AR Principal Optical Design Engineer

Trident Consulting is seeking a "AR Principal Optical Design Engineer" for one of our clients. A global leader in business and technology services. Job Description: Job Title: AR Principal Optical Design Engineer Location: San Jose, CA 95134 (Local candidates preferred, but work can be done remotely) Job Type : Contract W2 Pay Rate: $70 – $132/hr on W2 Your Role: Electronics is a recognized global leader in semiconductor and display materials that is expanding into AI-enabled SmartGlasses (SG) and Augmented Reality (AR) devices. We are committed to advancing technology through innovative materials that enhance device performance. As an Optical Design Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in our Silicon Valley initiative focusing on waveguide design optimization, and performance validation. Your expertise will contribute to our understanding of AR/VR technology and how our products can elevate the performance of next-generation devices. Required Skills (Minimum Qualifications) • Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. • 4+ years of industry experience in AR technology–related product design. • Strong fundamental understanding of diffractive waveguide technology, including waveguide architectures and optical KPIs (efficiency, uniformity, FOV, eyebox, color performance). • Proven experience designing and developing Polarization Volume Hologram (PVH) waveguides or similar holographic/diffractive waveguide components. • Hands-on experience in optical simulation methodologies, including RCWA, FDTD, and ray tracing. • Ability to analyze the impact of material, process, and architectural modifications on waveguide performance. • Experience supporting closed-loop optical model validation using experimental data. • Proficiency in scripting or modeling languages (Python, MATLAB) for optical data analysis and simulation. Preferred Skills (Highly Desirable) • Experience with commercial optical design and simulation packages such as: • VirtualLab Fusion • Zemax OpticStudio • LightTools • Code V • Lumerical • Strong understanding of AR/VR display system architectures, including exit pupil expansion, combiners, and diffractive/holographic couplers. • Knowledge of optical characterization methods used for AR/VR metrology (uniformity, brightness/luminance, MTF/PSF, polarization, wavelength, stray light). • Familiarity with color and perceptual science related to luminance, uniformity, visual artifacts, and human vision performance. • Experience working with liquid crystal–based optics or related optical materials. • Demonstrated ability to collaborate with computational, metrology, integration, and materials engineering teams. • Ability to interpret optical experiments and translate findings into design improvements. • Strong innovation mindset with willingness to push boundaries in AR device modeling. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Technical Skill Keywords (Sourcing-Optimized) • PVH waveguides • Holographic gratings • Diffractive optics • AR waveguide design • RCWA / FDTD / Ray-tracing simulation • VirtualLab / Zemax / LightTools / Code V / Lumerical • Liquid-crystal optics • Exit pupil expansion (EPE) • AR display architecture • Color science / CIE / perceptual optics • Optical metrology & characterization • Python / MATLAB for optical modeling Behavioral & Cross-Functional Skills • Ability to work in multidisciplinary R&D teams • Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset • Clear communication and documentation skills • Ability to work in fast-paced innovation-driven environments Trident Consulting is an award-winning IT/engineering staffing company founded in 2005 and headquartered in San Ramon, CA. We specialize in placing high-quality vetted technology and engineering professionals in contract and full-time roles. Trident shines in fulfilling niche/hard-to-fill technical positions, and our commitment is to deliver the best and brightest individuals in the industry for our clients' toughest requirements. Apply tot his job