Hybrid Optical Engineer

at Barco

• Job title: Optical Engineer
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Mid level, Senior
• Salary: Not specified
• Degree requirement: No Education Requirement
• Tech skills: Python
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Kortrijk, Belgium

About the role

• Engineer Optics developing illumination optics for DLP projectors at Barco. Collaborating with international teams on innovative optical engineering solutions.

Responsibilities

• As an Engineer Optics – Illumination Systems, you will be responsible for the design, simulation, and validation of illumination optics for 1-DLP projector platforms.
• You will define optical architectures from light source to DMD, specify projection lens requirements, and ensure colour and brightness performance meet system targets.
• The role includes close collaboration with key optical suppliers and hands-on work with colour and optical measurement equipment.
• Design and optimize illumination systems for 1-DLP projectors.
• Develop optical models using Zemax OpticStudio, including: Light source coupling and illumination optics, Integrator rods, light tunnels, or homogenization optics, Relay optics up to the DMD.
• Define and review projection lens specifications in collaboration with system and lens suppliers.
• Perform optical performance trade-offs (brightness, uniformity, contrast, étendue).
• Apply ‘colour science principles’ to achieve target colour or brightness performance and stability.
• Measure and validate colour, luminance, and uniformity using: Spectrometers, Colorimeters.
• Analyze measurement results and correlate them with simulations.
• Develop analysis tools and perform data processing using Python or other scientific programming languages.
• Work closely with key optical suppliers, including: Requirement definition and technical reviews, Design follow-up and performance validation, Support prototype builds, optical alignment, and system-level testing in close cooperation with operations/production engineers.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or equivalent
• Strong experience with ‘Ansys Zemax OpticStudio’
• Solid knowledge of: Illumination optics for projection systems.
• 1-DLP projector architectures
• Projection lens definition and specification
• Colour science and colorimetry (CIE colour spaces)
• Hands-on experience with optical and colour measurement equipment
• Ability to work effectively with internal teams and external suppliers
• Experience with laser-based projectors
• Familiarity with: DMD characteristics and illumination requirements
• Optical tolerancing and stray light analysis
• Laser and optical safety standards
• Experience in a product development environment from concept to industrialization
• International supplier collaboration experience
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English and/or Dutch.

Benefits

• A competitive salary package based on experience
• Bonus system
• Group insurance
• Health insurance
• Meal vouchers
• Hybrid working culture
• 20 legal holidays + 12 compensation days (Pro-rata)
• Continuous learning opportunities
• A modern and state-of-the-art working environment