Optical Modeling Engineers

Overview

Are you ready to shape the future of immersive technology? Aquent is partnering with a leading innovator in immersive experiences, where science fiction is transformed into reality. This is your chance to join a team of visionaries and research scientists dedicated to creating groundbreaking virtual and augmented reality systems that will change the world. We are seeking two Engineers to drive the development and validation of advanced camera technologies, making a tangible impact on the next generation of immersive devices.

Position 1 – Prototyping focused – hands-on development experience in programmatically modeling complex lens behaviors, utilizing scripting languages such as Python or Matlab.
Position 2 – Focused on building software – experience in building robust software solutions, with strong proficiency in C++.

This is a 12-months, UK Remote contract, offering £59.62 per hour – 40 hrs/week – (PAYE). This role is open for a limited time. Next steps will be shared with shortlisted candidates by COB on Monday, 17th Nov. Due to the high volume of applicants, we may be unable to reply to each applicant individually.

**About the Role**

As an Optical Modeling Engineer, you will be at the forefront of innovation, developing and validating sophisticated optical models that form the backbone of an end-to-end camera simulation pipeline. Your work will directly influence the study and validation of novel camera architectures, bridging the gap between theoretical models and real-world performance. This is a unique opportunity to push the boundaries of simulation technologies and contribute to products that will define the future of human interaction with digital worlds.

**Key Responsibilities**

* Develop and validate advanced optical models as a core component of an imaging simulation pipeline, enabling novel camera hardware explorations, data generation, and robust product architecture validation.
* Collaborate closely with internal optics and camera teams to deeply understand modeling requirements and continuously enhance model fidelity and efficiency.
* Engage with external software partners to comprehend their implementations, identify limitations, and devise innovative solutions for complex challenges.
* Work cross-functionally with developers of other pipeline components, such as graphics renderers and sensor models, to analyze implementation tradeoffs and optimize overall system performance.
* Design and execute experiments, meticulously collecting data to rigorously validate modeling accuracy.
* Actively investigate and integrate the latest imaging modeling technologies to achieve realistic simulations of real-world camera behaviors.
* Research and develop novel calibration and metrology technologies to further advance simulation capabilities.

**Qualifications (Must-Have)**

We are looking for two distinct specializations within this role, both requiring a foundational expertise in camera and image systems:

* **Common Requirements for Both Specializations:**
* Extensive experience in camera development.
* Strong background in imaging optics design and optimization.
* Expertise in image design and image quality principles.
* In-depth knowledge of the image formation process, including spectrum, optics/aberrations, Point Spread Function (PSF), sensor noise, Fourier theory, sampling, and aliasing.
* Proficiency in using industry-standard lens design and ray tracing software, coupled with a solid understanding of how ray tracing is implemented within these tools.
* Demonstrated ability to work with minimal direction and independently manage projects from inception to completion.

* **Specialized Requirements:**
* **For the Prototyping Specialist:** hands-on development experience in programmatically modeling complex lens behaviors, utilizing scripting languages such as Python or Matlab.
* **For the Software Development Specialist:** experience in building robust software solutions, with strong proficiency in C++.

**Qualifications (Nice-to-Have)**

* Experience in developing and implementing optics design and ray tracing software.
* Background in modeling imaging systems, including calibration and metrology techniques.
* Familiarity with image quality testing of camera systems, encompassing image quality metrics and analysis (e.g., MTF/SNR).
* Understanding of image sensor technologies and image processing algorithms.