Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field with 5+ years of relevant experience or equivalent education and experience
Strong academic background with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
Thorough knowledge of optical manufacturing processes including machining, polishing, and optical coatings
Proficiency with complex optical components and systems
Responsibilities
Design and develop custom non-imaging optical systems for consumer electronics
Conduct optical simulations and analyses for design verification
Transform optical surfaces into manufacturable mechanical component models
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including ID, ME, and EE engineers
Define boundary constraints related to design goals and manufacturing
Develop optical and photometric requirements and analyze test data
Perform cost/performance tradeoff analysis of design options
Benefits
Eligible for Garmin's comprehensive benefits program
Opportunities for professional development and growth
Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams
Engagement in innovative projects within the optical engineering field
Potential for leadership roles in complex design projects
Full Job Description
Overview
We are seeking a full-time Senior Optical Engineer on our IXP Explorations Team in our Cary, NC or Olathe, KS location. In this role, you will be responsible for providing technical leadership and project planning for complex optical designs, technologies, or systems that are new for Garmin under general direction. This role will focus on non-imaging optical systems for various lighting applications such as signal, conspicuity, and forward illumination systems.
Essential Functions
Design and develop custom non-imaging optical systems for various consumer electronics lighting applications
Conduct optical simulation and analysis for concept development and design change verification
Expert use of one or more optical simulation software tools (LucidShape, ZEMAX, Code V, Light Tools, TracePro, etc.)
Transform optical surfaces into mechanical component models that are manufacturable
Collaborate with ID, ME, EE, and Optical/Illumination engineers throughout development
Define boundary constraints due to ID goals, electromechanical integration, thermal limitations, power budgets, and design for manufacturing
Develop optical and photometric requirements to meet product goals and analyze test data and reports to validate requirements are met
Quickly ideate to perform cost/performance tradeoff analysis of different design options
Perform benchmark testing and competitive analysis
Estimate complex optical designs including tooling, part cost and design time
Serve in leadership capacity for completing complex designs or simulations/analysis such as tolerancing, stray light, non-sequential, etc. on optical systems incorporating a variety of surface/object types such as aspheric lenses, reflectors, prisms, freeform optics, projected graphics, optical coatings, collimated optical systems and illumination systems
Support manufacture, build, and test of moderately complex optical prototypes
Negotiate with cross functional teams to develop robust optical designs considering manufacturable tolerances, dimensional space constraints and appropriate testability
Design optics and optical systems to meet environmental and reliability requirements
Work with mechanical engineering to consider tolerances, thermal, and dimensional space requirements
Collaborate/add value through participation in design reviews, providing comments on optical design aspects and other engineering areas across multiple product types
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor of Science Degree in Optical Engineering, Bachelor of Arts in Physics, or related field AND a minimum of 5 years relevant experience OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
Excellent academics (cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 3.0 as a general rule)
Demonstrated strong/excellent and effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
Thorough knowledge of optical manufacturing processes such as machining, polishing, molding and optical coatings and production and operations issues as they relate to engineering
Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgement in setting schedules, taking risks and completing tasks
Must demonstrate proficiency with complex optical components and optical systems
Desired Qualifications
Degree in Mechanical Engineering
Extensive optical design experience in illumination systems for consumer, automotive, or aviation products or related applications
Understanding of thermal management of LEDs and associated drivers
Proficient in the use of CAD software (SolidWorks/Onshape preferred)
Experience defining PCB footprints and communicating to EE via IDF exports
This position is eligible for Garmin's benefit program. Details can be found here: Garmin Benefits
About Garmin
Garmin Ltd. is an American multinational technology company founded in 1989 by Gary Burrell and Min Kao in Lenexa, Kansas. The company specializes in GPS technology for automotive, aviation, marine, outdoor, and sport activities. Garmin's products serve aviation, marine, automotive, wireless, outdoor recreation, and fitness markets. The company's goal is to create navigation and communication devices that can enrich customers' lives. Garmin has offices in the United States, Europe, and Asia. The company's products are sold in over 100 countries.
