Lead Engineer/Manager - Camera Optics/ Lens

Overview

We are seeking an experienced optics and imaging expert to lead the optical design, lens selection, and camera module integration for our automotive camera platform. This is a high-impact leadership role where you will architect the complete imaging solution and work closely with electrical, mechanical, and layout engineering teams.

Key Responsibilities

1. Optical System Design & Architecture

• Lead end-to-end optical design for automotive camera systems including lens architecture, optical assembly, and performance optimization
• Define optical specifications: field of view, resolution, MTF, distortion, chief ray angle, relative illumination, and other key parameters aligned with product requirements
• Select and qualify lens vendors; evaluate optical designs and manage lens customization programs
• Design IR-cut filter integration, specify lens coatings, and optimize complete light path architecture
• Conduct tolerance analysis, optical budget allocation, and collaborate with manufacturing on assembly processes and yield optimization

2. Imaging System Integration

• Define image sensor selection criteria and lead sensor evaluation in collaboration with electrical team
• Optimize imaging pipeline including ISP (Image Signal Processor) tuning, color calibration, AWB, AE, and AF algorithms
• Manage lens-sensor matching: chief ray angle optimization, lens shading correction, pixel vignetting mitigation
• Develop optical testing procedures, IQ acceptance criteria, and camera characterization protocols
• Drive resolution of imaging issues including flare, ghosting, chromatic aberration, and field curvature

3. Automotive-Specific Requirements

• Design for harsh automotive environments: temperature extremes (-40°C to +85°C), vibration (MIL-STD-810), humidity, and EMI/EMC
• Ensure compliance with automotive imaging interfaces and standards: MIPI CSI-2, GMSL2/3, FPD-Link III/IV
• Implement HDR imaging, low-light performance optimization, and LED flicker mitigation techniques
• Apply knowledge of ADAS camera requirements for lane detection, object recognition, and surround-view applications

4. Cross-Functional Leadership & Vendor Management

• Partner with mechanical team on lens barrel design, mounting mechanisms, adhesive selection, and optical assembly integration
• Collaborate with electrical team on sensor PCB design, signal integrity, thermal management, and power optimization
• Work with layout team on component placement, optical path clearances, and packaging constraints
• Manage strategic relationships with lens vendors, image sensor suppliers, and CM partners
• Lead technical reviews and drive design-for-manufacturability initiatives

Required Qualifications

Education

• B.Tech/M.Tech in Optical Engineering, Applied Physics, Electronics, Instrumentation, or related field
• Advanced degree (M.Tech/PhD) in Optics, Photonics, or Imaging Science is strongly preferred

Experience

• 8-12 years of hands-on experience in camera module design with minimum 5 years focused on optics/lens development
• Proven track record of shipping camera products from concept through mass production
• Mandatory: Strong experience with automotive or industrial imaging systems (consumer electronics experience alone is insufficient)
• Experience leading technical teams or cross-functional projects is highly desirable

Core Technical Skills

Optical Design & Analysis:

• Expert knowledge of geometric optics, lens design principles, aberration theory (spherical, coma, astigmatism, field curvature, distortion)
• Hands-on proficiency with optical design software: Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, LightTools, or equivalent
• Experience with lens design optimization, ray tracing, stray light analysis, and ghost/flare mitigation

Image Sensor & Imaging Pipeline:

• Deep understanding of CMOS image sensors: pixel architectures (FSI/BSI, stacked sensors), readout modes, sensor characterization
• Knowledge of ISP pipelines, demosaicing, noise reduction, sharpening, tone mapping
• Proficiency with image quality metrics: SNR, MTF/SFR, color accuracy (ΔE), dynamic range, uniformity

Automotive Camera Systems:

• Experience with automotive camera interfaces: MIPI CSI-2, GMSL (Gigabit Multimedia Serial Link), FPD-Link
• Understanding of automotive EMC/EMI requirements and design practices
• Familiarity with camera module manufacturing: active alignment, AA/IR filter bonding, lens assembly

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous development of rear-view cameras, surround-view systems, or ADAS cameras
• Experience with wide-angle (>120°) or fisheye lens optical designs
• Knowledge of HDR imaging techniques, low-light optimization, and LED flicker mitigation
• Understanding of automotive quality standards: AEC-Q100, ISO 26262 (functional safety), ASPICE
• Hands-on experience with optical lab equipment: MTF benches, spectrophotometers, integrating spheres, goniometers
• Experience with waterproof/sealed camera designs for automotive exterior applications