Role Summary:
Summary: The Optical Team Manager will lead the engineering team responsible for developing Novarc's next-generation welding camera platforms, including stereo vision, and 3D sensing camera systems. In this role, you will bridge technical leadership and team management, guiding a multidisciplinary team to create rugged, high-performance visual sensing technology solutions engineered for extreme welding environments. You will oversee the complete lifecycle - from early optical simulation and sensor selection to opto-electronic integration, thermal isolation, firmware and driver development and embedded platform optimization - working in close collaboration with the AI software team to power advanced autonomous welding automation.
Key Responsibilities :
- Lead, mentor, and manage a multidisciplinary team to deliver leading vision technology
- Drive the architecture, design, and product lifecycle of in-house stereo vision (multi-camera calibration, baseline geometry), and active/passive 3D sensing camera systems tailored for high-glare arc welding environments.
- Oversee optical simulations, illumination design (laser/structured light, custom LED bands, narrow bandpass filtering), custom lens stack selection, and sensor payload evaluation.
- Collaborate with AI and SW teams to ensure optical designs deliver optimal image fidelity, sync signals, and pre-filtered data feeds for downstream image processing and real-time feature extraction algorithms.
- Define and execute rigorous calibration, characterization, thermal/vibration resistance testing, and opto-mechanical validation protocols for harsh industrial environments.
- Manage optical laboratory equipment, prototyping budgets, vendor relations for custom optics/sensors, and technical project execution schedules.
- Work with and champion standardized engineering practices, design reviews, optical assembly SOPs, safety/EMC regulatory alignment, and thorough design documentation across the team.
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications and Experience :
- Education requirements: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Engineering Physics, Applied Optics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. Specialization in electro-optics or 3D vision hardware systems is highly desirable.
- Certifications: P.Eng. (Professional Engineer) registration or eligibility in Canada is an asset
- Platform / Systems experience: Optical Simulation Software (Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, LightTools, or FRED), CAD tools (SolidWorks, Altium), ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite/SAP), PLM/PDM platforms, Jira/Confluence, Google Workspace.
- Technical experience: Proficiency in optical system modeling, camera design (2D/3D/Stereo), image sensor evaluation (CMOS/HDR), spectral filtering, active illumination design, opto-electronic integration, and scripting/data analysis tools (OpenCV, Python, MATLAB, C/C++).
- Number of years experience: 7+ years of hands-on experience in optical engineering, machine vision hardware development, embedded system design or sensor-based imaging systems.
- # of years of prior management experience (if applicable): 2+ years of experience leading, managing, or serving as a technical lead for engineering teams.
- Travel requirements: Minimal travel (up to 10%) for supplier visits, customer deployments, or specialized field testing.
Commitment to Novarc Values:
Demonstrate and embed Novarc's core values of Hungry, Humble, and Smart in daily work, decision-making, collaboration, and interactions with colleagues, customers, and partners.
- Hungry: Be Passionate, Never Give Up, Customer Focused, Continuous Learning, Do What You Say
- Humble: Servant Leader, No arrogance, Less Ego, Listen > Talk
- Smart: High EQ, Challenge the Status Quo, Thought Leaders
Leadership Competencies:
- Commitment to Values: Embed Novarc's core values of Hungry, Humble, and Smart in every aspect of leadership and decision-making
- Leadership Values: Embody Novarc's leadership principles to inspire and guide the team towards success
- Integrity & Trust: Lead with honesty, transparency, and ethical standards, building trust within the team.
- Clear Communication & Colloboration: Communicate clearly, listen actively, and provide constructive feedback to foster collaboration.
- Empowerment & Accountability: Delegate responsibility, set clear goals, and hold everyone accountable for results.
- Coaching & Development: Prioritize team development, offering guidance and growth opportunities.
- Inclusive Leadership: Champion diversity, ensuring all voices are heard and valued.
- Innovative Problem Solving: Drive creative solutions to challenges, balancing immediate needs with long-term goals.
- Results Oriented Leadership: Focus on achieving excellence, aligning team objectives with company goals.
- Empathy & Support: Show empathy, support your team, and respond thoughtfully to their needs.
- Adaptability & Resilience: Stay flexible and resilient through change, guiding the team with confidence.
