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Director Optical Engineering Zemax Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Optical Engineer III

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$140K - $181K/yr

The 364C Optical Engineering Group specializes in designing and developing optical systems for ... Experience ray tracing in CODE V or Zemax. * Practical experience in hardware integration, optical ...

Optical Engineer III

Campus, IL · On-site

$125K - $162K/yr

The 364C Optical Engineering Group specializes in designing and developing optical systems for ... Experience ray tracing in CODE V or Zemax. * Practical experience in hardware integration, optical ...

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)

Lead Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$139K - $179K/yr

Conduct optical system modeling, simulation, and performance analysis using tools such as Zemax ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics/Electrical Engineering or a related ...

Optical Communication Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$80K - $145K/yr

... engineering specialties with a minimum of 3 years direct hands-on designing, building, and ... ZEMAX or equivalent software tools Ability to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges ...

Lead Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA

$138K - $179K/yr

Conduct optical system modeling, simulation, and performance analysis using tools such as Zemax ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics/Electrical Engineering or a related ...

Lead Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$139K - $179K/yr

Conduct optical system modeling, simulation, and performance analysis using tools such as Zemax ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics/Electrical Engineering or a related ...

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Optical Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

Work individually, or with DigiLens team members, to conduct optical engineering activities to ... Experience with Zemax or similar optical design software. * Strong verbal and written communicator ...

Optical Engineer IV

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$140K - $181K/yr

The 364C Optical Engineering Group specializes in designing and developing optical systems for ... Experience ray tracing in CODE V or Zemax. * Extensive experience post-processing results from CODE ...

Optical Engineer IV

Campus, IL · On-site

$125K - $162K/yr

The 364C Optical Engineering Group specializes in designing and developing optical systems for ... Experience ray tracing in CODE V or Zemax. * Extensive experience post-processing results from CODE ...

Associate, Optical Engineer

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$12 - $14.75/hr

Support development of Optical Engineering tools and procedures for Optical Design, Analysis, Integration, and Test * Experience with optical design codes (Zemax, Code V, etc.) * Experience with ...

Senior Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$135K - $175K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY Within Infleqtion's Quantum Computing Product Group, the Hardware Engineering Team ... Developing and maintaining high‑fidelity optical models using Zemax (OpticStudio), including ...

WI · On-site

$125K - $161K/yr

Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or equivalent. * Minimum 2-5 years of engineering experience in a design environment. * Strong experience with Ansys Zemax OpticStudio.

Staff Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · Hybrid

$120K - $155K/yr

... optical engineering with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Optics, Physics or related field. * Strong proficiency with Zemax (OpticStudio) for modeling, optimization, and tolerance analysis

Staff Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

... engineering with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Optics, Physics or related field. * Strong proficiency with Zemax (OpticStudio) for modeling, optimization, and tolerance analysis * Hands-on ...

Showing results 41-60

Director Optical Engineering Zemax information

See salary details

$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

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

As of Sep 10, 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 III

Pasadena, CA • On-site

JPL
Marketing • 51 - 200 employees

$140K - $181K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Job Details
New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That's our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers-literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission-your opportunity-is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you're driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you're ready for JPL.
Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.
Responsibilities:
The Instruments and Communications Division is known for the development and infusion of technologies that enable advanced flight sensors, instruments, and deep space communications. Our expertise spans the entire electromagnetic spectrum - from Radio Frequency (RF) through ultraviolet (UV). Our product line ranges from quantum technology and flight systems, imaging spectrometers, microwave radiometers, scientific radars, mass spectrometers and other in situ instruments, ground and space-based RF and optical systems, and innovative sensors. We create novel material systems and fabrication techniques that unlock new concepts and mission architecture. We pioneer deep space communication theory, implement advanced communication systems, and develop navigational tracking to understand where we are and how to ensure robust engineering and science data return.
The Optics & Spectroscopy Section provides world-leading capability and expertise in a wide range of technologies that are critical to the development of optical instruments. Section leadership and expertise are specifically applied to the development of advanced ground and space-based optical systems in the following areas: research and development of optics-related technologies; system architecture and concept definition; detailed optical system design, opto-mechanical design, analysis and implementation; and alignment, test and calibration of optical instruments and systems.
We invite you to join the Optical Engineering group to serve as an Optical Engineer III. You will be reporting administratively to the Group Supervisor of the Group. The 364C Optical Engineering Group specializes in designing and developing optical systems for planetary probes and instruments, earth observing remote sensing systems, and in situ sensing systems (telescopes, cameras, and spectrometers).
We seek an engineer to support development for various optical instruments being built within Section. The position is for an optical engineer in the Optical Engineering group. The optical engineer will contribute to the design and analysis of telescopes, cameras, and imaging spectrometers. They will participate in tolerancing, analyzing, and aligning novel telescopes, spectrometers, and cameras.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Optics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering with a minimum of 6 years of related experience, or Master's degree in a related discipline with a minimum of 4 years of related experience, or PhD in a related discipline with a minimum of 2 years of related experience.
  • Experience ray tracing in CODE V or Zemax.
  • Practical experience in hardware integration, optical alignment, or state-of-the-art measurement techniques.
  • Demonstrated ability in written and verbal communication including presenting science, engineering, and project results.
  • Demonstrated ability to interact cooperatively with co-workers.

Preferred Skills:
  • Experience with space optics.
  • Experience making optical error budgets.
  • Experience managing contracts and hardware procurement involving industrial vendors.
  • Experience post-processing results from CODE V or Zemax using CODE V macro language, ZPL, Python, and/or Matlab.
  • Experience in specialized optical modeling such as thin film design, lens design, polarization optics, or straylight.
  • Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.

JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee's start date.
For further benefits information click Benefits and Perks
The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training.
The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.
$152,880 - $188,448
JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.
In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
EEO is the Law.
EEO is the Law Supplement
Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here.