Staff Optical Engineer, LiDAR

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed models of optical systems, tracing light paths from generation to detection and optimizing performance.
• Perform stray light analyses at the system level and propose effective mitigation strategies.
• Manage material property libraries, including reflectivity and scatter models, such as Harvey-Shack, ABg, and BSDF.
• Automate simulation workflows through scripting to enhance analysis efficiency and scalability.
• Conduct coherent beam propagation and opto-mechanical tolerance simulations to evaluate system impacts.
• Troubleshoot optical system irregularities using simulations and data analysis.
• Design, build, and test prototypes and measurement tools to support New Product Integration and Advanced Manufacturing Teams.
• Produce comprehensive technical reports to effectively communicate simulation results and recommendations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in an optical engineering role.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience with non-sequential optical design software such as FRED or ASAP.
• Expertise in CAD tools for preparing and transferring optical system designs.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or comparable programming languages for simulation and automation.
• Excellent communication skills, with experience in writing clear and concise technical reports.

Preferences

• Master’s degree in Optical Engineering or a related field.
• Experience in designing LiDAR systems and related optical technologies.
• Expertise in Fourier analysis techniques for electromagnetic fields, such as FDTD or RCWA.
• Familiarity with Cornerstone data analysis software.
• Proficiency in advanced CAD tools, such as SolidWorks, CREO, or CATIA.
• Knowledge of Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) principles.
• Experience evaluating and applying material property data for optical designs.

Pay

Salary Range: $75k—$300k USD

Schedule

Not specified

Benefits

Preferable but not guaranteed: Competitive compensation package, opportunities for professional growth, participation in a discretionary equity incentive plan, and access to a comprehensive company benefits program, subject to eligibility requirements.

Company

Tensor is an agentic AI company dedicated to building agentic products that empower individual consumers. Our flagship product, the Tensor Robocar, is the world’s first personal Robocar and the first AI agentic vehicle — fully autonomous, automotive-grade, and built for private ownership at scale. Founded in 2016 in Silicon Valley, Tensor is headquartered in San Jose, California, with offices in Barcelona, Singapore, and Dubai. At Tensor, we champion personal AI autonomy and ownership. Our vision is to build a future where everyone owns their own Artificial General Intelligence — a personal AGI that enables more time, freedom, and autonomy. We’re forging an alternative path where AGI serves only you, and is controlled solely by you.

About the Role

We’re seeking talented and self-motivated engineers to join our LiDAR team. This role requires a strong background in optical engineering and proficiency in simulation and automation tools.

Skills

Optical Engineering, Physics, Non-Sequential Optical Design Software (FRED or ASAP), CAD Tools, MATLAB, Python, Technical Report Writing, Fourier Analysis Techniques (FDTD or RCWA), Cornerstone Data Analysis Software, Advanced CAD Tools (SolidWorks, CREO, CATIA), Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) Principles, Material Property Data for Optical Designs.

Benefits

Competitive compensation package, opportunities for professional growth, participation in a discretionary equity incentive plan, and access to a comprehensive company benefits program, subject to eligibility requirements.