Director of Headset and Camera

About the role

You will lead optical engineering, hardware integration, and product development for our advanced drone platforms. Key duties include managing R&D teams, designing advanced lens systems, and integrating imaging sensors with virtual/augmented reality headsets and aerial payloads.

Responsibilities

• Optical Strategy: Lead the design, testing, and mass production of custom lenses, camera modules, and near-eye display optics for headsets and drone gimbals.
• Team Leadership: Hire, mentor, and direct multi-disciplinary engineering teams across the optical, mechanical, and electrical domains.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Partner with software and firmware teams to optimize image stabilization, auto-focus, low-latency video transmission, and display clarity.
• Vendor Management: Oversee external manufacturing partners, component sourcing, and budget tracking to ensure high-quality, cost-effective hardware delivery.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelors of Science required; Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field is highly preferred.
• Experience: 10+ years in optical system design, with 3+ years in a senior leadership or management role.
• Product Lifecycle: Proven track record of leading optical products from concept through validation, manufacturing, and mass production.
• Manufacturing Expertise: Strong understanding of Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and supplier qualification.
• Systems Integration: Hands-on experience integrating optical systems with image sensors, displays, embedded electronics, and mechanical assemblies in AR/VR/MR or imaging products.
• Technical Proficiency: Deep expertise in CAD (SolidWorks or Fusion 360), optical component testing and characterization, camera sensor integration, and micro-display technology for AR/VR/MR headsets.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelors of Science required; Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field is highly preferred.
• Experience: 10+ years in optical system design, with 3+ years in a senior leadership or management role.
• Product Lifecycle: Proven track record of leading optical products from concept through validation, manufacturing, and mass production.
• Manufacturing Expertise: Strong understanding of Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and supplier qualification.
• Systems Integration: Hands-on experience integrating optical systems with image sensors, displays, embedded electronics, and mechanical assemblies in AR/VR/MR or imaging products.
• Technical Proficiency: Deep expertise in CAD (SolidWorks or Fusion 360), optical component testing and characterization, camera sensor integration, and micro-display technology for AR/VR/MR headsets.

Skills

• Optical System Design
• Product Development
• Team Leadership
• System Integration
• Manufacturing Expertise
• Software and Firmware Collaboration

Benefits

• Equity is included for all exempt positions
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• 401(k)
• Unlimited PTO
• Paid Holidays
• Daily Catered Lunches

Pay

$140, 000 - $170,000

Schedule

N/A