Giro Sport Design · 4 hours ago
Lead Optics Engineer
Irvine, CA
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$150K/yr - $160K/yr
7+ years expGiro Sport Design is a company focused on innovative engineering solutions in the sports industry. The Lead Optics Engineer will be responsible for the design and development of optical components, integrating optical system requirements with mechanical and industrial design constraints, and leading prototyping and validation processes.
ComputerHardwareManufacturingSporting GoodsSports
Responsibilities
Lead the design and development of optical components (lenses, visors, shields, assemblies) using CAD tools such as CATIA or SolidWorks
Develop optical models, simulations, and tolerance analyses to predict performance and ensure manufacturability
Integrate optical system requirements with mechanical, ergonomic, and industrial design constraints for high‑performance action‑sports products
Evaluate and specify optical materials, coatings, and surface treatments (anti‑fog, polarization, anti‑scratch, mirrors) for durability and clarity
Lead prototyping and validation of optical components, including 3D‑printed parts, coated samples, and vendor‑produced assemblies
Plan and execute optical performance testing (clarity, distortion, transmittance, glare, UV response, fog resistance) to verify design intent
Collaborate with domestic and international suppliers to commercialize optical designs, evaluate tooling and manufacturing processes, and resolve technical issues
Visit vendor’s manufacturing facilities to sample and commercialize intended product design. Study vendor’s development techniques, production processes and technological capabilities to enhance professional knowledge, further vendor relationship and assist in the innovation of product design/development
Manage project scope, schedules, cost, risks, and deliverables for optical subsystems, ensuring alignment with product development timelines
Present optical design concepts, prototype results, and performance findings to cross‑functional teams including Industrial Design and Merchandising
Create and maintain detailed documentation, including drawings, specifications, test plans, and technical reports
Mentor junior engineers and guide cross‑functional partners on optical design principles, best practices, and performance considerations
Manages 0-3 direct reports
Responsible for advising/mentoring team of optics engineers
Manage & advise external industrial design & development engineering resources when necessary
Manage workflow process & workloads for the optics engineering team
Qualification
Required
7-10+ years experience designing optical or opto‑mechanical systems from concept through production (lead ownership of at least one shipped product line)
Proficiency in mechanical systems and sub-assemblies related to sport products preferably
Optical materials & coatings expertise—e.g., polycarbonate/Trivex/acrylic lens selection; anti‑fog, hard‑coat, mirror, and polarized treatments; coating specs and vendor communication
Able to solve complex engineering problems related to mechanism integration within determined boundary conditions
Design‑for‑manufacture (DFM) for molded optics and assemblies (injection molding, coating process windows, tooling tolerances, yield and cost drivers)
Highly detail oriented
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Able to understand the responsibilities between new product development and R&D objectives/tasks
Organized with the ability to setup and conduct technical review meetings between departments of varying disciplines and expertise
Fluid task management skillset
Microsoft Office suite experience
Preferred
Bachelor's degree in Engineering or 4 or more years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred
Action‑sports / outdoor optics experience: managing glare, UV, fogging, abrasion, impact, and temperature/humidity cycling in real‑world use
Understanding of impact/cyclic load lab testing equipment and testing procedures associated with sport products
Standards & compliance awareness (optical safety, UV/impact/helmet/goggle standards) and familiarity with reliability test methods for consumer gear
Experience Traveling Internationally to visit factory partners
Benefits
Medical and dental
Vision
Disability and life insurance
401K
PTO
Paid holidays
Gear discounts
Company
Giro Sport Design
Giro was founded more than 30 years ago by Jim Gentes, a man with an obsession for design and answering unmet needs.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageCompany data provided by crunchbase