Principal Engineer, Lighting

A Career at HARMAN Automotive

Were a global multi-disciplinary team thats putting the innovative power of technology to work and transforming tomorrow. At HARMAN Automotive we give you the keys to fast-track your career.

• Engineer audio systems and integrated technology platforms that augment the driving experience

• Combine ingenuity in-depth research and a spirit of collaboration with design and engineering excellence

• Advance in-vehicle infotainment safety efficiency and enjoyment

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Light Guide Design Engineer to lead the design and development of light guide components and illumination systems for advanced product applications. The ideal candidate will have 10 years of hands-on experience in light guide design LED selection optical simulation and illumination performance evaluation. This role requires strong technical expertise in creating robust cost-effective and manufacturable lighting solutions that meet both functional and aesthetic requirements.

What You Will Do

• Lead the design and development of light guide systems for product applications from concept to mass production.

• Define optical architecture material selection and structural design of light guide components to achieve target illumination performance.

• Perform LED selection based on optical output color consistency thermal performance power consumption reliability and cost.

• Conduct optical simulation and analysis to optimize light distribution uniformity efficiency and hotspot control.

• Evaluate and improve product performance through illumination inspection optical testing and design verification.

• Work closely with cross-functional teams including mechanical electrical industrial design manufacturing and suppliers to ensure design feasibility and product integration.

• Support prototype build testing debugging and design refinement.

• Analyze root causes of lighting performance issues and drive corrective actions.

• Ensure designs meet customer specifications regulatory requirements and manufacturing capability.

• Support supplier technical reviews and tooling/manufacturing readiness for light guide related components.

• Document design guidelines simulation reports test results DFMEA inputs and technical recommendations.

What You Need to Be Successful

• Bachelors degree or above in Optical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Physics Electronics or a related field.

• 10 years of experience in light guide design and illumination product development.

• Strong experience in:

  • Light guide design and optimization

  • LED selection and optical component matching

  • Optical simulation tools

  • Illumination inspection and performance evaluation

• Solid understanding of:

  • Light propagation reflection refraction diffusion and extraction principles

  • Optical materials and surface treatment for light guide applications

  • Illumination uniformity luminance chromaticity and optical efficiency

• Experience with optical simulation software such as LucidShape LightTools SPEOS Zemax or similar tools.

• Familiarity with illumination measurement equipment and validation methods.

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to balance performance cost and manufacturability.

• Good communication skills and ability to work in a cross-functional global team environment fluent in English.

Bonus Points if You Have

• Experience in automotive ambient lighting backlighting decorative lighting or related illumination products.

• Familiarity with DFM/DFA injection molding limitations and tolerance impact on optical performance.

• Experience in working with suppliers on optical part development tooling and quality improvement.

• Knowledge of relevant industry standards and validation requirements for lighting products.

• Experience with CAD tools such as CATIA Creo SolidWorks or similar.

• Understanding of thermal mechanical and electrical interface considerations for illumination systems.

What Makes You Eligible

• Willingness to travel 10%- 20% of the time.

• Willing to work in an office in Suzhou location.

What We Offer

• Flexible work environment

• Access to employee discounts on world-class Harman (JBL HARMAN Kardon AKG etc.)

• Extensive training opportunities through our own HARMAN University

• Competitive wellness benefits

• Access to HARMAN Campus Fitness Center and Cafeteria

• Be Brilliant employee recognition and rewards program

• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development

HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard torace religion color national origin gender (including pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions) sexual orientation gender identity gender expression age status as a protected veteran status as an individual with a disability or other applicable legally protected characteristics.