Display Optical Lead – Technical & Business Responsible (m/f/d) UX

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Display Optical Lead – Technical & Business Responsible (m/f/d) UX

Company: Aumovio

Location: Timișoara, Romania

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering / Operations (Technical & Business Responsibility)

Date Posted: 2026-06-24

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in leading technical and business aspects of display optical solutions within the User Experience Business Area, specifically for automotive applications.

• You will be the primary technical authority for display modules, encompassing panel performance, backlight, and the entire optical system development, ensuring alignment with customer and business objectives.

• Responsible for the end-to-end project execution of display-related activities, from initial RFI/RFQ stages through development, validation, and industrialization.

• This position requires a strong blend of technical expertise in optics and display technology, coupled with robust project management, supplier engineering, and cross-functional leadership skills.

• The role demands a data-driven approach to define, optimize, and validate optical performance targets for automotive displays used in Cluster, CID, and HUD applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title mentions "UX" (User Experience), the core responsibilities and qualifications clearly indicate a deeply technical engineering role focused on the physical and optical aspects of display technology, rather than user interface design. The "Business Responsible" aspect highlights the need for project ownership and commercial awareness within a technical framework.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the technical concept and system architecture definition for automotive display modules, including panel, backlight, cover glass, and optical bonding, with a focus on optimizing the complete optical path.

• Own and define optical performance targets and the characterization strategy, ensuring system-level optimization of luminance, homogeneity, chromaticity, and reflectance through data-driven trade-offs.

• Drive the optical development, simulation, validation, and maturity progression of display systems, translating simulation outputs and measurements into actionable design improvements.

• Steer end-to-end project execution for display-related activities, coordinating cross-functional teams (electronics, mechanics, quality) and leading task forces for critical issues or customer escalations.

• Ensure seamless system integration and industrialization readiness, collaborating closely with electronics and mechanical engineering teams to address interfaces, constraints, and manufacturability.

• Act as the primary technical liaison with customers and suppliers, managing technical alignment, defining/negotiating specifications, and ensuring traceability throughout development and change cycles.

• Manage project timelines, costs, quality, risks, documentation, and Bill of Materials (BOM) related changes for display optical components and systems.

• Support the ramp-up and series production phases by ensuring the manufacturability and quality of optical solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a holistic approach, covering the entire product lifecycle from concept to production, with a strong emphasis on technical leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and direct customer/supplier interaction. This is typical for a lead engineering role in the automotive supply chain.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: University degree in Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechatronics, Physics/Optics, or a closely related technical field.

Experience: Solid experience (5-10 years) in automotive display module development, with a strong focus on TFT LCD and/or OLED technologies.

Required Skills:

• Profound expertise in backlight and optical system development, including LED selection and binning, light conductor and lens design, and optimization of optical foil stacks (diffuser, BEF, DBEF, reflective films).

• Hands-on experience with optical simulation tools such as LightTools, Zemax, Speos, or similar, with the ability to translate simulation results into practical design improvements.

• Deep understanding of display performance parameters (luminance, homogeneity, chromaticity, reflectance) and their impact on system behavior, with the ability to translate these into clear specifications and maturity decisions in an automotive context.

• Proven experience in supplier alignment, technical negotiation, and cross-functional coordination, effectively integrating optics, electronics, and mechanics in complex development projects.

• Demonstrated strong execution and leadership capabilities, including a structured, ownership-driven working style.

• Confident communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage change requests, technical risks, and escalation topics effectively. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with optical bonding techniques and materials.

• Familiarity with automotive quality standards and processes (e.g., IATF 16949).

• Knowledge of display driver ICs and their interaction with optical components.

• Experience in developing solutions for Cluster, CID, and HUD applications.

• Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a deep technical specialization in optics and display technology, with a practical application focus within the automotive sector. The emphasis on simulation tools, performance parameters, and supplier/cross-functional management points to a senior-level engineering role requiring strategic technical decision-making.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase projects where you led the technical concept and system architecture for display modules, detailing the optical path and any optimizations implemented.

• Provide examples of defining and achieving specific optical performance targets (luminance, homogeneity, etc.) through simulation, characterization, and system-level adjustments.

• Include case studies demonstrating your ability to manage the end-to-end project execution for display optical components, from RFI/RFQ to industrialization.

• Present examples of successful technical liaison and negotiation with customers and suppliers on display optical specifications and requirements.

• Highlight instances where you resolved critical technical issues or managed escalations related to display optics through task force leadership. Process Documentation:

• Documented workflows for optical system design and simulation, including how simulation results were translated into practical design improvements.

• Evidence of process for defining and tracking optical performance targets and characterization strategies throughout a project lifecycle.

• Examples of process for managing technical risks, change requests, and BOM updates related to display optical components.

• Demonstrations of cross-functional process integration, particularly how optical requirements were aligned with electronics and mechanics for system integration and manufacturability.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a technical lead role of this nature, a portfolio demonstrating practical application of optical simulation, system design, project leadership, and supplier management is crucial. The emphasis should be on tangible results and the processes used to achieve them, particularly in the context of automotive display development.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Display Optical Lead with 5-10 years of experience in a technical and business-responsible role within the automotive sector in Romania, the estimated annual gross salary range is approximately €50,000 - €75,000. This range can vary based on specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Pay for Performance: Achievement Bonuses, Recommendation Bonuses.

• Flexibility: Flexible hours, Mobile Work options, Sabbaticals.

• Wellbeing: Private Health Insurance, Life Insurance, support for Sport Activities, various employee discounts (e.g., glasses, tires, medical, shopping), in-house restaurant and coffee corners.

• Life-Long Learning: Comprehensive training programs (Technical, Soft Skills, Leadership), dedicated programs and conferences, free language courses (English, German, French, etc.), access to e-learning platforms, and clear career development opportunities (local and international).

• Team Engagement: Internal development communities (Experts, Agile Community of Practice, Artificial Intelligence).

Working Hours: Full-time, with flexibility offered through the "Flexibility Program" including flexible hours and mobile work options, though the role is primarily "Onsite Job."

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on current market data for engineering leadership roles in Romania, considering the automotive industry and the specific technical domain. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting Aumovio's commitment to employee development, wellbeing, and performance recognition, as detailed in the "Additional Information" section.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Technology & Electronics. Aumovio, a recent spin-off from Continental, continues its legacy in providing advanced solutions for safe, exciting, connected, and autonomous mobility. This includes sensor solutions, displays, braking/comfort systems, and expertise in software-defined vehicles.

Company Size: Approximately 87,000 employees worldwide. This indicates a large, established organization with global reach and significant resources, offering stability and opportunities for large-scale project involvement.

Founded: Aumovio was spun off in September 2025, continuing the business of the former Continental group sector Automotive. Continental itself has a long history, implying Aumovio inherits a strong foundation in automotive engineering and innovation.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the User Experience Business Area – Display Technology Timisoara.

• You will likely lead a dedicated team or project group focused on display optical development.

• Reporting structure suggests a "Leading Self" leadership level, implying individual contribution and technical leadership within a project, potentially reporting to a higher-level Engineering Manager or Business Unit Lead.

• Close collaboration with cross-functional teams including electronics, mechanics, quality assurance, supplier engineering, and customer interface management is expected. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is central, emphasized by "data-driven trade-offs" and "data analysis."

• A focus on robust engineering processes from concept through to industrialization and series production.

• Emphasis on structured problem-solving and task force leadership for critical topics.

• Continuous learning and development are core values, reflected in extensive training programs and communities of practice.

Company Website: [Company URL not provided in input, but can be inferred as related to Continental's automotive divisions or a new Aumovio site]

📝 Enhancement Note: Aumovio's positioning as a spin-off from Continental suggests a culture that values established automotive engineering rigor and innovation, coupled with the agility and focus of a newly independent entity. The emphasis on UX within the business area, combined with a highly technical optical lead role, suggests a focus on delivering not just functional but also aesthetically and perceptually superior display solutions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Lead" position, indicating a senior individual contributor or technical leader role. It requires significant autonomy and responsibility for technical outcomes in a specific domain (display optics). It sits above a standard engineer but may not yet be a formal people management role, focusing more on technical direction and project leadership.

Reporting Structure: As a "Leading Self" level, you would likely report to a senior engineering manager or a director responsible for the Display Technology unit within the User Experience Business Area. You would be expected to manage your own technical roadmap and project execution, collaborating with peers in related disciplines.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the quality, performance, and cost-effectiveness of critical display components within automotive systems. Successful execution directly influences customer satisfaction, product competitiveness, and the overall user experience of vehicles. The business responsibility aspect also means a direct contribution to project profitability and supplier relationship management.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced display technologies (e.g., micro-LED, flexible displays), advanced optical simulation, and materials science.

• Project/Program Management: Transition into managing larger, more complex cross-functional projects or entire product programs.

• People Management: Potential to move into a formal team leadership role, managing and mentoring a team of optical and display engineers.

• Business Development: Further develop business acumen, potentially moving into roles with greater commercial responsibility or strategic planning for display technologies.

• International Mobility: Leverage Aumovio's global presence for assignments in other key R&D or production locations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Display Optical Lead in the automotive sector is typically focused on deepening technical expertise, expanding project management scope, or moving into leadership roles. Aumovio's structure as a large, global entity provides ample avenues for such growth, especially given the strategic importance of display technology in modern vehicles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job is listed as an "Onsite Job," indicating a primary work environment within Aumovio's facilities in Timișoara, Romania. This suggests a structured office and laboratory setting.

Office Location(s): Strada Siemens 1, Timișoara, Romania. This location is likely a significant R&D or production hub for Aumovio, potentially housing labs equipped for optical testing and development.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic workspace that fosters collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams (electronics, mechanics, software), quality assurance, and potentially R&D specialists.

• Tools & Technology: Access to state-of-the-art optical simulation software, measurement equipment, potentially rapid prototyping tools, and common office productivity suites.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with colleagues, project stakeholders, and potentially direct engagement with customer and supplier technical representatives. The "in-house restaurant & coffee corners" suggest a campus-like environment designed to encourage informal interactions.

Work Schedule: Full-time role, with the benefit of "flexible hours" and "mobile work" options integrated into the "Flexibility Program." While the role is onsite, this flexibility allows for some adaptation of daily working patterns, which is beneficial for managing complex projects and personal work-life balance, especially when dealing with global time zones for supplier/customer communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Onsite Job" designation, combined with flexibility options, suggests a hybrid approach where core working hours and collaborative activities are expected to be in the office, but there's room for individual schedule management. The Timișoara location is likely a key operational center for Aumovio.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application, resume, and potentially a brief introductory call to assess basic qualifications and fit.

• Technical Interviews: Expect multiple rounds focusing on your expertise in display optics, backlight design, optical simulation, automotive display technologies (TFT LCD, OLED), and performance characterization. You may be asked to discuss specific technical challenges you've overcome.

• Project/Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, detailing specific projects, your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results achieved. This is where your "Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements" will be critical.

• Cross-functional/Leadership Interview: Discussion on your experience leading cross-functional teams, managing suppliers, handling escalations, and your overall project management and business responsibility approach.

• Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of your alignment with Aumovio's values, your collaboration style, and your approach to continuous learning and development.

• Final Interview: Likely with a senior leader, focusing on strategic alignment, long-term vision, and overall fit for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Projects: For each project, clearly outline the problem statement, your specific responsibilities, the technical approach (including simulation tools and methods), key challenges, solutions, and measurable outcomes (e.g., performance improvements, cost savings, successful product launch).

• Quantify Your Impact: Use data and metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the success of your work. For optical performance, this might include specific improvements in luminance, homogeneity, or contrast ratios. For business responsibility, it could be adherence to budget or timeline.

• Highlight Process & Tools: Explicitly mention the simulation tools (LightTools, Zemax, etc.) and methodologies you employed. Explain your process for supplier management, cross-functional coordination, and technical decision-making.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with automotive display technology, backlight systems, optical bonding, and customer/supplier interaction. Showcase your leadership and business responsibility experience.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your technical decisions, how you handled disagreements, managed risks, and collaborated with different teams.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential technical challenges or case studies that require you to analyze an optical problem, propose a solution, and outline the steps for implementation and validation.

• Practice articulating complex technical concepts clearly and concisely, as you will need to communicate with both technical and potentially less technical stakeholders.

• Think about how you would approach a critical customer escalation related to display performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess both technical depth and leadership capabilities. A strong, well-prepared portfolio that demonstrates practical application of skills and quantifiable results will be the most critical differentiator.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Optical Simulation Software: LightTools, Zemax, Speos, or similar (essential for optical path design, analysis, and optimization).

• CAD Software: Potentially used for mechanical integration aspects of the display module (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA).

• Project Management Tools: Jira, Confluence, MS Project, or similar for task tracking, documentation, and collaboration.

• Data Analysis & Visualization Tools: Excel, potentially tools like MATLAB, Python (with libraries like NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib) for data analysis and reporting.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Measurement Equipment: Experience with spectroradiometers, colorimeters, luminance meters, and other optical measurement devices for characterization and validation.

• Reporting Dashboards: Familiarity with creating reports and dashboards to communicate technical performance and project status to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how display specifications integrate into broader product development workflows and potentially ERP/PLM systems is beneficial.

• Familiarity with change management processes within PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in optical simulation software is paramount. The ability to use data analysis tools to interpret measurement results and drive design decisions is also critical. While not explicitly a "process automation" role in the software sense, the role heavily involves optimizing physical processes and workflows for display manufacturing and integration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence & Innovation: A drive for high-quality, performant optical solutions, pushing boundaries in display technology.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Relying on objective data from simulations and measurements to guide design choices and resolve issues.

• Ownership & Accountability: Taking full responsibility for technical outcomes, project delivery, and customer satisfaction.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively across disciplines and with external partners to achieve common goals.

• Continuous Improvement & Learning: A commitment to personal development and enhancing processes and products.

• Customer Focus: Ensuring solutions meet or exceed customer expectations for performance and reliability.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where close coordination with electronics, mechanical, and software engineering teams is standard for successful system integration.

• Proactive Communication: Open and frequent communication is essential for managing complex projects, resolving issues quickly, and ensuring alignment across all stakeholders, including customers and suppliers.

• Constructive Feedback Culture: A willingness to give and receive constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement in both technical solutions and team processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement to share expertise and best practices within the team and across the organization through communities of practice and internal training.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture appears to blend the rigor of traditional automotive engineering with a forward-looking approach to user experience and mobility technologies. The emphasis on data, ownership, and collaboration suggests a high-performance, results-oriented environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex System Integration: Ensuring seamless integration of optical components with electronics and mechanics in a tight automotive package, while meeting stringent performance requirements.

• Supplier Management & Alignment: Navigating diverse supplier capabilities and ensuring they consistently meet Aumovio's technical and quality standards.

• Rapid Technology Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in display technologies (e.g., OLED, micro-LED) and optical components, and adapting designs accordingly.

• Customer Demands & Trade-offs: Balancing demanding customer requirements with technical feasibility, cost constraints, and project timelines.

• Global Collaboration: Effectively managing communication and technical alignment with international customers and suppliers across different time zones and cultures.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Optical Design & Simulation: Deep dive into cutting-edge simulation techniques and tools for complex optical systems.

• New Display Technologies: Gaining expertise in emerging display technologies and their integration challenges.

• Automotive System Understanding: Broadening knowledge of how display systems fit into the larger vehicle architecture and user experience.

• Leadership & Business Acumen: Developing skills in project management, financial awareness, and strategic decision-making.

• Cross-Cultural Communication: Enhancing skills for effective collaboration in a global corporate environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a lead engineering role in the fast-paced automotive sector, requiring resilience and a proactive approach to problem-solving. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear path for technical mastery, leadership development, and career advancement within Aumovio.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led the technical concept for a complex optical system. What was your process, what challenges did you face, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your methodology, simulation use, and results.)

• "How do you ensure alignment between optical performance targets and the practical constraints of electronics and mechanics in automotive product development?" (Highlight your cross-functional collaboration and system thinking.)

• "Walk me through your approach to managing a critical technical escalation with a key supplier for a display component. How do you balance technical requirements, cost, and relationship management?" (Demonstrate your problem-solving, negotiation, and business responsibility skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on what you know about Aumovio and its connection to Continental, what excites you most about this role and company?" (Show you've researched and understand the company's mission and market position.)

• "How do you approach continuous learning and staying updated with the latest advancements in display and optical technologies?" (Connect to their "Life-Long Learning" values.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to influence stakeholders who had different technical opinions. How did you approach it?" (Assess your communication and leadership style.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the "Why": Briefly explain the market need or customer requirement that drove the project.

• Your Role & Scope: Clearly define your responsibilities and the boundaries of your technical and business ownership.

• The Technical Journey: Detail the design process, simulation tools used, key parameters, and challenges encountered. Use visuals (diagrams, simulation screenshots) effectively.

• The Business Aspect: Explain how you managed timelines, costs, supplier interactions, and any trade-offs made.

• Quantifiable Results: Present the achieved performance metrics and business outcomes. Highlight any ROI or tangible benefits.

• Lessons Learned: Conclude with key takeaways and what you would do differently, showing a reflective and growth-oriented mindset.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare specific, STAR-method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) examples for behavioral questions. For the portfolio, focus on clarity, conciseness, and demonstrating tangible impact. Be ready to dive deep into the technical specifics of your projects.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.smartrecruiters.com.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight keywords and responsibilities from the job description, especially focusing on "Display Optical Lead," "Technical & Business Responsible," "Automotive Display Development," "Optical System Development," "Simulation Tools (LightTools, Zemax)," "Supplier Alignment," "Cross-functional Coordination," and any mention of TFT LCD or OLED experience. Quantify achievements with numbers and metrics.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your expertise in display optics, system architecture, technical leadership, and business responsibility. Ensure you can clearly articulate your role, the process, the challenges, and the quantifiable results.

• Research Aumovio: Understand their mission, product portfolio (especially display technologies), and their spin-off from Continental. Familiarize yourself with their stated values and culture points (e.g., "Own What’s Next").

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers using the STAR method for behavioral questions and practice articulating your portfolio projects with a focus on technical depth and business impact. Be ready to discuss your experience with optical simulation tools and automotive display performance metrics.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.