Optical Physicist

Gentex Corp•Carbondale Township, PA

just now•Onsite

About The Position

PURPOSE: The Optical Physicist is a subject matter expert responsible for the design, modeling, characterization, and development of optical systems and eyewear products for commercial and military applications, including ballistic protection, variable light transmission, laser eye protection, and visual display technologies. This role provides technical leadership and pathfinding in optical physics and optical materials, linking fundamental physics, materials, coatings, and process conditions to system-level performance, from concept through transfer to production.

Requirements

Master’s or Ph.D. in Physics, Optical Science/Engineering, Materials Science, or related engineering discipline with an optics focus; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ten (10) or more years of experience in a business or research organization focused on optical applications; experience leading complex technical programs is strongly preferred.
Deep expertise in physical and geometrical optics, including optical system design, laser–matter interaction, stray light, and scattering.
Proficiency with optical modeling and design tools (e.g., Zemax/OpticStudio or equivalent), and with spectroscopic and radiometric characterization techniques.
Strong knowledge of optical materials, polymers, wet coating or thin-film processes, and their impact on optical and mechanical performance.
Ability to functionally manage technical teams, plan and manage projects, and control budgets and resources.
Experience communicating directly with customers and senior management, including preparation and delivery of technical presentations and reports.
Familiarity with intellectual property, white paper and proposal development.
Knowledge of statistical techniques, experimental design, and data-driven problem solving.
Demonstrated capability to work in a self-initiated and self-directed manner while handling multiple projects in parallel.
Proficiency in MS Office Suite and project management tools (e.g., MS Project).

Nice To Haves

Experience with optical technologies for eyewear, laser protection, imaging, or display applications, including materials and coatings development and characterization is a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead the design and analysis of optical eyewear, lenses and eyewear components to meet performance requirements for ballistic protection, laser protection, and display applications.
Develop and refine optical models that link design parameters, materials, coating stacks, and process conditions to measurable system performance metrics.
Plan and execute laboratory experiments to characterize optical components and systems (e.g., refraction, spectral transmission, reflection, haze, polarization), and correlate results with models and product requirements.
Serve as technology lead and principal investigator for key government and commercial optics programs.
Act as an internal technical and opportunity consultant in optics, supporting business, value stream, and new product development teams in program execution and capture.
Participate in the development of technology, research, and product roadmaps in core and adjacent optical technology areas.
Write or support the writing of white papers, proposals, and technical reports.
Lead or support departmental initiatives to optimize technical and operational effectiveness.
Support development of budgets, resource planning, and allocation for optical new product activities.
Coach and mentor engineers, scientists, and technicians.
Interface with military and commercial customers, suppliers, universities, and research institutes, representing the company as a subject matter expert in optics.
Survey technical information streams (literature, patents, conferences) to identify new opportunities and inform product roadmaps.
Document experimental work and modeling results and help transition technologies and products from development to production.