Red 6 · 9 hours ago
Principal Optical Engineer
Santa Monica, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff
10+ years expRed 6 is an innovative Augmented Reality (AR) technology startup leading the way in synthetic air combat training. The Principal Optical Engineer will lead the Optics Department in developing innovative optical systems for AR headsets, overseeing projects from design through manufacturing and customer integration.
Air TransportationArtificial Intelligence (AI)Augmented RealityInformation Technology
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen OnlyHiring Manager
Bailie Pagliasotti
Responsibilities
Lead Optical Engineering Projects: Oversee the design and development of ultra-wide field-of-view field AR headsets and other optical architectures for unknown future R&D projects, ensuring Red 6 stays at the forefront of optical innovation
R&D and Proof of Concept Development: Lead rapid prototyping efforts for proof of concept and experimental designs, applying creative problem-solving to address complex optical challenges
Optical Characterization & Measurement Development: Design and implement optical characterization and measurement equipment to ensure precision in system evaluation and facilitate smooth transitions from R&D to manufacturing
Optical Design for Manufacturing: Ensure seamless transfer of optical designs into manufacturing, while maintaining oversight throughout the entire manufacturing process to guarantee product quality
Customer Integration & Continuous Improvement: Assist with the integration of optical systems into customer products and follow through with a continuous improvement feedback cycle, ensuring that products evolve and improve post-deployment based on customer needs and performance data
Supplier Management: Collaborate with international suppliers to source, test, and integrate high-precision optical components, ensuring quality control and timely delivery throughout the production process
AR Systems & Display Technologies Expertise: Leverage knowledge of augmented reality systems, display, and backlight technologies to optimize and innovate optical designs for AR headsets
Creative Problem-Solving: Use out-of-the-box thinking to develop solutions for complex optical challenges, contributing to Red 6’s reputation as a leader in optical design for AR and other future technologies
Qualification
Required
Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
10+ years of experience in optical design, particularly in augmented reality systems or similar fields
Expertise in Code V, Zemax, and experience in optical metrology and hands-on optical R&D
Experience in Solidworks software and designing for manufacturability
Demonstrated ability to manage and lead complex projects from concept through to customer integration
Must possess a high degree of creativity and problem-solving capability for optical design challenges
Qualified candidates must have the ability to obtain a security clearance. This requires U.S. Citizenship
Preferred
Experience in the design and development of AR system optics, including hardware integration
Familiarity with manufacturing processes and quality control in optical system production
Proven ability to rapidly prototype and iterate optical designs in an R&D setting
Experience with display and backlight technologies in augmented reality or related optical systems
Proficient in programming languages such as Python, C++, with a focus on optical development
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 Worksite Benefits (Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity)
Company
Red 6
RED 6 is an augmented reality company that works with the Air Force to train fighter pilots.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$111.35MKey Investors
Disney AcceleratorSnowpoint VenturesMoonshots Capital
2023-06-02Series B· $70M
2022-09-21Series B
2022-07-13Non Equity Assistance
Leadership Team
Derek Cedarbaum
Product Manager
Recent News
2025-11-18
Washington Technology
2025-07-30
Company data provided by crunchbase