Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:
Location: Kortrijk, BE
Barco IX (Immersive Experiences business unit) we have a heart for technology and a spirit for creativity. We immerse our audience in experiences they will never forget. The markets for our technologies range from live events, over theme parks and museums to flight simulators. Our IX R&D organization focusses on developing projection and image processing technologies to make these immersive experiences come to life for our customers all over the world. From inspiring people at the Gent Light Festival, through bringing digital art to galleries and museums worldwide, to providing visuals at world’s leading concert stages, your work will make it happen!
The function
Barco is seeking a Lead Engineer Optic s for its Immersive eXperiences Business unit in Kortrijk.
If you’re excited to use your optical engineering skills to develop advanced projection systems with DLP technology and solid‑state light sources (laser, LED, phosphor) that lead the industry, this role is a great fit for you.
You'll join an international team of enthusiastic developers from Belgium, China, and USA.
Key responsibilities
As a Lead engineer Optics – Illumination Systems, you will be responsible for the design, simulation, and validation of solid‑state light sources for 1-/3-chip DLP projectors, based on laser, LED, and phosphor technologies. In this role, you will be responsible for the optical design, optimization, and validation of illumination systems, working closely with cross‑functional teams and external suppliers.
This role is ideal for someone who combines deep theoretical knowledge with hands‑on engineering skills and enjoys collaborating across multiple domains.
In this role, you will:
Design and develop solid‑state light sources (laser, LED, and phosphor‑based) for 1-/3-chip DLP projection systems
Perform optical design and simulation using Ansys Zemax OpticStudio
Design and optimize illumination systems, including:
Relay optics
Integrator rods/light pipes
Diffusers
Dichroic mirrors and optical filters
Define and specify dichroic coating requirements for optical filters used in light sources
Apply strong knowledge of colour science, including colorimetry, spectral optimization, and color performance evaluation
Develop analysis tools and perform data processing using Python or other scientific programming languages
Collaborate with mechanical engineers on the opto‑mechanical design of solid‑state illumination light sources.
Measure and characterize optical performance using colorimeters, spectrometers, and related optical equipment
Define technical specifications and follow up with suppliers of LEDs, lasers, phosphor components, and passive optics
Maintain close contact with key suppliers, supporting component selection, qualification, and continuous improvement
Collaborate hands‑on with internal teams such as procurement, operations, manufacturing, and quality
Support prototyping, testing, and transition from development to production
Provide maintenance, support, and continuous improvement for existing products
Profile
Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or a similar field
Proven experience in optical design of illumination systems, preferably for projection or display applications
Strong expertise in Zemax optical design and optimization
Solid understanding of colour science and spectral design
Experience with relay optics, integrator rods, diffusers, and dichroic optics
Strong knowledge of dichroic coatings and optical filter specifications
Proficiency in Python or other scientific programming languages for optical analysis and automation
Hands‑on experience with optical measurement equipment (colorimeters, spectrometers, etc.)
Experience working with LED, laser, phosphor, and passive optical components
Ability to work effectively in a cross‑functional, hands‑on development environment
Experience supporting industrialization and production ramp‑up
Soft Skills
Self‑motivated with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
A good team player and able to work in a multidisciplinary (mechanics, electronics, software, operations, procurement, etc….) team.
Proactive, result‑driven, and innovative thinker with analytical skills.
Detail‑oriented, quality‑conscious, and cost‑aware.
Willing to travel occasionally to Barco locations, suppliers, or customers worldwide.
Our offer
You will work in an open and international culture.
In this stimulating and challenging environment, we offer you competitive compensation and benefits, including:
A competitive salary package based on experience
Bonus system
Group insurance
Health insurance
Continuous learning opportunities
A modern and state‑of‑the‑art working environm
️ We are committed to conducting our business activities with the highest standards of integrity, responsibility and compliance across all aspects of our operations. This includes adherence to applicable laws, regulations and internal policies related to ethical conduct, quality standards, cyber security, sustainability, data protection & confidentiality and safety.
D&I Statement
At Barco, innovation drives everything we do. We believe that diversity fuels creativity, bringing us closer to our colleagues and customers. Inclusion and equity aren't just values—they're core capabilities that propel us toward our shared goals and mission.
At Barco, we design cutting‑edge technology that enhances everyday life through advanced visual experiences. As a global leader in collaboration and imaging, we serve the Enterprise, Healthcare, and Entertainment industries with innovative tools that empower professionals to communicate and perform at their best. With a strong commitment to quality, reliability, and sustainability, our technologies are trusted in over 90 countries .
Backed by a team of 3,200+ employees, we continue to push boundaries and shape the future of digital imaging and connectivity.
#J-18808-Ljbffr