Optical Leader - Automotive Rear Lighting

Ready to take on meaningful challenges and shape the next generation of mobility?

Joining OPmobility means stepping into a global group with a purpose to keep people and goods moving safely, smarter, and sustainably everywhere.

The Optical Leader will be responsible for leading a team of optical engineers developing innovative rear lighting solutions for automotive applications. The role combines people management, technical leadership, and project oversight, ensuring high-quality optical designs are delivered on time and in line with customer, regulatory, and company requirements.

The role of Optical Leader is based in our Exterior & Lighting Business Group in Nový Jičín, Czech Republic .

Responsibilities:

- Act as the global expert for rear lighting signal functions and support development teams with technical guidance and problem-solving.

- Lead the development, maintenance, and implementation of standards, guidelines, processes, and best practices for optical product development.

- Mentor and develop optical engineers through training, workshops, technical reviews, and knowledge-sharing activities.

- Drive continuous improvement of optical development processes, tools, methodologies, and quality standards.

- Support project teams by identifying technical risks, proposing corrective actions, and assisting with customer requirements and escalations.

- Develop and integrate standard optical solutions, platforms, and tools together with cross-functional engineering teams.

- Support RFQs, patent evaluations, and intellectual property assessments when required.

- Collaborate with Quality, Manufacturing, and Industrialization teams to improve product robustness and optimize processes.

- Monitor new technologies, optical solutions, suppliers, standards, and regulations relevant to automotive lighting.

- Ensure compliance with internal processes, company regulations, EHS requirements, and applicable legislation.

Requirements:

- University degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.

- 5+ years of experience in automotive product development, preferably in automotive lighting.

- Strong expertise in rear lighting optics and automotive lighting technologies.

- Good understanding of optical design principles and product development processes.

- Experience providing technical leadership, mentoring engineers, or leading projects.

- Knowledge of CAD tools (CATIA preferred), GD&T, DFMEA, and simulation tools.

- Fluent English; additional languages are an advantage.

- Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.

- Strong organizational, planning, decision-making, and prioritization skills.

- Ability to coach, motivate, and influence others with a high level of technical credibility and natural authority.

We offer:

- Annual performance bonus

- 5 weeks of vacation

- Flexible working hours and hybrid work model

- Ongoing training and professional development

- Opportunities to grow within a global automotive leader

- Cafeteria benefit program

- Contribution to pension and life insurance

- Transport allowance

- Subsidized meals in the company canteen

- Company events and team activities

At OPmobility, people truly matter. We are committed to building inclusive teams, promoting diversity and equality, and ensuring that every application is considered fairly - because the future of mobility is built by diverse perspectives, bold ideas, and people who dare to move forward.

Innovation is therefore not a buzzword, but a natural part of everyday work. You’ll grow in an international environment where cutting-edge technologies, industrial excellence, and real-world impact come together to tackle the challenges of tomorrow’s automotive industry.

Founded in 1946 by Pierre Burelle, OPmobility, known until 2024 as Plastic Omnium, has transformed itself into a player in sustainable and connected mobility. Today, OPmobility develops technological solutions across four areas of expertise: exterior and lighting systems, the integration of complex modules, technologies related to energy storage, hydrogen and electrification, and a division dedicated to the development of embedded software and digital solutions.

With €11.5 billion in revenue in 2025, 152 factories, 40 R&D centers, and nearly 38,100 employees across 28 countries, OPmobility combines global scale with local impact. All driven by a shared ambition to accelerate the automotive energy transition.