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Staff Optical Design Engineer

Magic Leap

Magic Leap

Design
Boulder, CO, USA
USD 170k-190k / year
Posted on Aug 20, 2025

A new paradigm of computing

Magic Leap is a pioneer in spatial computing, developing groundbreaking augmented reality technology that seamlessly blends digital content with the real world. As the creator of the next computing platform, our mixed reality devices unlock new possibilities for how people interact with and experience their surroundings.

Magic Leap could be your place if you want to be part of a united team where everyone is empowered and trusted to make an impact. At Magic Leap, you can explore innovative solutions and use your talents to solve real-world problems. Working alongside industry experts, you can grow your skills and amplify human potential at the intersection of the physical and digital worlds. We know that successful change and progress accelerate diverse perspectives. As we shape our future, everyone's voice matters. Together, we can reimagine the world of work and, with our bold partners, make the impossible possible.

The opportunity

As a Staff Optical Design Engineer , you will work with an experienced cross-functional team to develop and optimize innovative leading edge optical components and systems that enable the projection of virtual images in augmented reality (AR) devices. Apply advanced knowledge of optical systems and test methods to design and develop new innovative optical system components. Drive a collaborative environment that fosters engineering excellence, creativity, and innovation in the interdisciplinary areas of optical design and testing, display technologies, and image processing. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the optical design and realization of complex optical modules.

This role is based on our Boulder, CO office and will require you to come into our office regularly. Relocation assistance offered.

What you’ll do

  • Optical design of projection, illumination systems and testing equipment for Augmented Reality devices
  • System simulations including stray light, tolerancing, Monte Carlo simulation, physical optical simulation and others
  • Development of optical assembly and alignment strategies
  • Manufacturing support (including supplier qualification, prototype qualification, NPI and production support)
  • Collaborate with internal/external stakeholders to bridge communication gaps, clarify requirements, identify risks, and support transparent exchange of data.

The experience you bring

  • 8+ years’ experience in optical design with a strong background in aberration theory, image quality, optimization, tolerancing, design for manufacture and optical simulations
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related technical field, or equivalent professional experience
  • Emphasis and proven experience on shepherding devices through iterative stages of concept, design/modeling, design for manufacture / design to cost, manufacturing support and field assessment
  • Proficiency in commercial optical design software tools (e.g. Zemax, Code V, Lighttools)
  • Working knowledge of optical metrology methods and instrumentation
  • Experience in the establishment and documentation of test requirements of optical systems and components
  • Experience in one or more scientific computer languages (e.g. Matlab, Python, C++/C#)
  • Excellent creative/analytical & critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Experience in working with international, cross-functional teams
  • Good written and verbal communication skills

It’s exciting if you also have

  • Experience in working with electro-optical components
  • Experience in the design of optical systems intended for use with the human visual system
  • Experience in the design of illumination optics
  • Basic knowledge of designing optical systems with diffractive or nano-structured surfaces

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to Equal Employment Opportunities guidelines.

All legitimate Magic Leap email communications will end with "@magicleap.com". Please carefully review all emails you receive, to ensure you only engage with legitimate representatives of Magic Leap. For the protection of your Personal Information, do not click any links, open any attachments, or further engage with any suspicious communications. In the event you receive an unexpected or suspicious communication claiming to come from Magic Leap, please reach out directly to TalentAcquisition@magicleap.com for assistance.

Please note that we do not accept any application documents via (e-)mail. Furthermore, we do not accept applications from recruitment agencies for this role.

Accommodations

If you need an accommodation during the application, interviewing, or hiring process, you may request an accommodation by emailing ApplicantAccommodation@magicleap.com. Magic Leap will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by applicable law.

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Our salary ranges are determined by role, level and location. In addition to salary, Magic Leap offers a discretionary bonus and a fully comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees.

US Base Salary Range
$170,000$190,000 USD