Senior Engineer Optical Design (m/f/d)*

About SCHOTT

As a Senior Engineer for Optical Design at SCHOTT, you will be instrumental in the development of next-generation Augmented Reality (AR) systems. You will join a dynamic and global team that transforms innovative concepts into products through optical and mechanical design, advanced simulation techniques and iterative prototyping. We seek individuals who excel in teamwork, can generate bold ideas, explore new technological areas, and drive concepts from prototypes to high‑volume consumer products.

We’re looking for a product‑oriented engineer who thrives at the intersection of optics and software engineering: someone who can prototype new ideas quickly in code, validate them with data, and scale them into robust tools that are used daily by designers and manufacturing teams. Our fast‑paced environment is driven by highly self‑motivated individuals. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in building software, algorithms, and internal tools for optical applications.

Your Contribution

• Lead development projects on the creation and deployment of reusable software tools for optical design and analysis.
• Prototype new waveguide and component concepts and design targeted DOEs, supported by custom simulation scripts, optimization routines, and automated evaluation tools.
• Design, execute, and analyze experiments by linking measurement data with simulation models through computational tools and parameter‑fitting algorithms.
• Evaluate and optimize components, conduct simulation‑to‑measurement correlation, and develop automated data processing pipelines.
• Perform optical sensitivity and tolerance analysis using commercial tools and Python‑based Monte Carlo or parametric frameworks.
• Analyze production and development line data; build automated scripts and dashboards to detect trends, correlate OQC/IPQC, and recommend design or process adjustments.

Your Profile

• MS in Optical Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience; PhD preferred.
• Strong programming skills in Python; experience building analysis scripts, optimization routines, and simulation tooling.
• Proficiency with optical simulation tools such as Zemax OpticStudio, LightTools, VirtualLab, or similar, including use of APIs or scripting interfaces.
• Knowledge of image‑processing and optical‑display metrics (MTF, contrast, luminance, uniformity) and the ability to implement metrics in code.
• Experience with Monte Carlo tolerancing, sensitivity studies, and algorithmic analyses.
• Familiarity with optical component manufacturing and data‑driven evaluation methods.
• Ideally experienced with 3D mechanical engineering and geometrical tolerancing (CAD).
• 5+ years working on optical systems, ideally with demonstrated algorithm or tool development contributions.

Your Benefits

• Flexible working hours and hybrid work options.
• Corporate pension plans.
• Multiple career opportunities and trust‑based working time.
• Culture that emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion.

*At SCHOTT, it’s your personality that counts – not your gender, your identity, or origin.