Senior Optical Engineer

Role

Rivet is seeking a motivated Senior Optical Engineer to join their Augmented Reality (AR) hardware team.

About the role

We are a mission-driven company that builds integrated task systems for industrial workforces and defense personnel. Our mission is to equip the front lines with modern systems that meet their needs.

Responsibilities

• Drive display system integration and execution for AR display modules.
• Define display module specifications (light engine, waveguide, see-through optics) from product requirements.
• Support optical design, simulation, and tolerancing to validate and refine system performance.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and perception teams to integrate display modules into systems.
• Build and evaluate optical prototypes; define and execute test methodologies; identify performance gaps and work cross-functionally to implement corrective actions.
• Lead display bring-up, calibration, and validation across engineering builds and production ramp.
• Contribute to the exploration and evaluation of next-generation display technologies.

Requirements

• Master’s or Ph.D. degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 5–10 years of experience in optical system design and product development.
• Experience with near-eye display systems (AR/VR/MR) or closely related optics.
• Experience taking hardware from concept through prototyping to production.
• Ability to lead complex technical problems with ambiguity.
• Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to learn in a fast-paced start-up environment.
• Must be a U.S. Person (citizen or permanent resident).

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in optics, display, and photonics.
• Waveguide design experience (diffractive, reflective, holographic).
• Experience with display calibration and image quality tuning.
• Familiarity with perception-driven display optimization.

Compensation

$200,000-$275,000 USD + benefits

Benefits

A competitive benefits package, including unlimited PTO.

About Rivet

Rivet is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law. Certain roles may require U.S. Person status, security clearance eligibility, or other requirements imposed by law or government contract.