Lead Optical Engineer in Reading

The optical engineer role shall contribute to the product competence of HID’s EAT BIO business unit. Optical imaging and illumination systems are an integral part of a majority of our products and quality engineering is paramount for the business success of our new devices. The engineer shall be responsible for end‑to‑end optical design and testing of new biometric devices, support updates and upgrades of existing products and work closely with mechanical, electrical and software teams to ensure the design meets the product form, fit, and function specifications. The position expects a senior specialist, that can work independently and collaborate with other team members and direct subcontractors, where deemed feasible.

Responsibilities

• Design and testing of optical imaging systems for biometric identification systems.
• Analysis and specification of production tolerances.
• Communication with the customers or suppliers about technical specifications on global scale.
• Identification of COTS components, ordering, sample testing.
• Providing technical and expert support, contribution to project planning.
• Collaboration with electrical, mechanical and software development teams (measurement methods development, programming, optical, electrical and mechanical design, sensor selection, illumination).
• Cooperation on product development as well as research projects.
• Cooperation/support for industrialization and manufacturing engineering when bringing design to production.
• Liaise with and supervise external suppliers on technical subjects (made to order parts or end product manufacturing).
• Prototype and test optical imaging and illumination designs.
• Optimization and troubleshooting of existing performance test, validation and production processes (including hands‑on tuning).
• Help troubleshoot optical issues in manufacturing process.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master degree in applied physics/optical design or relevant discipline (optics, mechanical engineering, precision mechanics).
• Past experience in similar position.
• Knowledge of geometrical optics and physics.
• Knowledge of optical design software Zemax and its macro language for design and tolerancing work.
• Working experience of usual optical sensors (CMOS, CCD, etc.).
• Experience with semiconductor illumination (LED, laser diodes).
• Hands‑on experience designing, assembling, and testing optical breadboards, brassboards and prototypes for testing of optical imaging and illumination designs.
• Expert advisory to other team members, ability to liaise technical matters with other teams, customer and subcontractors.
• Ability to create clear and comprehensive technical reports.
• Communication and liaison with customers, external suppliers and subcontractors.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in application of numerical methods (Matlab, Mathematica, MathCad, own scripting).
• Applied optics and optical measuring methods.
• Design of opto‑mechanical and opto‑electrical devices.
• Experience in strategic/governmental optical designs and systems sharing or distribution limitations.
• Knowledge of DFM and DFT principles for electro‑optical systems.
• Ability to lead other optical engineers and multidisciplinary tasks.

Work Requirements

• Compliance with all relevant HID Global policies and procedures related to Quality, Security, Safety, Business Continuity, and Environmental systems.
• Travel and fieldwork, including international travel may be required. Therefore, employee must possess, or be able to acquire a valid passport.
• Must be legally eligible to work in the country in which you are hired.

What We Can Offer You

• Competitive salary and rewards package.
• Competitive benefits and annual leave offering, allowing for work‑life balance.
• A vibrant, welcoming & inclusive culture.
• Extensive career development opportunities and resources to maximize your potential.
• To be a part of a global organization that is pioneering the hardware, software and services that allow people to confidently navigate the physical and digital worlds.

EEO Statement

HID is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce that reflects the global communities we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. Our goal is to create a workplace that empowers everyone to thrive and be their authentic selves, fostering an environment of mutual respect and inclusivity. If you have a disability and require assistance or accommodation to participate in the application process or to perform essential job functions, please contact accommodations-ext@hidglobal.com.