Optical Design Engineer - Automotive Lighting Systems

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Bertrandt Group is seeking an Optical Design Engineer for automotive lighting in Crewe, a full-time onsite role spanning concept development through production readiness. You’ll design optical concepts for exterior and interior lighting, simulate and optimize systems such as reflectors, lenses, light guides and HUD, assess regulatory requirements, and collaborate with design, electronics and thermal teams. The ideal candidate holds an engineering or physics degree and has hands on optical design or simulation experience, preferably in automotive, with Speos or LucidShape, CATIA V5, and basic coding skills (Python, C++, or C#). Focus on clear problem solving, teamwork, and communicating results. Tailor your CV to highlight relevant projects, include visuals, and apply via the online portal. Equal opportunity.

We are Bertrandt.

An independent, international engineering service provider with decades of expertise. With cross-industry know-how and a comprehensive understanding of systems and products, we create technological solutions across the entire value chain. We focus on the trending topics of digitalization, e-mobility, and autonomous systems, primarily for the automotive, aerospace, defense, and mechanical engineering industries, consistently enabling the development of tailor-made solutions. Our goal: to accelerate technological progress and make a meaningful contribution to a sustainable future. We work toward this every day - with approximately 12,000 employees at over 50 locations worldwide.

Shape the Future of Automotive Lighting

Modern lighting technologies are redefining vehicle design, safety, and user experience. Join our development team and help create innovative automotive lighting systems—from initial concept development and optical simulation to validation and production readiness.

Your Responsibilities

• Develop and design optical concepts for automotive exterior and interior lighting applications
• Evaluate regulatory requirements and ensure compliance with customer specifications
• Select appropriate light sources, optical materials, and technical surface finishes
• Simulate, analyze, and optimize optical systems such as reflectors, lenses, light guides, projection systems, and head-up display (HUD) solutions
• Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams, including design, electronics, and thermal engineering, to validate technical feasibility
• Create realistic visualizations and renderings of lighting functions and appearance (lit and unlit conditions)
• Document development results and communicate technical findings to customers and project stakeholders

Your Profile

• Degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, Photonics, Lighting Technology, or a related field
• Experience in optical design, simulation, or development, preferably within the automotive industry
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent teamwork and communication abilities
• Proficiency in standard Microsoft Office applications
• Experience with optical simulation software such as Speos, LucidShape, or comparable tools
• Working knowledge of CATIA V5
• Basic programming skills in Python, C#, C++, or similar languages
• Understanding of automotive lighting regulations and homologation requirements

What We Offer

• Exciting development projects in the field of cutting-edge automotive lighting technologies
• Collaboration with leading international automotive customers
• A highly motivated and interdisciplinary engineering team
• Opportunities for professional growth and technical specialization
• The chance to actively shape innovative lighting solutions from concept to production

Join Us

Are you passionate about optics, lighting technology, and innovation?

Together with our customers, we develop next-generation lighting systems for vehicles around the world. If you are looking for a challenging role with real impact and the opportunity to contribute your expertise in a dynamic environment, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today through our online application portal and become part of our success story.

At Bertrandt, we place great importance on equal treatment and equal opportunity. Our hiring decisions are based on the experience and skills of the applicants. People with severe disabilities or those deemed equivalent under SGB IX are warmly welcomed and will be given preference in hiring if equally qualified.

Are you interested?

We look forward to receiving your application!