Magna

Optical Engineer

Magna • $95K — $115K *
Southfield, MI 48076In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in optical engineering, applied physics, electrical engineering, imaging science, or related field; Ph.D. preferred.
  • 4-8 years of experience in optical design and camera development.
  • Automotive electronics or camera development experience preferred; high-volume consumer or industrial imaging experience considered.
  • Proven track record in executing complex optical engineering assignments independently.
  • Strong knowledge of CMOS image sensors and imaging system performance.

Responsibilities

  • Lead optical design and development for automotive camera products from requirements to design release.
  • Develop optical architectures and system-level specifications.
  • Evaluate CMOS image sensors to optimize camera performance.
  • Perform optical tolerancing and sensitivity analysis for balance between performance and manufacturability.
  • Identify optical technical risks and create mitigation plans throughout project phases.

Benefits

  • Exposure to cutting-edge automotive camera technology and applications.
  • Opportunity for technical leadership and mentoring roles within a collaborative team.
  • Potential for cross-functional project involvement with global teams.
  • Access to continuous improvement initiatives for personal and professional growth.
  • Involvement in high-impact automotive projects with significant real-world applications.
Full Job Description
Job Responsibilities:

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must have current and ongoing authorization to work in the United States.

JOB SUMMARY

The Optics Engineer is responsible for the design, development, characterization, validation, and technical support of automotive camera products. Responsibilities include development of lens, imager, camera-system, and optical test specifications; optical performance optimization; advanced laboratory characterization; manufacturing and calibration support; and resolution of complex optical performance issues throughout the product-development lifecycle.

The role may be assigned primarily to Optical Development, Optical Test and Characterization, or a combination of both, based on program and organizational needs. The engineer works independently on intermediate-to-advanced assignments and serves as a technical resource within cross-functional and global teams.
JOB FUNCTIONS (ESSENTIAL) - LEVEL 2
Optical Development and Program Execution
  • Lead optical design and development activities for automotive camera products, including requirements definition, component evaluation, implementation, test, debug, and design release.
  • Develop optical architectures and system-level specifications for lenses, CMOS imagers, illumination paths, filters, and complete camera systems.
  • Evaluate CMOS image sensors and optimize camera performance through imager configuration, register tuning, and quantitative image-quality assessment.
  • Develop or specify multi-element lenses optimized for automotive near-field and far-field applications.
  • Perform optical tolerancing, sensitivity analysis, and design-tradeoff assessments that balance performance, robustness, manufacturability, and cost.
  • Provide technical ownership of optical performance requirements and support program milestones, design reviews, customer deliverables, and launch readiness.
  • Identify optical technical risks and define practical mitigation plans to protect program timing, quality, and customer commitments.
Advanced Optical Testing and Characterization
  • Develop, implement, validate, and continuously improve optical test methods for lenses, image sensors, and complete automotive camera systems.
  • Perform advanced optical characterization, including MTF and spatial resolution, distortion, relative illumination, color and spectral response, noise and dynamic range, flare, stray light, ghosting, veiling glare, and overall image quality.
  • Develop test specifications, procedures, acceptance criteria, correlation methods, measurement-system analyses, and reporting templates for camera development programs.
  • Design and automate optical test processes to improve throughput, repeatability, data quality, and utilization of laboratory equipment.
  • Analyze complex optical performance issues, use quantitative data to determine root cause, and recommend corrective actions to development, manufacturing, supplier, and customer teams.
  • Plan and execute validation activities throughout the development lifecycle while enabling parallel support of multiple programs without compromising technical rigor.
  • Evaluate emerging optical measurement technologies and characterization methods that improve next-generation camera development and validation.
Cross-Functional Integration and Manufacturing Support
  • Interface with mechanical, electrical, hardware, software, systems, manufacturing, quality, and supplier teams to ensure seamless integration of the optical system into the ECU and camera module.
  • Assess the effects of mechanical packaging, assembly tolerances, thermal behavior, contamination, calibration, electronics, and software processing on optical performance.
  • Support manufacturing process development, assembly, end-of-line testing, calibration, yield improvement, and correlation between development and production measurement systems.
  • Support customer escalations, field investigations, design-validation issues, and structured corrective-action activities using disciplined problem-solving methods.
Technical Leadership and Capability Building
  • Serve as a technical resource and subject-matter expert for camera optics, optical characterization, image-quality analysis, and test methodology.
  • Mentor engineers and technicians in optical measurement techniques, data interpretation, laboratory practices, and structured problem solving.
  • Drive continuous-improvement initiatives that increase optical test efficiency, technical depth, repeatability, and organizational capability.
  • Provide clear, data-based technical recommendations to internal leadership, cross-functional teams, suppliers, and customers.
  • Contribute to optical technology roadmaps, lessons learned, standard methods, reusable tools, and knowledge transfer across global engineering teams.
  • Perform other duties as necessary in support of business objectives, safety requirements, and the Quality Operating System.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education and Experience - Level 2
  • Master's degree in optical engineering, applied physics, electrical engineering, imaging science, or a related field. Ph.D. preferred.
  • Four to eight years of relevant experience in optical design, camera development, optical testing, image-quality engineering, or related serial-product development.
  • Automotive electronics or automotive camera development experience strongly preferred. Comparable experience in high-volume consumer, industrial, medical, or professional imaging products may be considered when directly relevant.
  • Demonstrated experience independently executing complex optical engineering assignments and delivering practical, data-based results.
Technical Competencies - Level 2
  • Experience specifying, designing, or evaluating visible-spectrum lenses and imaging systems; automotive camera lens experience preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of CMOS image-sensor characteristics, camera tuning, image-signal behavior, and their effects on system performance.
  • Demonstrated competence in optical performance characterization and image-quality metrics, including MTF, distortion, relative illumination, flare, stray light, ghosting, color, noise, dynamic range, and related measures.
  • Experience developing optical test strategies, laboratory setups, automated measurements, analysis methods, and test specifications for complex camera systems.
  • Understanding of optical tolerancing, sensitivity analysis, measurement uncertainty, repeatability, reproducibility, and performance variation across environmental and manufacturing conditions.
  • Cross-disciplinary understanding of optical-mechanical design, packaging, electrical design, software, image processing, thermal effects, manufacturing, assembly, and calibration.
  • Experience with high-volume, cost-sensitive camera design and manufacturing, including design-for-manufacture and production-test considerations.
  • Familiarity with automotive OEM camera requirements, customer-specific requirements, and environmental and durability expectations for automotive electronic modules.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently diagnose complex optical problems, identify root cause, and lead corrective actions using structured methods such as 8D.
  • Demonstrated innovation through patents, publications, test-method development, technical standards, reusable tools, or products brought to market.
  • Ability to bring structure to ambiguous technical problems, establish direction, prioritize work, and guide teams toward sound engineering decisions.
Software, Laboratory, and Data Skills
  • Optical design and analysis tools such as Zemax OpticStudio and/or CODE V.
  • Camera and image-quality analysis tools, optical laboratory instruments, and optical-mechanical alignment setups.
  • Data analysis and test automation using appropriate engineering tools; experience with Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or equivalent platforms is preferred.
  • Microsoft Office, with strong proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint for technical analysis and communication.
  • Working knowledge of requirements management, configuration management, and project monitoring tools; PTC Codebeamer or equivalent experience preferred.
Communication and Working Style
  • Expert written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex optical topics clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Ability to represent optical design and test topics internally, with suppliers, and with customers.
  • Self-motivated, tenacious, and able to work independently with limited supervision while collaborating effectively in a global, cross-functional environment.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of English. Knowledge of the local working language is an asset where applicable.
  • Domestic and international travel may be required.
POLICIES, QUALITY, AND SAFETY
  • Comply with the Magna Charter and Constitution, Code of Conduct and Ethics, Quality Policy and Objectives, Environmental Policy, and applicable company policies and processes.
  • Review and comply with applicable Customer Specific Requirements.
  • Follow safe work procedures, use required personal protective equipment, and promptly report workplace hazards, injuries, and illnesses.
  • Maintain regular attendance and complete applicable new-hire, new-position, quality, environmental, and health-and-safety training.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Normal amount of sitting and standing, average mobility to move around an office, laboratory, and plant environment, and the ability to perform a normal amount of computer and laboratory work. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions.

Worker Type:

Regular / Permanent

Group:

Magna Electronics

About Magna

Magna Careers

Join Magna’s dynamic team of professionals and be part of a company that’s leading the way in automotive innovation. At Magna, we offer unparalleled job opportunities in an environment that values diversity, leadership, and growth. Work You’ll Do At Magna, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture where every team member is empowered to contribute, innovate, and excel. We believe that diverse perspectives lead to groundbreaking ideas and better decisions. Joining our team means you’ll work alongside some of the industry’s most talented professionals, using state-of-the-art technology to create revolutionary automotive solutions. Lead in a Unique Market Position Magna stands at the forefront of the automotive industry, combining advanced technology, deep industry expertise, and a commitment to innovation that drives us forward. As a leader in our field, we offer careers that are not just jobs, but pathways to personal and professional growth. Explore Magna’s Job Opportunities Whether you’re looking for a position in engineering, design, production, or management, Magna has a place for you. Our global presence offers a wealth of opportunities for career advancement, professional development, and networking. From internships that provide real-world experience to leadership roles that challenge your skills, Magna is dedicated to helping you reach your full potential. Innovative Work Environment Magna is committed to innovation and excellence. Our team is constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the automotive world, making it an exciting place to grow your career. We encourage creativity and initiative, and we reward our employees with the benefits and support they need to succeed both professionally and personally. Be Part of a Great Team At Magna, you’ll find a collaborative environment that values teamwork and open communication. Our employees share a common goal: to lead the industry through innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. With diversity training and a focus on inclusive employment practices, Magna is a place where everyone can thrive. Future-Proof Your Career With Magna, you’re not just finding a job; you’re building a career. We offer extensive training and development programs to help you continue learning and evolving as a professional. With opportunities for advancement and a culture that promotes from within, Magna empowers you to design a career path that meets your ambitions. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search for open positions that match your skills and interests. We are always on the lookout for passionate, curious, and innovative team players. Explore the possibilities that Magna offers. SEARCH MAGNA JOBS Keep Up to Date Stay informed with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at Magna.
Learn more about Magna
Size
161,000 employees
Market Cap
$15.9 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 Year Trend
-0.1%
NASDAQ
MGA
* Ladders Estimates

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