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Director Optical Engineering Zemax Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AEI-CIG

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$110K - $200K/yr

D. in: Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Applied Physics, or Related technical field * Experience with optical system design and analysis * Proficiency in Zemax optical design software

Optikos Corporation

Staff Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

... impact engineering challenges, and ensure world-class optical performance. Roles and ... Perform advanced optical modeling, simulation, and optimization using industry tools such as Zemax ...

Harris Corporation

Lead, Optical Engineering

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$118K - $152K/yr

Lead, Optical Engineering Job Code: 40948 Job Location: Fort Wayne, IN Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every ... Experience in using Zemax and/or Code V optical software for advanced design and analysis purposes.

Optikos

Staff Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

... impact engineering challenges, and ensure world-class optical performance. Roles and ... Perform advanced optical modeling, simulation, and optimization using industry tools such as Zemax ...

Neuralink

Optical Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

... engineering experience * 2+ years of experience simulating and designing optics in Zemax or equivalent software * Practical experience in designing, testing, and reliability hardening optical systems

Optikos, LLC.

Staff Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

... impact engineering challenges, and ensure world-class optical performance. Roles and ... Perform advanced optical modeling, simulation, and optimization using industry tools such as Zemax ...

AIMECH USA LLC

Optics Engineer

Niles, OH · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field. * 2+ years of experience in optics design and engineering. * Proficiency in optical design software (e.g., Zemax, Code V)

Folio Photonics

Optical Engineer - Longmont

Longmont, CO · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

Build, run, and extend optical models in Zemax and MATLAB or Python to support OPU and drive development * Interpret laboratory and spinstand measurement data; produce reports that inform engineering ...

AIMECH USA LLC

Optics Engineer

Niles, OH · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field. * 2+ years of experience in optics design and engineering. * Proficiency in optical design software (e.g., Zemax, Code V)

CACI

Optical Engineer

Danbury, CT · On-site

$86K - $181K/yr

Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to Start: None Employee Type: Regular ... Direct experience with designing optical systems using Code V, Zemax, or other software Direct ...

CACI International, Inc.

Optical Engineer

Danbury, CT · On-site

$86K - $181K/yr

Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to Start: None Employee Type: Regular ... Direct experience with designing optical systems using Code V, Zemax, or other software * Direct ...

Aetherflux

Optical Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

We are tackling one of humanity's most complex engineering challenges with a world-class team ... Cowboy Space Corporation overcomes these challenges by enabling direct, on-demand, secure, and ...

Socket.dev

Optical Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

We are tackling one of humanity's most complex engineering challenges with a world-class team ... Cowboy Space Corporation overcomes these challenges by enabling direct, on-demand, secure, and ...

New

Wilcox Industries

Senior Optical Engineer

Newington, NH · On-site

$133K - $172K/yr

Provides optical engineering support throughout the design, transition, and sustain portions of the ... Advanced proficiency with optical design/analysis software (Ansys/Zemax or CodeV) * Laboratory ...

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Director Optical Engineering Zemax information

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$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do director optical engineering zemax jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for director optical engineering zemax in the United States is $143,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of optical engineering Zemax do?

A Director of Optical Engineering with expertise in Zemax oversees teams that design and optimize optical systems using Zemax software. Their responsibilities include managing optical engineers, guiding project development, and ensuring high-quality optical designs for products such as lenses, imaging systems, or laser devices. They also collaborate with other departments to integrate optical designs into larger systems and stay updated on the latest advancements in optical engineering and simulation software. Proficiency in Zemax is crucial, as it is a leading tool for optical modeling, analysis, and tolerancing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of optical engineering Zemax?

To thrive as a Director of Optical Engineering (Zemax), you need deep expertise in optical design, physics, and engineering management, often supported by an advanced degree in optics or a related field. Mastery of Zemax optical design software, experience with CAD systems, and familiarity with prototyping and testing equipment are typically required. Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills are essential for effectively guiding teams and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders. These capabilities are crucial for driving innovation, ensuring high-quality optical solutions, and delivering projects on time within a competitive technological landscape.

What are some common challenges faced by a director of optical engineering Zemax, and how can they be addressed?

As a Director of Optical Engineering leveraging Zemax, you may encounter challenges such as managing interdisciplinary teams, balancing project timelines with technical complexity, and ensuring consistent simulation accuracy. Staying current with Zemax updates, setting clear communication channels among optical, mechanical, and software engineers, and implementing robust validation protocols can help address these issues. Regularly reviewing project milestones and encouraging professional development within your team will also contribute to smoother project execution and innovation.

What is the difference between Director Optical Engineering Zemax vs Optical Engineer?

AspectDirector Optical Engineering ZemaxOptical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Optical Engineering or related; often requires leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering or related
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles in R&D teams, project management, strategic planningDesign, testing, and analysis of optical systems, hands-on technical work
Industry UsageUsed in companies developing complex optical products, managing teams

The Director Optical Engineering Zemax focuses on leading optical engineering teams, strategic planning, and overseeing projects, often requiring management experience. In contrast, an Optical Engineer is primarily involved in hands-on design, analysis, and testing of optical systems. Both roles may use Zemax software, but the director role emphasizes leadership and project oversight, while the engineer role emphasizes technical execution.

What are popular job titles related to Director Optical Engineering Zemax jobs?

For Director Optical Engineering Zemax jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Director Optical Engineering Zemax job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

AEI-CIG
See more jobs at AEI-CIGexternal

$110K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking an Optical Engineer to support the design, development, and optimization of optical transceiver products for high-speed optical communication systems. The candidate will contribute to optical system design, fiber coupling optimization, lens development, optical characterization, and performance validation for next-generation optical communication technologies.

The ideal candidate has strong expertise in optical design tools, optical modeling, and laboratory characterization techniques.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize optical systems for optical transceiver applications

• Develop and optimize fiber coupling solutions for efficient optical power transfer

• Design, analyze, and optimize optical lenses and beam shaping systems

• Perform optical modeling and simulation using Zemax

• Conduct optical tolerance analysis and performance evaluation

• Characterize and validate optical components and optical assemblies

• Perform laboratory optical measurements including:

• Optical power measurement

• Insertion loss

• Return loss

• Coupling efficiency

• Beam quality characterization

• Support optical alignment, packaging, and assembly development

• Troubleshoot optical system performance issues and implement improvements

• Develop technical reports, specifications, and validation procedures

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support product development and manufacturing

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in: Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Applied Physics, or Related technical field

• Experience with optical system design and analysis

• Proficiency in Zemax optical design software

• Knowledge of fiber optics and fiber coupling techniques

• Experience with lens design and optical component development

• Understanding of optical alignment and tolerance analysis

• Experience using optical laboratory equipment and characterization methods

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Ability to work effectively in collaborative engineering environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing optical transceiver products

• Familiarity with lasers, photodetectors, collimators, and passive optical components

• Experience with optical packaging and precision alignment

• Programming or data analysis experience (Python or MATLAB preferred)

• Experience with optical simulation and modeling workflows