Description Optical Design TechnologistLocation: Sunnyvale, CA
Duration: 6-month contract with potential extension
Job SummaryWe are seeking an experienced
Optical Design Technologist with strong expertise in AR software development, optical metrology, prototyping, and data infrastructure. This role involves building AR optical prototypes from the ground up-developing applications in Unity/Unreal, designing custom image viewer tools, assembling hardware, conducting precise metrology, and building scalable data pipelines. The ideal candidate combines hands-on engineering, analytical problem-solving, and user-centered research.
Key ResponsibilitiesAR Software Development- Develop AR applications using Unity or Unreal Engine for prototype evaluation and user studies.
- Build custom image viewer applications for third-party AR devices to support benchmarking and competitive analysis.
- Use MATLAB, C#, C++, or Python for application development, automation, and scripting.
- Troubleshoot hardware/software integration in prototype systems.
- Create tools for automated testing, data capture, and system calibration.
- Assemble AR optical prototypes using both commercial and custom optics, displays, and sensor components.
- Design and fabricate fixtures using CAD software (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, OnShape).
- Utilize rapid prototyping methods including 3D printing (FDM, SLA) and basic fabrication techniques.
- Perform optical measurements for display characterization, including luminance, color accuracy, MTF, distortion, field of view, and related metrics.
- Maintain and calibrate metrology equipment such as photometers, colorimeters, spectrometers, and optical benches.
- Document measurement methodologies, specifications, and test procedures with emphasis on accuracy and repeatability.
- Design and maintain database structures for storing optical measurements, user study results, and experimental data (SQL/NoSQL).
- Develop automated pipelines for data ingestion, validation, and long-term storage.
- Write analysis scripts using Python, MATLAB, or R to process measurement data and user study outputs.
- Create clear visualizations and dashboards to communicate findings to cross-functional teams.
- Produce well-structured documentation and communicate findings effectively to internal teams.
- Maintain organized records, measurement logs, and experimental documentation.
- Demonstrate strong ownership, attention to detail, and ability to dive deep into technical challenges while simplifying complex concepts for stakeholders.
Requirements Education & Experience- Master's and/or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction, or related field.
- 2+ years of hands-on experience in AR/VR system development, prototyping, or related research.
Preferred QualificationsUser Studies & Research- Develop interactive AR stimuli and environments for perception or usability studies.
- Interest in collaborating with human participants and assisting with user study execution.
- Experience designing and conducting studies evaluating AR display quality, user comfort, or system usability.
- Ability to correlate subjective user feedback with objective optical measurements to inform design decisions.
- Collaborate with vision science professionals on psychophysics experiments.
- Familiarity with IRB processes and human subjects research protocols.
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