Lead Optical Engineer

An Amazing Career Opportunity for a Lead Optical Engineer !!! Location: Reading UK, Prague Czech Republic Job ID: 47502 The optical engineer role shall contribute to the product competence of HID’s EAT BIO business unit. Optical imaging and illumination systems are an integral part of a majority of our products and quality engineering is paramount for the business success of our new devices. The engineer shall be responsible for end-to-end optical design and testing of new biometric devices, support updates and upgrades of existing products and work closely with mechanical, electrical and software teams to ensure the design meets the product form, fit, and function specifications. The position expects a senior specialist, that can work independently and collaborate with other team members and direct subcontractors, where deemed feasible. Who are we? HID powers the trusted identities of the world’s people, places, and things, allowing people to transact safely, work productively and travel freely. We are a high-tech software company headquartered in Austin, TX, with over 4,500 worldwide employees. Check us out here: and Biometric Identity Technologies BIO At the Biometric Identity Technologies Business Area, within HID, we aim to create a safer world with biometric solutions that enhance everyday life, ensuring trust and reliability in every interaction. As a trusted biometric leader, we seamlessly and ethically protect people, places, and things, where we create a secure and equitable environment where everyone’s data is protected and their privacy respected. Driven by years of innovation, we offer a broad range of biometric identity technologies for transactions requiring irrefutable proof of identity, such as customer onboarding, fraud prevention, loss prevention, seamless travel, forensic investigation, background checks, border security, and government benefit issuance. We provide peace of mind to a great array of organizations and industries who know that they are getting the highest level of safety and security through trusted identity. Essential Duties Design and testing of optical imaging systems for biometric identification systems. Analysis and specification of production tolerances. Communication with the customers or suppliers about technical specifications on global scale. Identification of COTS components, ordering, sample testing. Providing technical and expert support, contribution to project planning. Collaboration with electrical, mechanical and software development teams (measurement methods development, programming, optical, electrical and mechanical design, sensor selection, illumination) Cooperation on product development as well as research projects. Cooperation/support for industrialization and manufacturing engineering when bringing design to production. Liaise with and supervise external suppliers on technical subjects (made to order parts or end product manufacturing) Prototype and test optical imaging and illumination designs. Optimization and troubleshooting of existing performance test, validation and production processes (including hands-on tuning) Help troubleshoot optical issues in manufacturing process. Essential Qualifications Bachelor or Master degree in applied physics/optical design or relevant discipline (optics, mechanical engineering, precision mechanics) Past experience in similar position. Knowledge of geometrical optics and physics. Knowledge of optical design software Zemax and its macro language for design and tolerancing work. Working experience of usual optical sensors (CMOS, CCD, etc.) Experience with semiconductor illumination (LED, laser diodes) Hands-on experience designing, assembling, and testing optical breadboards, brassboards and prototypes for testing of optical imaging and illumination designs. Expert advisory to other team members, ability to liaise technical matters with other teams, customer and subcontractors. Ability to create clear and comprehensive technical reports. Communication and liaison with customers, external suppliers and subcontractors. Preferred Qualifications Experience in application of numerical methods (Matlab, Mathematica, MathCad, own scripting) Applied optics and optical measuring methods. Design of opto-mechanical and opto-electrical devices. Experience in strategic/governmental optical designs and systems sharing or distribution limitations. Knowledge of DFM and DFT principles for electro-optical systems. Ability to lead other optical engineers and multidisciplinary tasks. Work Requirements Compliance with all relevant HID Global policies and procedures related to Quality, Security, Safety, Business Continuity, and Environmental systems. Travel and fieldwork, including international travel may be required. Therefore, employee must possess, or be able to acquire a valid passport. Must be legally eligible to work in the country in which you are hired. What we can offer you: Competitive salary and rewards package. Competitive benefits and annual leave offering, allowing for work-life balance. A vibrant, welcoming & inclusive culture. Extensive career development opportunities and resources to maximize your potential. To be a part of a global organization that is pioneering the hardware, software and services that allow people to confidently navigate the physical and digital worlds. Why apply? Empowerment: You’ll work as part of a global team in a flexible work environment, learning and enhancing your expertise. We welcome an opportunity to meet you and learn about your unique talents, skills, and experiences. You don’t need to check all the boxes. If you have most of the skills and experience, we want you to apply. Innovation: You embrace challenges and want to drive change. We are open to ideas, including flexible work arrangements, job sharing or part-time job seekers. Integrity: You are results-orientated, reliable, and straightforward and value being treated accordingly. We want all our employees to be themselves, to feel appreciated and accepted. HID does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. We are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes. HID is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce that reflects the global communities we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. Our goal is to create a workplace that empowers everyone to thrive and be their authentic selves, fostering an environment of mutual respect and inclusivity. If you have a disability and require assistance or accommodation to participate in the application process or to perform essential job functions, please contact . At times, HID may use AI-assisted technology to help our Talent Acquisition team review applications by identifying job-related qualifications, skills, and experience in résumés and comparing them with the requirements of the role. The technology supports recruiter review but does not make hiring decisions. A member of our Talent Acquisition team reviews each application before any selection decision is made. Information processed by the tool is deleted once the recruiter's review is complete. HID is certified as a Great Place to Work in the UK, reflecting employee feedback on trust, collaboration, and workplace culture. We make it easier for people to get where they want to go! On an average day, think of how many times you tap, twist, tag, push or swipe to get access, find information, connect with others or track something. HID technology is behind billions of interactions, in more than 100 countries. We help you create a verified, trusted identity that can get you where you need to go – without having to think about it. When you join our HID team, you’ll also be part of the ASSA ABLOY Group, the global leader in access solutions. You’ll have 63,000 colleagues in more than 70 different countries. We empower our people to build their career around their aspirations and our ambitions – supporting them with regular feedback, training, and development opportunities. Our colleagues think broadly about where they can make the most impact, and we encourage them to grow their role locally, regionally, or even internationally. As we welcome new people on board, it’s important to us to have diverse, inclusive teams, and we value different perspectives and experiences. #LI-HIDGlobal