Optical Engineer at Rivet Industries, Inc. – San Jose, California

About Rivet

Rivet is an American company building integrated task systems — fusing hardened hardware with software, sensors, AI, and networking — for industrial workforces and defense personnel. We create capabilities that multiply the effectiveness of every individual and withstand the world’s toughest environments.

We serve the people who build, operate, maintain, and defend our way of life. From technicians and engineers to first responders and service members, they embody the hard work, ingenuity, and meritocratic values that drive Western prosperity. Yet too often they are forced to rely on outdated tools that fail under modern pressures. Rivet exists to reset that priority.

At Rivet, you’ll join a mission-driven team that fuses disciplines to deliver decisive outcomes where they matter most. Whether shaping our technology, strengthening our partnerships, or building our culture, every role here contributes to equipping the front lines with the modern systems they deserve.

Who Thrives Here

• People with a deep disdain for bureaucracy, empire building, groupthink, dogma, corporate babble, and wasted time

• Teammates who want to work exclusively alongside others at the top of their field

• Experienced, no-nonsense professionals who are execution-focused and deliver high-quality solutions above all else

Role Description

We are seeking a motivated Optical Engineer to join our Augmented Reality (AR) hardware team and take a key role in the design, simulation, prototyping, and testing of advanced optical systems for near-eye displays and sensing. You will work closely with industrial designers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and perception teams to bring next-generation augmented reality products from concept to production.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the optical design and analysis of near-eye display (NED) subsystems, including waveguides, projectors, lenses, illumination, and imaging optics.
• Develop and maintain optical models using tools such as Zemax, Code V, LightTools, or equivalent.
• Define optical performance requirements and flow them down to component and subsystem specifications.
• Drive laboratory setup, alignment, and characterization of optical prototypes.
• Document optical designs, test procedures, and experimental results.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and perception teams to integrate optical modules into systems.
• Interface with external suppliers on technology evaluation and component selection (microdisplays, waveguides, lenses, coatings, light sources).
• Contribute to design reviews and continuous improvement of optical architectures.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Strong foundation in geometric optics, physical optics, display and imaging metrics.
• Proficiency with at least one optical design tool (e.g., Zemax, Code V, LightTools).
• Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to learn in a fast-paced start-up environment. Ability to manage projects independently.
• Ability to communicate clearly across disciplines and contribute to system-level trade studies.
• Must be a US Person (citizen or permanent resident).

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of professional experience in optics, display, or photonics.
• Knowledge of microdisplay-based systems (LCOS, OLED, microLED).
• Demonstrated experience in near-eye display technologies (AR, VR, and MR) and optics
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for data analysis and modeling.

The base salary range for this position is $150,000 – $200,000 USD. Total compensation may vary within this range and is determined by years and level of relevant experience, job-related skills, education, and other factors.

In addition to base salary, this role may be eligible for equity grants and other forms of compensation. Eligible employees also receive a competitive benefits package.