Principal Optical Engineer
Company: Amadeus Search
Location: Santa Monica
Posted on: April 3, 2026
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Job Description:
Principal Optical Engineer Location: On-site (Santa Monica, CA)
Compensation: $170,000 – $215,000 base competitive equity Type:
Full-time About the Role A cutting-edge technology startup in the
augmented reality (AR) space is seeking a highly experienced and
hands-on Principal Optical Engineer to lead its optics department.
This individual will play a dual role — 60% technical design and
prototyping, and 40% leadership and team management — driving the
development of next-generation optical systems for AR headsets and
other R&D initiatives. This position is ideal for a seasoned
optical designer who thrives in fast-paced, multidisciplinary
environments and is passionate about pushing the boundaries of
immersive technology. Key Responsibilities Lead the optics
department and guide project execution from concept to prototype
Design, simulate, and validate complex optical systems for AR
applications Collaborate cross-functionally with mechanical,
electrical, and software teams Perform hands-on lab work including
optical assembly, testing, and metrology Develop scalable processes
for prototyping and eventual manufacturing Mentor junior engineers
and delegate technical tasks as needed Required Qualifications 10
years of experience in optical design, ideally within AR/VR,
aerospace, defense, or complex imaging systems Expertise in Code V,
Zemax, and SolidWorks Strong hands-on experience in optical R&D
and metrology Familiarity with manufacturing, quality control, and
tolerancing in optics Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Optical
Engineering, Physics, or a related field U.S. Citizenship required
Full-time, in-person presence required (5 days/week in Santa
Monica) Preferred Experience Background in AR/VR hardware
development or high-precision optical systems (e.g., reflective,
display, or backlight technologies) Experience at companies
specializing in advanced optics, aerospace, or AR/VR (e.g.,
Raytheon, NASA JPL, Meta) Programming proficiency in Python or C++
for optical simulation or automation Ability to rapidly prototype
and iterate in early-stage product environments Key Traits for
Success Demonstrated leadership managing small, technical teams
Willingness to be hands-on and technically engaged Strong
communication and collaboration skills Excitement about in-person
collaboration in a hardware-first environment
Keywords: Amadeus Search, San Clemente , Principal Optical Engineer, Engineering , Santa Monica, California
