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 EngineerLocation: San Jose, CA 95134 (Local candidates preferred, but work can be done remotely)Job Type : Contract W2Pay Rate: $70 – $132/hr on W2YourRole: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 modelingBehavioral & 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 environmentsTrident 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