
  • Troubleshoot system-level optical issues in integrated AR hardware.

Required Qualifications

  • MS or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, Applied Optics, or a related field.
  • 3+ years of experience designing imaging or display optics.
  • Strong experience with optical design and simulation software (Zemax, Code V, or equivalent).
  • Knowledge of geometrical optics, physical optics, polarization, and stray light analysis.
  • Experience with optical lab equipment (interferometers, spectrometers, beam profilers, etc.).
  • Ability to prototype and test optical systems.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with AR/VR optical architectures (waveguides, holographic optics, pancake lenses, birdbath optics, freeform optics).
  • Familiarity with diffractive optics, metasurfaces, or holographic optical elements.
  • Experience working with near-eye displays (NED).
  • Knowledge of human vision and display perception.
  • Experience transitioning optics from prototype to manufacturing.

What Success Looks Like

  • Deliver optical designs that balance performance, size, efficiency, and manufacturability.
  • Enable immersive AR visual quality with wide field of view, large eyebox, and minimal artifacts.
  • Collaborate across teams to ship integrated AR hardware systems.

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Paid time off

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