Engineer Optics
Location:
Kortrijk, BE
At 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 Senior Engineer Optics 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 Senior Engineer Optics – Illumination Systems, you will be responsible for the design, simulation, and validation of illumination optics for 1-DLP projector platforms. You will define optical architectures from light source to DMD, specify projection lens requirements, and ensure colour and brightness performance meet system targets. The role includes close collaboration with key optical suppliers and hands-on work with colour and optical measurement equipment.
In this role, you will:
1. Design and optimize illumination systems for 1-DLP projectors
2. Develop optical models using Zemax OpticStudio, including: Light source coupling and illumination optics Integrator rods, light tunnels, or homogenization optics Relay optics up to the DMD
3. Define and review projection lens specifications in collaboration with system and lens suppliers
4. Perform optical performance trade-offs (brightness, uniformity, contrast, étendue)
5. Apply ‘colour science principles’ to achieve target colour or brightness performance and stability
6. Measure and validate colour, luminance, and uniformity using: Spectrometers Colorimeters
7. Analyze measurement results and correlate them with simulations
8. Develop analysis tools and perform data processing using Python or other scientific programming languages
9. Work closely with key optical suppliers, including: Requirement definition and technical reviews Design follow-up and performance validation
10. Support prototype builds, optical alignment, and system-level testing in close cooperation with operations/production engineers
11. Document designs, results, and design decisions
12. Provide maintenance, support, and continuous improvement for existing products
Profile
13. Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or equivalent
14. Minimum of 2 - 5 years of engineering experience in a design environment or equivalent.
15. Strong experience with ‘Ansys Zemax OpticStudio’
16. Solid knowledge of: Illumination optics for projection systems. 1-DLP projector architectures Projection lens definition and specification Colour science and colorimetry (CIE colour spaces)
17. Hands-on experience with optical and colour measurement equipment
18. Ability to work effectively with internal teams and external suppliers
19. Experience with laser-based projectors
20. Familiarity with: DMD characteristics and illumination requirements Optical tolerancing and stray light analysis Laser and optical safety standards
21. Experience in a product development environment from concept to industrialization
22. International supplier collaboration experience
23. Strong oral and written communication skills in English and/or Dutch.
Soft Skills
24. Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
25. A good team player and able to work in a multidisciplinary (mechanics, electronics, software, operations, procurement, etc….) team.
26. Proactive, result-driven, and innovative thinker with analytical skills.
27. Detail-oriented, quality-conscious, and cost-aware.
28. 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:
29. A competitive salary package based on experience
30. Bonus system
31. Group insurance
32. Health insurance
33. Meal vouchers
34. Hybrid working culture
35. 20 legal holidays + 12 compensation days (Pro-rata)
36. Continuous learning opportunities
37. A modern and state-of-the-art working environment
🛡️ 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.
About Barco
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,+ employees, we continue to push boundaries and shape the future of digital imaging and connectivity.