Optical Test and Characterization Engineer at Avegant Corp.

About Avegant:

Avegant is a well-funded, venture-backed technology company developing next-generation display technology to enable previously impossible augmented reality experiences. We are pioneering innovative hardware and software solutions that will forever change how we learn, play, work and interact with each other. We’ve won multiple awards, our team is best in class, and we’re just getting started.

Avegant is about the journey of innovation, together as a team. Interested in joining us?

Overview:

We are a unique team. Heads-down when we need to be, we enjoy each other’s company and play together as well as work together. Each member of our team contributes in their own way to our culture of openness, collaboration, and creativity. Avegant is seeking an Optical Test and Characterization Engineer to contribute to our cutting-edge near eye display technology. The position will be filled by a highly-motivated individual with at least 3 years of experience in an optical test environment or equivalent experience. This position will be responsible for working with technical team members in the evaluation of new optical technologies, architectures, components, and assembly concepts for near-eye display systems. This is a great opportunity to be a part of a revolutionary technology in a fast-growing field. This position will work closely with our optical design, mechanical engineering, and manufacturing teams. This position reports to the VP of Engineering.

The salary range for this position is $125,000-$165,000 depending on experience. Other benefits include stock options, full medical, dental, vision benefits, 401k matching, unlimited PTO, office snacks, and team lunches.

The role is an in-office role, at our office located in San Mateo, CA, within walking distance of Caltrain.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement methodologies to test and characterize optical components, polarization components, and micro displays including LCoS, DLP, and uLED
• Test optical systems and present results to the broader engineering team
• Work with the design team to specify component and system level performance metrics to achieve product goals
• Work with suppliers on the definition, design, fabrication, and testing of novel optical components and coatings
• Assemble and evaluate prototypes – specifically optical characteristics, image quality (MTF), light polarization measurement, thermal characteristics
• Evaluate new optical equipment and tools and make recommendations for key lab purchases
• Maintain database of laboratory test results that can be accessed for comparison of data from various evaluation samples
• Document prototype assembly procedures and test methodologies that can be used for subsequent manufacturing process documentation
• Assist manufacturing team in implementing optical test processes on the production line
• Select components, and analyze tolerances to support product development and manufacturing

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in optical engineering or similar
• Strong interest in augmented reality
• 3+ years’ work experience in optical test or characterization
• Familiarity with the tools and techniques needed to characterize optical systems, including polarization, resolution, distortion, field curvature and colorimetry
• Experience characterizing and debugging polarization based optical systems
• Working knowledge of LCoS displays including principles of operation, manufacturing methods and characterization techniques
• Experience with one or more standard scientific computer languages (Python, Matlab, C++, etc.)
• Experience designing and implementing optical characterization methods / stations
• Interest in tackling challenging problems, identifying and discussing solutions supported by data
• Willingness to try new solutions and share challenges and roadblocks
• A “how can I help” mindset
• Curiosity, humility

Nice to have:

• Advanced degree, or a demonstrated understanding of Optical Physics and first principles based approach to problem solving
• Experience with optical design software such as Code V, LightTools, and Zemax
• Experience with the transfer of new designs and processes to manufacturing
• Experience with optical system assembly methods and materials
• Experience with Solidworks
• Experience with standard display quality metrics