Optical Design Engineer

Change the world. Love your job. Most optical design engineers work in our DLP business. This role is responsible for the overall optical system in our DLP devices, evaluation modules and systems. Given the complexity and unique use cases for DLP technology, in this role you may work across hardware and software , and with customers and suppliers to ensure that our devices are able to perform optimally in a given system. To do this, you would need to select and qualify active and passive optical components, develop benchmarking systems and performance models, and implement test procedures that can be used across devices and platforms.

The DLP Performance Products Industrial Light Control business carries a high growth outlook, serving rapidly expanding applications including 3D printing, maskless lithography, machine vision, structured light 3D scanning, spectroscopy, and optical networking driven by data center growth. DLP technology enables fast, precise, and programmable light modulation across UV, visible, and NIR spectra, powering next-generation industrial systems from advanced semiconductor packaging to automated quality inspection.

We are seeking an Optical Design Engineer to lead both technical and business development for DLP Industrial markets at Texas Instruments. The role demands a rare blend of optical engineering depth, market insight, and strategic acumen - you will identify technology trends, map them to product gaps, and collaborate across engineering, marketing, and product teams to build plans that close them.

In this role, you will design optical systems for DLP-based industrial platforms, develop reference designs that accelerate customer adoption, and provide deep technical expertise throughout the product lifecycle. You will work on high-visibility projects with direct revenue impact, interfacing with leading system manufacturers worldwide.

Responsibilities may include:

Design and optimize illumination and projection optical systems for DLP-based industrial applications including maskless lithography, resin 3D printing, machine vision structured light 3D scanning, spectroscopy, optical networking and more

Develop and maintain optical system simulation models using tools such as Zemax/OpticStudio and/or FRED to evaluate performance, stray light, tolerance, diffraction efficiency, and optical throughput

Create reference optical designs, design guidelines, and application notes that enable customers to accelerate system development and reduce time to market

Provide direct technical support to customers on optical system integration, including reviewing customer optical designs, troubleshooting hardware in the laboratory, and resolving field application issues

Collaborate with DMD product and applications teams to define optical requirements for new device generations, evaluate prototype DMDs, and support product characterization through ramp

Build and operate optical test benches to measure and characterize DMD optical performance, illumination uniformity, wavefront, diffraction patterns, and colorimetry

Support diffraction modeling, colorimetry analysis, and computer-generated hologram (CGH) development in support of new product and application development

Prepare technical documentation, application briefs, and presentations for customers and internal business and engineering stakeholders

Texas Instruments will not sponsor job applicants for visas or work authorization for this position.

Minimum requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Optics/Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, ECE, Computer Engineering, or related field

2+ years of relevant engineering experience or research in optical system design or applied optics

Preferred qualifications:

Experience with optical design software (Ansys Zemax OpticStudio, CODE V, FRED, LightTools, Lumerical, or equivalent)

Hands-on experience designing and characterizing illumination or projection optical systems

Familiarity with digital micromirror (DMD) or spatial light modulator (SLM) or phase light modulator (PLM) optical architecture and system integration

Knowledge of diffraction optics, wavefront analysis, or colorimetry

Experience with optical metrology and laboratory measurement techniques

Demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Ability to work in teams and collaborate effectively with people in different functions

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Ability to take the initiative and drive for results

Strong time management skills that enable on-time project delivery

World-wide travel capability

Why TI?

The future starts here. As a TIer, you'll play a critical role in defining the next era of semiconductor technology and help create the innovations that shape the world around us.

Surround yourself with a team of innovators who value your unique perspective and will challenge you to bring your best self to work every day. We believe that fostering a culture of collaboration fuels both personal growth and technological breakthroughs. Explore our company culture .

At TI, your success goes beyond your work. Take advantage of comprehensive benefits designed to support your total well-being at work and in life, from competitive compensation to extensive health coverage and wellness programs. Learn more about our benefits offerings .

About Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments Incorporated (Nasdaq: TXN) is a global semiconductor company that designs, manufactures and sells analog and embedded processing chips for markets such as industrial, automotive, data center, personal electronics and communications equipment. At our core, we have a passion to create a better world by making electronics more affordable through semiconductors. This passion is alive today as each generation of innovation builds upon the last to make our technology more reliable, more affordable and lower power, making it possible for semiconductors to go into electronics everywhere. Learn more at TI.com .

Texas Instruments is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse, inclusive work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, disability, genetic information, national origin, gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

If you are interested in this position, please apply to this requisition.