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Development Engineer Optics - Job Opportunity at Signify

Miribel, France
Full-time
Entry-level
Posted: August 15, 2025
On-site
EUR 35,000 - 45,000 annually. This estimate reflects the entry-to-mid level positioning in the French engineering market, with Signify's established market presence likely offering competitive compensation within this range, plus potential for performance-based increases given the specialized nature of optical engineering skills.

Benefits

Comprehensive career development program with coaching and mentoring support to accelerate professional growth
Access to continuous learning opportunities within a company with 125+ years of industry legacy and cutting-edge innovation
Inclusive workplace culture representing 99 nationalities, fostering creativity and diverse perspectives for enhanced career opportunities
Opportunity to work on sustainability-focused projects that contribute to environmental impact and future-oriented lighting solutions
Exposure to advanced technologies including IoT, AI, and data analytics in the connected lighting industry

Key Responsibilities

Drive optical requirements assessment for next-generation high-power flood lights, directly impacting product competitiveness in sport and arena markets
Execute advanced optical system simulations to optimize light distribution performance and validate design concepts before physical prototyping
Lead comprehensive optical system design processes, pushing technological boundaries to create innovative lighting solutions
Conduct precision photometric measurements and validation protocols to ensure simulation model accuracy and product reliability
Manage complete optical system release cycles, taking full ownership from concept to market-ready products
Establish and maintain photometric databases for customer specifications and manufacturing requirements, ensuring seamless product deployment
Implement continuous improvement initiatives for light distribution and performance optimization tools, enhancing overall engineering efficiency
Provide expert technical analysis for optical-related customer complaints, maintaining product quality and customer satisfaction

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering

Experience

1 to 3 years of working experience as an Optical Engineer (ideally, in a lighting company)

Required Skills

Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, Solid Edge) Proficiency in optical simulation tools (LightTools) Solid foundation in optical design principles and understanding of light propagation Experience in optical system design or optical architecture evaluation Excellent/Fluent communication skills in French as well as English (both written and oral) Analytical and problem-solving skills with an eye for detail Ability to work in a team and be proactive Passion for exploring new ideas and innovating beyond existing solutions
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The lighting industry is experiencing rapid transformation toward smart connected systems, with the global smart lighting market projected to reach $38.68 billion by 2025, driven by IoT integration and energy efficiency demands. This creates substantial opportunities for optical engineers who can bridge traditional lighting design with digital connectivity requirements. LED technology advancement continues to drive demand for specialized optical engineering expertise, particularly in high-power applications for sports and arena lighting where precise beam control, glare reduction, and uniform illumination are critical performance factors that directly impact user experience and safety standards. Sustainability regulations and energy efficiency mandates across Europe are pushing lighting manufacturers to develop more efficient optical systems, creating increased demand for engineers who can optimize light output while minimizing energy consumption and environmental impact through innovative design approaches.

Role Significance

Typically part of a 5-8 member R&D engineering team within Signify's lighting division, collaborating closely with mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and product managers. The role involves cross-functional interaction with manufacturing teams, quality assurance, and customer technical support departments.
This role represents an entry-to-mid level engineering position with significant technical ownership and product development responsibilities. The engineer will have direct impact on product innovation and market competitiveness, working with considerable autonomy in optical system design while contributing to strategic product development initiatives.

Key Projects

Next-generation high-power LED flood light development for major sports venues and arena installations Optical system optimization projects for energy efficiency compliance and performance enhancement Advanced simulation model development for accelerated product development cycles Customer-specific lighting solutions for specialized sport and entertainment applications

Success Factors

Mastery of optical simulation tools and CAD software integration will be critical for efficient design iteration and validation processes, directly impacting project timelines and development costs. Strong analytical problem-solving capabilities combined with attention to detail are essential for identifying optimal design solutions while managing complex optical performance requirements and manufacturing constraints. Effective bilingual communication skills in French and English will be crucial for technical documentation, customer presentations, and collaboration with Signify's global engineering teams and manufacturing partners. Proactive innovation mindset and willingness to explore unconventional design approaches will differentiate performance in pushing the boundaries of high-power lighting applications and maintaining competitive advantage.

Market Demand

High demand with strong growth trajectory. The convergence of traditional lighting expertise with smart technology integration creates a favorable market for optical engineers, particularly those with experience in high-power applications and simulation tools.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Optical simulation proficiency using LightTools is absolutely essential as it serves as the primary design validation tool, enabling rapid iteration and optimization of complex optical systems while reducing physical prototyping costs and development timelines. Mastery of this software directly correlates with engineering productivity and design quality. CAD software expertise in SolidWorks or Solid Edge is fundamental for mechanical integration of optical systems, ensuring proper alignment, mounting, and thermal management of optical components within complete luminaire assemblies. This skill bridges the gap between optical theory and practical manufacturing requirements. Bilingual communication capabilities in French and English are critical for technical documentation, customer interaction, and collaboration with international teams, directly impacting project success and career advancement opportunities within Signify's global organization structure.

Beneficial Skills

Understanding of LED technology and thermal management principles would enhance optical design effectiveness by considering heat dissipation impacts on optical performance and component longevity in high-power applications. Knowledge of lighting standards and photometric requirements for sports venues would accelerate project execution and ensure compliance with international lighting specifications for professional sports applications. Familiarity with IoT concepts and smart lighting protocols would provide valuable preparation for the industry's continued evolution toward connected lighting systems and data-driven illumination solutions.

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to work on cutting-edge high-power flood lighting systems for major sports venues, directly impacting the viewing experience of millions of spectators worldwide and contributing to landmark projects with high visibility and technical complexity.
Access to Signify's comprehensive optical testing laboratories and advanced simulation capabilities, providing exposure to industry-leading tools and methodologies that are not commonly available in smaller lighting companies or other engineering sectors.
Direct involvement in the transition from traditional lighting to smart connected systems, offering unique experience in bridging optical engineering with IoT technology, data analytics, and smart city applications that represent the future of the lighting industry.
Collaboration with global engineering teams and exposure to diverse international markets through Signify's worldwide presence, providing valuable cross-cultural engineering experience and understanding of varied lighting standards and requirements.

Career Growth

Career advancement typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing optical engineers, with opportunities for specialization in emerging areas like smart lighting systems, sustainability-focused design, or advanced LED applications depending on individual interests and market developments.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Optical Engineer with expanded project leadership responsibilities and mentoring duties within 3-4 years Optical Engineering Team Lead overseeing multiple product development streams and junior engineers Product Development Manager combining optical expertise with broader business and market strategy responsibilities Technical Specialist in advanced lighting applications such as smart city infrastructure or automotive lighting systems

Company Overview

Signify

Signify, formerly Philips Lighting, stands as the global leader in connected lighting solutions with over 125 years of innovation history and a comprehensive portfolio spanning consumer, professional, and IoT applications. The company has successfully transformed from traditional lighting manufacturer to a technology-driven organization focusing on digital lighting solutions, smart city applications, and sustainable lighting ecosystems.

Signify maintains the #1 global market position in professional lighting with strong presence across all major geographic markets. The company's leadership in connected lighting and IoT integration provides significant competitive advantages, while their extensive research and development investments ensure continued innovation leadership in emerging lighting technologies.
The Miribel facility represents a key European R&D and manufacturing hub for Signify's professional lighting division, with particular strength in sport and arena lighting solutions. This location provides access to major European markets while benefiting from France's strong engineering talent pool and proximity to key customers and partners.
Signify emphasizes innovation-driven culture with strong commitment to sustainability and diversity, offering employees opportunities to work on meaningful projects that impact global lighting infrastructure. The company's focus on continuous learning and professional development creates an environment conducive to career growth and technical skill advancement.
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