Optical Engineer

Description

We’re HiViz Lighting, and we make mission-critical LED lighting for emergency vehicles — the lights that help first responders save lives. We’re looking for a hands-on, scrappy, creative Optical Engineer to become our in-house expert on all things optics. If you know how to shape, mix, bend, and throw light like a wizard, we want to talk.

This is a ground-floor opportunity: you’ll be our first in-house optical expert. You’ll own the optical performance of every lighting product we make — from warning lights to scene lights to the next generation of integrated multi-color systems — and will play a key role in helping us outshine the competition.

What you’ll do:

• Review and analyze existing products to identify optical improvement opportunities.
• Design next-generation LED optics for warning lights, scene lights, and headlights.
• Drive innovation in multi-color, under-one-optic designs (think stage lighting meets public safety).
• Select lens materials (primarily acrylic or polycarbonate; silicone a plus) and specify optical geometry (reflectors, collimators, beam-shaping elements, etc.).
• Collaborate with our mechanical and embedded product engineers to deliver fully integrated lighting systems.
• Work with suppliers and manufacturers to source, tool, and validate optical components.
• Use photometric equipment (like goniophotometers and integrating spheres) to validate optical performance.
• Guide software/tool selection for optical simulation and modeling — we’re open to what works best.

What we’re looking for:

• Proven experience designing optics for LED lighting systems — whether that’s in warning, architectural, stage, or automotive lighting.
• Deep understanding of how to shape and control light — beam angles, optical efficiency, color mixing, etc.
• Strong background in optical design tools (Zemax, LightTools, TracePro, or similar) and CAD software (SolidWorks experience is a plus).
• Experience working with plastic optics (injection molded preferred), and knowledge of manufacturing constraints.
• Comfortable owning a function solo — you're a team of one for now, so you'll need to set the vision and execute.
• Comfortable testing, prototyping, failing fast, and iterating — we love trying new things.
• Degree? Cool if you have one. But if your portfolio, prototypes, or patent history speak louder — we’ll listen.

Who you are:

• You’ve maybe worked at a small lighting company or engineering startup — and you liked the pace.
• You’re confident, hands-on, and love solving problems that don’t have an obvious answer,
• You’re a builder. An inventor. Someone who sees light differently.
• You’ve always wanted the freedom to say, “Let’s try this crazy idea…” and then actually try it.
• You’re not afraid of regulations — even if you haven’t worked with SAE, FMVSS, or DOT lighting standards before, you’re the kind of person who can dive into the details and figure it out fast.
• You thrive in a tight-knit, high-performance team and aren’t afraid to roll up your sleeves.

Why join us:

• We’re an established company with a tech startup feel. Fast-moving, fun-loving, and mission-driven.
• Our lights protect firefighters, paramedics, and police officers across the world. Your work literally saves lives.
• You’ll get to help shape the optical performance of an entire product line — from scratch.
• Our engineering team is tight, scrappy, and fun. You’ll love working here.
• We’re based in Western North Carolina, just outside Asheville. Think bluegrass, breweries, and world-class mountain biking five minutes from the shop.

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