GoPro · 1 day ago
Principal Optical Engineer
San Mateo, CA
Full-time
Hybrid
Lead/Staff
$171K/yr - $210K/yr
10+ years expGoPro is seeking a Principal Optical Engineer to architect, design, build, test, qualify and document lenses for future products. The role involves leading the development of advanced optical systems, collaborating with teams, and ensuring high-quality image performance in consumer camera products.
Consumer ElectronicsPhotographyVideoWearables
Responsibilities
Lead the design, development, and optimization of advanced optical systems for next-generation consumer camera products, from concept through high-volume manufacturing
Define optical architectures, select optical components, and drive tradeoff studies to balance performance, cost, and manufacturability
Own end-to-end lens module development, including specification, design reviews, prototyping, and performance validation
Collaborate with internal and external partners on optical module design, assembly processes, coatings, materials, and tolerancing
Establish performance metrics and validation plans, ensuring designs meet image quality, reliability, and cost requirements
Partner with Opto-Mechanical, Sensor, Electrical, and Systems teams to integrate optics into complete camera systems
Provide technical leadership in troubleshooting image quality issues, driving root cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions across the supply chain
Represent the optical engineering team in program-level decision making, mentoring junior engineers, and setting best practices in design methodologies
Travel to vendors and manufacturing partners (domestic and international) to oversee prototyping, process development, and production ramp
Qualification
Required
PhD or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field (or equivalent industry experience)
10+ years of experience in optical system design, with a strong track record in camera, imaging, or consumer electronics products
Deep expertise in lens design and optimization using Zemax OpticStudio, FRED, Ansys Speos (or equivalent tools), including tolerance analysis and optimization for mass production
Strong understanding of optical materials, coatings, and manufacturing processes, including injection molding, glass molding, glass grinding/polishing, and assembly techniques
Proven ability to translate product requirements into optical design specifications and deliver robust, high-performance solutions
Excellent communication and technical leadership skills, with experience working across global teams and suppliers
Preferred
Hands-on experience taking consumer camera optics from prototype to high-volume manufacturing
Familiarity with optical metrology and test systems (e.g., Trioptics HR/PRO10, Panasonic UA3P, interferometry, stray light analysis)
Experience in opto-mechanical design, CAD modeling, and DFM/DFA for optical assemblies
Strong background in image science, including system-level modeling of imaging performance
Track record of mentoring and developing junior optical engineers
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance – premiums are 100% paid for employees, 80% paid for dependents
Life insurance and disability benefits
Generous time off policy
12 weeks paid parental leave for new parents
Pre-tax and Roth 401(k) options
Discounted employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)
LiveHealthy monthly wellness reimbursement
Wellness programs including 1:1 Coaching, 1:1 Therapy sessions, and mental health resources
Innovative remote-friendly wellness classes and events
Flexible work arrangements
Monthly phone and internet reimbursement
Professional + personal development opportunities, i.e. Opportunity Lab, technology trainings, certifications, Peer-to-Peer learning, conferences and more
Opportunities to get involved in the causes that you care about (annual camera donation + volunteer events)
Company
GoPro
GoPro is a brand of personal cameras used in extreme action video photography.
501-1000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
GoPro has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (8)
2024 (12)
2023 (15)
2022 (13)
2021 (14)
2020 (26)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$340.2MKey Investors
Nicholas WoodmanFarallon Capital ManagementFIH Mobile
2025-11-13Post Ipo Equity· $2M
2025-08-04Post Ipo Debt· $50M
2014-06-26IPO
Leadership Team
Stephen Baumer
CTO
Brian McGee
EVP, COO & CFO
Recent News
2026-01-11
The Motley Fool
2026-01-09
2026-01-07
Company data provided by crunchbase