Lead AR/VR Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Company Overview

Red 6 is an innovative Augmented Reality (AR) technology startup leading the way in synthetic air combat training. Our primary technology, supporting our ATARS product, enables pilots to simulate the cognitive challenges of flying while accessing realistic, scalable training in dynamic outdoor environments.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Lead AR/VR Opto-Mechanical Engineer to lead the design and integration of complex optical and mechanical systems for next-generation augmented reality (AR) products. This role is critical to the development of high-performance hardware systems that seamlessly merge advanced optics with precision mechanical engineering. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in designing systems involving lenses, sensors, and opto-mechanical assemblies and will work closely with cross-functional teams, including optics, electronics, and industrial design.

Please note: this is not a lab optics role but a mechanical design role that interfaces with optical elements in a real-world AR products.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead opto-mechanical system design from concept to production, including layout, packaging, and environmental robustness.

• Integrate optical elements (lenses, prisms, mirrors, light guides, and sensors) into precision mechanical assemblies.

• Collaborate with optical, electrical, and industrial design teams to ensure tight integration of components into compact and efficient systems.

• Conduct thermal, structural, and optical alignment tolerance analyses to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

• Develop mechanical and alignment strategies to support optical calibration procedures during both prototyping and production stages.

• Design for manufacturability and alignment tolerance stack-up, ensuring designs can be efficiently fabricated, assembled, and calibrated.

• Work with systems and software teams to understand calibration requirements and enable mechanical features that support automated or manual optical calibration.

• Utilize advanced materials and processes suitable for high-precision, lightweight, and ruggedized optical assemblies.

• Oversee prototyping, testing, and iteration cycles to validate design choices, calibration alignment, and system performance.

• Work closely with contract manufacturers and suppliers to ensure design intent, including calibration-friendly features, is maintained through production.

Experience, Skills, and Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field.

• 8+ years of experience in opto-mechanical product development, preferably in AR/VR, aerospace, or consumer electronics.

• Demonstrated experience in the design of precision opto-mechanical assemblies and alignment techniques.

• Familiarity with calibration of optical systems, including mechanical constraints and fixture design to support calibration repeatability.

• Knowledge of metrology tools and techniques for measuring optical and mechanical components, including interferometry and coordinate measuring machines (CMM).

• Experience in setting up and maintaining calibration equipment to ensure ongoing accuracy.

• Proficiency in aligning optical components such as lenses, waveguides, and sensors to meet stringent optical performance criteria.

• Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks (preferred) or equivalent; experience with FEA and tolerance analysis tools.

• Strong understanding of optical principles, geometric optics, and mechanical packaging of optical systems.

• Experience in the design and integration of components such as cameras, lenses, sensors, prisms, and light guides.

• Familiarity with thermal management, structural optimization, and maintaining optical alignment through mechanical stress.

• Skilled in GD&T and creating detailed engineering drawings for precision parts.

• Knowledge of design for manufacturing (DFM), design for assembly (DFA), and reliability principles.

• This position may require a security clearance. To obtain clearance, employees must show proof of US Citizenship.

Full-Time Employee Benefits

• Healthcare, Dental, and Vision (100% coverage for Employees)

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick, paid holidays, and parental leave

• Short and Long-Term Disability

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• 401(k) Retirement Plan

• Voluntary