Engineer Optics

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 Engineer Optics 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, China, and USA.

Key responsibilities 

As a Senior 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.

In this role, you will:

• 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
• Document designs, results, and design decisions
• Provide maintenance, support, and continuous improvement for existing products

Profile

• Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or equivalent
• Minimum of 2 - 5 years of engineering experience in a design environment 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.

Soft Skills

• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• A good team player and able to work in a multidisciplinary (mechanics, electronics, software, operations, procurement, etc….) team.
• Proactive, result-driven, and innovative thinker with analytical skills.
• Detail-oriented, quality-conscious, and cost-aware.
• Willing to travel occasionally to Barco locations, suppliers, or customers 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
• 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