Senior Optical Engineer

At Barco IX (Immersive Experiences business unit) we have a heart for technology and a spirit for creativity. We immerse our audience in experiences they will never forget. The markets for our technologies range from live events, over theme parks and museums to flight simulators. Our IX R&D organization focusses on developing projection and image processing technologies to make these immersive experiences come to life for our customers all over the world. From inspiring people at the Gent Light Festival, through bringing digital art to galleries and museums worldwide, to providing visuals at world’s leading concert stages, your work will make it happen!

The function

Barco is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer for its Immersive eXperiences Business unit in Kortrijk.

If you’re excited to use your optical engineering skills to develop advanced projection systems with DLP technology and solid-state light sources (laser, LED, phosphor) that lead the industry, this role is a great fit for you.

You'll join an international team of enthusiastic developers from Belgium and China.

Key responsibilities

• Design, simulate and validate optical subsystems for next-generation projection platforms.
• Develop and optimize illumination systems based on laser, LED and phosphor-based light sources.
• Contribute to the design and analysis of imaging optics and projection architectures.
• Define optical architectures from light source to DMD and support system-level integration.
• Specify, evaluate and qualify optical components such as lenses, dichroic mirrors, filters, homogenizers and relay optics.
• Perform optical design, optimization and performance analysis using Ansys Zemax OpticStudio.
• Apply colour science and colorimetry principles to achieve target image quality, brightness and colour performance.
• Support projection lens definition and specification in collaboration with internal teams and external suppliers.
• Perform optical measurements, prototype validation, alignment and system characterization using spectrometers and colorimeters.
• Collaborate closely with mechanics, electronics, software, operations and procurement teams.
• Work with suppliers on component selection, technical reviews and performance improvements.
• Document designs, analyses and validation results and support industrialization activities.
• Support prototype builds; optical alignment, and system-level testing in close cooperation with operations/production engineers.
• Provide maintenance, support, and continuous improvement for existing products.

Profile

• Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics or equivalent.
• Minimum 4- 6 years of experience in optical design and product development.
• Strong experience with ‘Ansys Zemax OpticStudio’.
• Familiarity with optical tolerancing and stray light analysis.
• Programming experience in Python for data analysis and data processing applications.
• Good knowledge of illumination optics and basic imaging optics.
• Knowledge of colour science, colorimetry and optical performance evaluation.
• Hands-on experience with optical and colour measurement equipment such as colorimeter and spectrometers.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary (mechanics, electronics, software, operations, procurement, etc…) teams and external suppliers.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English and/or Dutch.

Nice to Have

• Knowledge of DMD-based projection systems and illumination requirements.
• Experience with solid-state light sources including LEDs, lasers and phosphor.
• Experience specifying optical components including lenses, dichroic mirrors and optical filters.
• Experience with optical, imaging or projection- related systems.
• Knowledge of projection lenses is considered a strong asset.

Soft Skills

• Self-motivated and capable of driving technical work packages independently.
• A strong team player who enjoys working in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Proactive, analytical and result driven.
• Detail-oriented, quality-conscious and cost-aware.
• Willing to travel occasionally to suppliers, customers or Barco locations worldwide.

Our offer

You will work in an open and international culture. In this stimulating and challenging environment, we offer you competitive compensation and benefits, including:

• A competitive salary package based on experience
• Company car
• 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