Optical Physicist

At Gentex Corporation, we’ve created an environment where great ideas and great people can thrive. Leveraging a history that spans over 130 years, Gentex is a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, emergency responders, and industrial personnel operating in high performance environments. Join our multinational team of exceptional and dedicated employees around the world and work on challenging and rewarding projects, grow your skills, and advance your career all while making a positive difference in the lives of our customers.

Together, you and Gentex can build a career that’s uniquely yours.

The Optical Physicist is a subject matter expert responsible for the design, modeling, characterization, and development of optical systems and eyewear products for commercial and military applications, including ballistic protection, variable light transmission, laser eye protection, and visual display technologies. This role provides technical leadership and pathfinding in optical physics and optical materials, linking fundamental physics, materials, coatings, and process conditions to system-level performance, from concept through transfer to production.

• Lead the design and analysis of optical eyewear, lenses and eyewear components to meet performance requirements for ballistic protection, laser protection, and display applications.
• Develop and refine optical models that link design parameters, materials, coating stacks, and process conditions to measurable system performance metrics.
• Plan and execute laboratory experiments to characterize optical components and systems (e.g., refraction, spectral transmission, reflection, haze, polarization), and correlate results with models and product requirements.
• Serve as technology lead and principal investigator for key government and commercial optics programs.
• Act as an internal technical and opportunity consultant in optics, supporting business, value stream, and new product development teams in program execution and capture.
• Participate in the development of technology, research, and product roadmaps in core and adjacent optical technology areas.
• Write or support the writing of white papers, proposals, and technical reports.
• Lead or support departmental initiatives to optimize technical and operational effectiveness.
• Support development of budgets, resource planning, and allocation for optical new product activities.
• Coach and mentor engineers, scientists, and technicians.
• Interface with military and commercial customers, suppliers, universities, and research institutes, representing the company as a subject matter expert in optics.
• Survey technical information streams (literature, patents, conferences) to identify new opportunities and inform product roadmaps.
• Document experimental work and modeling results and help transition technologies and products from development to production.

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Physics, Optical Science/Engineering, Materials Science, or related engineering discipline with an optics focus; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ten (10) or more years of experience in a business or research organization focused on optical applications; experience leading complex technical programs is strongly preferred.
• Experience with optical technologies for eyewear, laser protection, imaging, or display applications, including materials and coatings development and characterization is a plus.

• Deep expertise in physical and geometrical optics, including optical system design, laser–matter interaction, stray light, and scattering.
• Proficiency with optical modeling and design tools (e.g., Zemax/Optic Studio or equivalent), and with spectroscopic and radiometric characterization techniques.
• Strong knowledge of optical materials, polymers, wet coating or thin-film processes, and their impact on optical and mechanical performance.
• Ability to functionally manage technical teams, plan and manage projects, and control budgets and resources.
• Experience communicating directly with customers and senior management, including preparation and…