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Lens Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Optical Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

Description - Work on new lens design, characterization and integration into CMOS imager sensor based camera modules. - Drive development of advanced metrology development. - Complete analysis of the ...

Ametek

Sr. Optical Lens Designer

Middlefield, CT · On-site

As a Senior Optical Lens Designer for our Optical Systems Group, you will work on a wide range of ... Design complex imaging and non-imaging systems, with emphasis on imaging systems using Zemax or ...

Ametek

Sr. Optical Lens Designer

Middlefield, CT

As a Senior Optical Lens Designer for our Optical Systems Group, you will work on a wide range of ... Design complex imaging and non-imaging systems, with emphasis on imaging systems using Zemax or ...

Ametek

Sr. Optical Lens Designer

Middlefield, CT

$170K/yr

As a Senior Optical Lens Designer for our Optical Systems Group, you will work on a wide range of ... Design complex imaging and non-imaging systems, with emphasis on imaging systems using Zemax or ...

Apple

Optical Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$147K - $272K/yr

Work closely with lens supplier for prototype design, evaluation and MTF testing. Preferred Qualifications 3+ years relevant industry experience Experience in Stray light analysis Experience in lens ...

Apple

Optical Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$126K - $190K/yr

Description - Work on new lens design, characterization and integration into CMOS imager sensor based camera modules. - Drive development of advanced metrology development. - Complete analysis of the ...

Apple

Optical System Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $206K/yr

The team is looking for a Camera Optical Engineer to develop and support custom lens design and development. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Optical Science, Optical Engineering, Physics ...

Apple

Optical System Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $206K/yr

Experience in lens design fundamentals. Preferred Qualifications Master's or PhD and a minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience. Experience in the area of lens design metrology and integration.

Apple

Optical System Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $206K/yr

Experience in lens design fundamentals. Preferred Qualifications Master's or PhD and a minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience. Experience in the area of lens design metrology and integration.

Apple

Optical Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

Experience with lens design, optical metrology, tolerance analysis, or similar experience. Preferred Qualifications 3+ years relevant industry experience Experience in Stray light analysis Experience ...

Apple

Optical System Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$147K - $272K/yr

The team is looking for a Camera Optical Engineer to develop and support custom lens design and development.","responsibilities":"Work on new lens designs, characterization and integration into CMOS ...

Apple

Optical System Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$126K - $190K/yr

The team is looking for a Camera Optical Engineer to develop and support custom lens design and development.","responsibilities":"Work on new lens designs, characterization and integration into CMOS ...

Apple

Optical System Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$147K - $272K/yr

The team is looking for a Camera Optical Engineer to develop and support custom lens design and development.","responsibilities":"Work on new lens designs, characterization and integration into CMOS ...

esr

Optician

Mechanicsville, VA · On-site

$17.25 - $22/hr

Knowledge of appropriate frame selection based on prescription, facial shape and size, lens design and appropriate fit * Collect payment from patient and process billing to insurance if applicable

esr

$14 - $18.25/hr

Knowledge of appropriate frame selection based on prescription, facial shape and size, lens design and appropriate fit * Collect payment from patient and process billing to insurance if applicable

Corning

Optical Design Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$112K - $155K/yr

Develop lens design forms for complex optical systems that meet these system specifications. * Develop manufacturing tolerances and build strategies for these lens systems using custom sensitivity ...

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All JobsLens Design Jobs

Lens Design information

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$5

$14

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How much do lens design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for lens design in the United States is $14.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.58 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lens Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lens Designer, you need a strong background in optical engineering, physics, and mathematics, often supported by a degree in optics or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard optical design software such as Zemax, Code V, or LightTools, as well as experience with CAD systems, is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills set exceptional lens designers apart. These skills and qualities are essential for creating innovative, high-performance optical systems that meet precise technical and client requirements.

What are some typical challenges lens designers face when collaborating with multidisciplinary teams?

Lens designers often work closely with engineers, product managers, and manufacturing specialists to ensure that optical components meet both performance and production requirements. A common challenge is balancing ideal optical performance with real-world constraints such as cost, manufacturability, and physical space within a device. Effective communication and a strong understanding of each team member's priorities are essential for resolving trade-offs and delivering a successful product. Being proactive in sharing design iterations and soliciting feedback early in the process helps streamline collaboration.

What is the difference between Lens Design vs Optical Engineering?

AspectLens DesignOptical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, CAD software, prototype testingResearch labs, product development, systems integration
Industry UsageCamera lenses, microscopes, telescopesImaging systems, laser systems, optical instruments
Comparison FocusCreating and optimizing lens geometries and specificationsDeveloping and analyzing complex optical systems and components

While both Lens Design and Optical Engineering involve working with optical systems, Lens Design primarily focuses on creating specific lens geometries and specifications. Optical Engineering encompasses a broader scope, including designing entire optical systems and analyzing their performance. Professionals in both roles often collaborate but specialize in different aspects of optical technology.

What is lens design and what do lens designers do?

Lens design is the process of creating optical lenses and systems for various applications, such as cameras, microscopes, telescopes, and eyeglasses. Lens designers use principles of physics and advanced computer software to determine the best shapes, materials, and configurations to achieve specific optical performances. Their work involves optimizing lens systems to minimize aberrations, improve image quality, and meet specific technical requirements. Lens designers often collaborate with engineers and manufacturers to ensure their designs can be fabricated accurately and efficiently.
More about Lens Design jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Lens Design jobs? The most popular types of Lens Design jobs are:
What states have the most Lens Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Lens Design jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Lens Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lens Design jobs are:
Lens Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lens Design job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 35% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 49% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,666 per year, or $14.7 per hour.
Optical Engineer - Lens Design & Systems Analysis

Optical Engineer - Lens Design & Systems Analysis

Corning

Fairport, NY • On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Corning rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 126 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 527 rated manufacturers

Job description

Requisition Number: 75748
The company built on breakthroughs.
Join us.
Corning is one of the world's leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what's possible.
How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations - not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company, and the world, forward.
At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more.
Come break through with us.
Corning's businesses are ever-evolving to best serve our customers, industries, and consumers. Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical communications, display, automotive, and solar markets. We are changing the world with:
  • Trusted products that accelerate drug discovery, development, and delivery to save lives
  • Damage-resistant cover glass to enhance the devices that keep us connected
  • Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at the speed of light
  • Precision glass for advanced displays to deliver richer experiences
  • Auto glass and ceramics to drive cleaner, safer, and smarter transportation
  • Solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, enabling low-cost solar energy solutions

Purpose of Position
Corning Advanced Optics is seeking an experienced optical design engineer to join our team. This engineer will contribute to the design, analysis, tolerancing, and build of complex optical systems, working in multidisciplinary teams of engineers from concept development through hardware delivery.
Day to Day Responsibilities
  • Participate in early-stage discussions with customers to distill & translate customer requirements into concrete system specifications.
  • Develop lens design forms for complex optical systems that meet these system specifications.
  • Develop manufacturing tolerances and build strategies for these lens systems using custom sensitivity and tolerancing software.
  • Collaborate with system metrology and controls engineers to develop appropriate measurement and optimization test benches.
  • Provide optical design support to both prototype development and long-term manufacturing.
  • Analyze the influential metrics to understand operational performance of an optical system.
  • Document optical design details that include lens prescription, build strategy, tolerances, and critical analysis.
  • Plan and implement optical design processes to transfer the system to production.

In summary, this engineer will work within a multi-disciplinary project team to design, analyze, engineer, and build lens systems from concept to hardware completion.
Required Qualifications
  • Minimum BS degree in Optics, Optical Engineering, or a closely related field.
  • 5+ years of industry experience in optical design engineering, working on the full life cycle of complex optical systems, from design concept to hardware delivery.
  • Proficiency using commercial optical design software for the design, optimization, and analysis of imaging optical systems; experience with CODE V is preferred
  • Experience with distilling a complex set of customer optical system requirements into cohesive optical design specifications.
  • Keen understanding of optical manufacturing strategies, sensitivity analysis, tolerancing, and fabrication methods.
  • Familiarity with lens system performance metrics, including first-order properties, wavefront error, resolution, distortion, polarization-sensitive performance (transmission, retardance, and diattenuation), etc..
  • Ability to present and communicate optical design concepts, tradeoffs, and technical details to a multi-disciplinary team and with the customer.

Desired Qualifications
  • MS, PhD degree preferred
  • Experience supporting and designing optical projects through concept design, engineering development, and hardware delivery.
  • Knowledge of optical design principles for imaging and/or illumination systems.
  • Familiarity with optical designs for illumination systems.
  • Experience using a wide range of optical software analysis tools for both imaging and illumination systems, including CODE V, Zemax, LightTools, FRED, etc..
  • Broad optical design experience in monochromatic and broadband lens systems operating in the UV and/or visible portions of the spectrum.
  • Familiarity with refractive, reflective and catadioptric design forms.
  • Macro development in optical design code, data analysis and script development in MATLAB or Python.
  • Solid background in mathematics (calculus and linear algebra) and in geometrical and physical optics, to be equipped to work with proprietary or novel performance metrics for our most challenging optical systems.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $112,902.00 - $155,240.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.
A job that shapes a life.
Corning offers you the total package.
Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.
  • Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
  • As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning's total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
  • Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.
  • Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That's why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions.

We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.
Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at accommodations@corning.com.

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