Optical Designer – Automotive Holographic Display Systems (f/m/x)

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ZEISS Microoptics is a unit within the strategic business area Photonics & Optics and specializes in the development, optimization, mastering, replication, and integration of optical applications based on micro-optical and holographic optical elements. We develop and manufacture holographic and micro-optical solutions for established industries as well as for complex research and space projects, while simultaneously driving scale-up in the automotive and aerospace sectors. Shape the next generation of holographic display solutions – from optical system concepts to fully functional customer prototypes.

Your Role Develop and optimize optical system designs for automotive applications, with a focus on holographic display architectures

Translate system requirements into robust optical concepts and assessment their performance, including tolerancing and straylight analysis

Ensure the optical system design is well aligned with Picture Generation Units (PGUs), considering interfaces, constraints, and system-level performance

Apply your experience in series development and production of automotive display systems to ensure designs meet industrialization, robustness, and cost requirements

Collaborate close with interdisciplinary teams, including mechanical, electronics, and software engineering, to ensure system performance and success

Support project leaders in technical discussions with internal and external stakeholders, including customers and suppliers

Investigate and resolve practical challenges during development and integration phases

Support validation activities, including simulation, testing, and performance verification of optical systems

Contribute to the development and improvement of internal tools, simulation methods, and modeling approaches

Degree in physics, photonics, optical engineering, mathematics, or a comparable field

Proven experience in optical design within an industrial environment combined with knowledge of automotive standards and development processes

Solid experience in series development and production of automotive display systems (e.g., Head-Up Displays or comparable technologies)

Strong expertise in the design and development of display systems, understanding including system architecture and performance drivers

Experience working with ray tracing and optical simulation tools such as Zemax, LightTools, FRED, or CODE V, Programming skills in Python, MATLAB, C++, or C# are an advantage

Solid background in optical simulation, including tolerancing, straylight analysis, and system optimization

Strong understanding of Picture Generation Units (PGUs) and display technologies including their impact on optical system performance and integration

Fluent in German and English (minimum B1 level) and strong communication skills, intercultural competence, and a collaborative mindset