Optical Design Technologist

Help shape the future of augmented reality by developing optical prototypes, running precision metrology, and translating user insights into breakthrough display systems. RUN Studios, and its client partner, a large online retailer headquartered in Seattle, are seeking an Optical Design Technologist to join for an approximate 6-month project! The Optical Design Technologist will help build AR optical prototypes from the ground up, developing software in Unity/Unreal, designing image viewer apps for 3P benchmarks, assembling hardware, conducting rigorous metrology, and managing the data infrastructure. You'll prototype displays, characterize performance through optical measurements, and validate designs through user studies, combining hands-on development with data-driven research This is an approximate 6 month project based in Sunnyvale, CA. As an Optical Design Technologist, You Will AR Software Development • Develop AR applications using Unity or Unreal Engine for prototype testing and user studies • Create custom image viewer applications for 3rd party AR devices for benchmarking and competitive analysis • Troubleshoot hardware/software integration issues in prototype systems • Build custom tools for automated testing, data collection, and system calibration Prototyping & Fabrication • Assemble AR optical prototypes using off-the-shelf and custom components (optics, displays, sensors) • Design and fabricate custom fixtures using CAD software (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, OnShape) Optical Metrology • Conduct optical measurements to characterize display performance: luminance, color accuracy, MTF, distortion, field of view • Maintain and calibrate laboratory instruments (photometers, colorimeters, spectrometers, optical benches) • Document system specifications and measurement methodologies with attention to repeatability and accuracy Data Management & Analysis • Design and implement database schemas for storing experimental data, user study results, and metrology measurements (SQL, NoSQL) • Build data pipelines to automate collection, validation, and storage of large datasets • Develop analysis scripts in Python, MATLAB, or R to process optical measurements and user study data • Create visualizations and dashboards to communicate findings to cross-functional teams As an Applicant, You Bring • Master's and/or PhD degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction, or related field • 2+ years of hands-on experience building AR/VR systems or prototypes • Proficiency in MATLAB, C#, C++, or Python for application development and scripting • Experience with rapid prototyping techniques including 3D printing (FDM, SLA) and basic fabrication methods • Strong written and verbal communication skills to document and present findings to internal stakeholders • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail in record-keeping and documentation As a Bonus, You Bring User Studies & Research • Create experimental stimuli and interactive environments for perceptual studies • Interest in running user studies and working with human participants • Experience designing and conducting user studies to evaluate AR display quality, comfort, and usability • Correlate subjective feedback with objective optical measurements to validate design decisions • Collaborate with vision scientists to design psychophysical experiments • Familiarity with IRB processes and human subjects research protocols Additional Position Details • Supervisory Responsibilities • None. • Physical Demands • Physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving. • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. • Work Environment • Typical for an office setting or home environment. • On-site in Sunnyvale, remote may be optional. • Travel • None. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. At RUN Studios we recognize our ultimate success depends on our talented and dedicated workforce. We understand, value, and are grateful for the invaluable contributions made by each employee. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive program of evolving competitive benefits specifically designed to support the needs of our employees and their dependents. Compensation Pay Range: $50.00 - $53.00 (Hourly) The successful candidate’s pay will be based on various factors such as individual qualifications and work location. Benefits: Benefits and perks may vary depending on location and nature of the work, but eligible employees have access to medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&D benefits, health savings and flexible spending accounts, other telehealth and wellness benefits, a minimum of seven paid holidays per year, accrual of at least 6.5 days (Temporary Employment) to at least 15 days (Regular Employment) of paid time off per year, a 401k plan with company match, discretionary bonuses dependent on company, team or individual performance, and referral bonuses for eligible hired referrals. As an equal opportunity employer, RUN Studios is committed to pay equity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.