Senior Optical Engineer

Senior Optical Engineer

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 Optical Engineer 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 and China.

Key responsibilities

• Design, simulate and validate optical subsystems for next-generation projection platforms.
• Develop and optimize illumination systems based on laser, LED and phosphor-based light sources.
• Contribute to the design and analysis of imaging optics and projection architectures.
• Define optical architectures from light source to DMD and support system-level integration.
• Specify, evaluate and qualify optical components such as lenses, dichroic mirrors, filters, homogenizers and relay optics.
• Perform optical design, optimization and performance analysis using Ansys Zemax OpticStudio.
• Apply colour science and colorimetry principles to achieve target image quality, brightness and colour performance.
• Support projection lens definition and specification in collaboration with internal teams and external suppliers.
• Perform optical measurements, prototype validation, alignment and system characterization using spectrometers and colorimeters.
• Collaborate closely with mechanics, electronics, software, operations and procurement teams.
• Work with suppliers on component selection, technical reviews and performance improvements.
• Document designs, analyses and validation results and support industrialization activities.
• Support prototype builds; optical alignment, and system-level testing in close cooperation with operations/production engineers.
• Provide maintenance, support, and continuous improvement for existing products.

Profile

• Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics or equivalent.
• Minimum 4- 6 years of experience in optical design and product development.
• Strong experience with ‘Ansys Zemax OpticStudio’.
• Familiarity with optical tolerancing and stray light analysis.
• Programming experience in Python for data analysis and data processing applications.
• Good knowledge of illumination optics and basic imaging optics.
• Knowledge of colour science, colorimetry and optical performance evaluation.
• Hands-on experience with optical and colour measurement equipment such as colorimeter and spectrometers.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary (mechanics, electronics, software, operations, procurement, etc…) teams and external suppliers.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English and/or Dutch.

Nice to Have

• Knowledge of DMD-based projection systems and illumination requirements.
• Experience with solid-state light sources including LEDs, lasers and phosphor.
• Experience specifying optical components including lenses, dichroic mirrors and optical filters.
• Experience with optical, imaging or projection- related systems.
• Knowledge of projection lenses is considered a strong asset.

Soft Skills

• Self-motivated and capable of driving technical work packages independently.
• A strong team player who enjoys working in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Proactive, analytical and result driven.
• Detail-oriented, quality-conscious and cost-aware.
• Willing to travel occasionally to suppliers, customers or Barco locations 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
• Company car
• Bonus system
• Group insurance
• Health insurance
• Meal vouchers
• Hybrid working culture
• 20 legal holidays + 12 compensation days (Pro-rata)
• Continuous learning opportunities
• 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

Think of images, and you think of Barco. We’re a global tech company creating AV solutions that help professionals succeed when it matters most. Our mission? To visualize and connect the world – from better patient outcomes in healthcare to smarter decision-making and collaboration in enterprise and unforgettable experiences in entertainment.

At Barco, your ideas matter. You’ll learn, grow, and make an impact in a workplace that values your perspective and supports a healthy work-life balance.

And the best part? You’ll team up with 3,+ visioneers who thrive on curiosity, fuel creativity, and push boundaries together.

Innovation starts with you! Ready to make it happen?