General Motors

Sr. Hardware Engineer- Display Optics

General Motors$100K — $130K *
Consumer Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Display Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in optical film stack design, display optics, or light management systems.
  • Deep understanding of LCD optical architecture, particularly brightness enhancement and polarization management films.
  • Familiarity with film performance metrics such as halo, haze, birefringence, angular luminance, and reflectivity.
  • Proficiency with optical simulation and analysis tools.
  • Experience with optical characterization equipment (e.g., imaging colorimeters, spectroradiometers).
  • Understanding of automotive optical performance requirements.

Responsibilities

  • Design and optimize the optical film stack architecture for LCD modules used in automotive interior displays.
  • Select appropriate brightness enhancement and optical compensation films based on application and system requirements.
  • Conduct film stack simulations and ray tracing analysis to evaluate trade-offs in brightness, viewing angle, color shift, and efficiency.
  • Collaborate with display panel suppliers to define and validate film stack structures under automotive conditions.
  • Analyze optical measurement data and correlate with film stack properties.
  • Investigate and resolve optical issues such as non-uniformity and halo artifacts related to film stack interaction.
  • Interface with materials suppliers to evaluate new film materials and lamination processes for enhanced performance.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work schedule with at least 3 days in the office.
  • Eligibility for relocation benefits.
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Role:
To achieve our vision of a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion, GM Hardware platform is evolving to provide robust service to our customers. This position is part of the Display Design & Development team within the Compute & Connectivity Hardware organization.

We are seeking a high-performing LCD Optical Architecture Engineer to lead the specification, selection, and validation of optical film components used in LCD modules for our next-generation displays. You will play a key role in optimizing light management film stacks to achieve industry-leading performance in luminance, contrast ratio, and optical
efficiency under diverse automotive operating conditions.

The LCD Optical Architecture Engineer will support the development and production of display systems such as instrument clusters, center displays, and passenger infotainment screens. The engineer will be responsible for the architecture and performance optimization of light management films including DBEF (Dual Brightness Enhancement Film), BEF (Brightness Enhancement Film), diffuser films, prism films, polarizers, and compensation films. You will work closely with display panel suppliers, optical material suppliers, and internal cross-functional teams to ensure film stacks meet GM's optical performance, and durability standards.

What You'll Do (Responsibilities):
  • Design and optimize the optical film stack architecture for LCD modules used in automotive interior displays.
  • Select appropriate brightness enhancement and optical compensation films (e.g., DBEF, BEF, diffuser, prism, etc.) based on application and system requirements.
  • Conduct film stack simulations and ray tracing analysis to evaluate trade-offs in brightness, viewing angle, color shift, and efficiency.
  • Collaborate with display panel suppliers to define and validate film stack structures under automotive conditions including temperature cycling, humidity, vibration, and sunlight exposure.
  • Analyze optical measurement data (e.g., luminance, contrast ratio, haze, reflectance, viewing cone, color shift) and correlate with film stack properties.
  • Investigate and resolve optical issues such as non-uniformity, Mura, and halo artifacts related to film stack interaction.
  • Interface with materials suppliers to evaluate new film materials and lamination processes for enhanced durability and optical performance.
  • Provide technical direction on film stack DFM and ensure robust performance across the display supply chain.


Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications):
  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Display Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in optical film stack design, display optics, or light management systems.
  • Deep understanding of LCD optical architecture, particularly brightness enhancement and polarization management films.
  • Familiarity with film performance metrics such as halo, haze, birefringence, angular luminance, and reflectivity.
  • Proficiency with optical simulation and analysis tools.
  • Experience with optical characterization equipment (e.g., imaging colorimeters, spectroradiometers).
  • Understanding of automotive optical performance requirements.


What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications):
  • Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Display Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
  • Experience with Tier-2 display panel suppliers or film material supplier.
  • Knowledge of Mini LED backlight and its interaction with film stacks.
  • Familiarity with optical bonding and cover glass stack integration.
  • Experience in qualifying new film materials for thermal, UV, and mechanical durability.


#LI-DH2
This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}.This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

About General Motors

General Motors Company engages in the manufacture and sale of cars and trucks in the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. It offers sedans, crossovers, sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, coupes, sports/convertibles and hybrid vehicles, hatchbacks/wagons, and vans, as well as mini cars in India. The company also provides parts and accessories, such as iPod and MP3 compatibility, mobility accessories, performance parts, AC parts and services, and merchandise. In addition, it offers vehicle safety, security, and information services. The company provides used vehicles. It offers its products through dealers and distributors. General Motors Company was formerly known as NGMCO, Inc. and changed its name to General Motors Company in July 2009. The company was incorporated in 2009 and is based in Detroit, Michigan. It operates manufacturing facilities in India, the United States, and Canada. General Motors Company operates as a subsidiary of the United States Department of The Treasury. General Motors led global vehicle sales for 77 consecutive years from 1931 through 2007, longer than any other automaker, and is currently among the world's largest automakers by vehicle unit sales. General Motors acts in most countries outside the USA via wholly-owned subsidiaries but operates in China through 10 joint ventures. GM's OnStar subsidiary provides vehicle safety, security, and information services. In 2009, General Motors shed several brands, closing Saturn, Pontiac, and Hummer, and emerged from a government-backed Chapter 11 reorganization. In 2010, GM made an initial public offering IPOs to date and returned to profitability later that year.

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Join the dynamic team at General Motors, a global leader in automotive innovation and technology. At General Motors, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career forward while contributing to a legacy of engineering excellence.

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Learn more about General Motors
Size
157,000 employees
Market Cap
$46.9 billion
Industry
Net Income
$6.4 billion
Founded
1908
5 Year Trend
-3.2%
Revenue
$122.4 billion
NASDAQ

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