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Lens Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

R&D Optical Engineer

Skaneateles, NY · On-site

$87K - $163K/yr

You will execute optical system designs, including lens design, packaging, prototyping, refinement, and validation. * You will collaborate with crossfunctional teams to ensure designs meet ...

R&D Optical Engineer

Skaneateles, NY · On-site

$87K - $163K/yr

You will execute optical system designs, including lens design, packaging, prototyping, refinement, and validation. * You will collaborate with crossfunctional teams to ensure designs meet ...

Staff Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · Hybrid

$120K - $155K/yr

Support lens design, optimization, and performance evaluation * Define and document lens requirements, coatings and optical specifications * Develop and execute optical lab setups for model ...

Staff Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

Support lens design, optimization, and performance evaluation * Define and document lens requirements, coatings and optical specifications * Develop and execute optical lab setups for model ...

Optical Engineer

Bedford, NH · On-site

$127K - $164K/yr

Lens design: * Validation of flowed-down requirements to the optical sub-system * Design from selection * Tolerance analysis to ensure a best-value solution * Use tools such as Zemax and FRED WHAT ...

Staff Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · Hybrid

$120K - $155K/yr

Support lens design, optimization, and performance evaluation * Define and document lens requirements, coatings and optical specifications * Develop and execute optical lab setups for model ...

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$110K - $200K/yr

The candidate will contribute to optical system design, fiber coupling optimization, lens development, optical characterization, and performance validation for next-generation optical communication ...

Senior Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Additionally, knowledge of infrared lens design and reflective optical system design is essential. Basic Qualifications * Bachelor of Science degree with 12+ years of prior relevant experience or ...

Senior Optical Engineer

Chula Vista, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Additionally, knowledge of infrared lens design and reflective optical system design is essential. Basic Qualifications * Bachelor of Science degree with 12+ years of prior relevant experience or ...

Senior Optical Engineer

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Additionally, knowledge of infrared lens design and reflective optical system design is essential. Basic Qualifications * Bachelor of Science degree with 12+ years of prior relevant experience or ...

Senior Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Additionally, knowledge of infrared lens design and reflective optical system design is essential. Basic Qualifications * Bachelor of Science degree with 12+ years of prior relevant experience or ...

Senior Optical Engineer

National City, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Additionally, knowledge of infrared lens design and reflective optical system design is essential. Basic Qualifications * Bachelor of Science degree with 12+ years of prior relevant experience or ...

Senior Optical Engineer

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Additionally, knowledge of infrared lens design and reflective optical system design is essential. Basic Qualifications * Bachelor of Science degree with 12+ years of prior relevant experience or ...

Additionally, knowledge of infrared lens design and reflective optical system design is essential. Basic Qualifications * Bachelor of Science degree with 12+ years of prior relevant experience or ...

Senior Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Additionally, knowledge of infrared lens design and reflective optical system design is essential. Basic Qualifications * Bachelor of Science degree with 12+ years of prior relevant experience or ...

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Lens Design information

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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:
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.
R&D Optical Engineer

R&D Optical Engineer

Baker Hughes

Skaneateles, NY • On-site

$87K - $163K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago


Baker Hughes rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 74 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

254th of 421 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

R&D Optical Engineer

Are you passionate about advancing optical technologies and creating innovative solutions?

Do you enjoy working on complex optical systems while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver highperformance products?

Partnering with the best

As the world leader in non-destructive testing (NDT), Waygate Technologies offers the broadest portfolio of industrial inspection solutions. Our solutions include radiography and computed tomography (CT), remote visual inspection, ultrasound and eddy current technologies. We ensure safety, quality and productivity for our customers across major industries around the world.

Fueling your passion

As an R&D Optical Engineer,

  • You will contribute to the design, development, and validation of optical systems from concept to production.
  • You will execute optical system designs, including lens design, packaging, prototyping, refinement, and validation.
  • You will collaborate with crossfunctional teams to ensure designs meet manufacturability, quality, and performance requirements.
  • You will partner with suppliers to refine optical components for cost efficiency and consistent production quality.
  • You will support innovation initiatives by researching emerging technologies and contributing to intellectual property development, including patent reviews and submissions.

As an R&D Optical Engineer, you will be responsible for:

  • Optical Design & Development: Designing and developing optical systems from ideation through implementation, including lens design, optical packaging, prototyping, and validation activities.
  • Engineering Excellence: Adhering to business standards, engineering best practices, and product/program requirements throughout the development lifecycle.
  • Crossfunctional Collaboration: Working closely with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure optical components are manufacturable and meet performance expectations.
  • Supplier Collaboration: Partnering with suppliers to optimize designs for cost, manufacturability, and long-term production consistency.
  • Technical Analysis: Performing optical modeling and analysis, including alignment methods, lens selection, modulation transfer function (MTF) analysis, and field of view (FOV) optimization.
  • New Product Introduction: Supporting NPI activities to ensure successful transition from development to production.
  • Innovation & Research: Investigating emerging optical technologies and contributing to innovation efforts and patent development.
  • Documentation: Maintaining accurate design records, test reports, and technical documentation.

To be successful in this role, you will:

  • Have a Bachelor's degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
  • Have a minimum of 3 years of experience in the design and development of optical products.

Skills:

  • Experience in optical system design and modeling of electrooptical systems.
  • Knowledge of optical alignment methods, lens selection, MTF analysis, and FOV optimization.
  • Handson experience with optical design software such as Code V and/or Zemax.
  • Experience with CAD tools such as SolidWorks.
  • Familiarity with new product introduction (NPI) processes.
  • Strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.

Work Environment:

  • This role requires regular onsite presence at the Skaneateles, NY facility.
  • Collaboration with global teams and suppliers may require flexibility in working hours.

Work in a way that works for you

We recognize that everyone is different and that the way in which people want to work and deliver at their best is different for everyone.

Working with us

Our people are at the heart of what we do at Baker Hughes. We know we are better when all of our people are developed, engaged, and able to bring their whole authentic selves to work. We invest in the health and wellbeing of our workforce, train and reward talent, and develop leaders at all levels to bring out the best in each other.

Working for you

Our inventions have revolutionized energy for over a century. But to keep going forward tomorrow, we know we have to push the boundaries today. We prioritize rewarding those who embrace change with a package that reflects how much we value their input.

Join us, and you can expect:

  • Contemporary work-life balance policies and wellbeing activities
  • Comprehensive private medical care options
  • Safety net of life insurance and disability programs
  • Tailored financial programs
  • Additional elected or voluntary benefits
The annual pay scale for this position is between $87,870.00 - $1,63,120.00.

Candidates for this role (office-based/ hybrid/ remote) must be located in or near the locations displayed above. The pay range/scale displayed above represents Baker Hughes' good faith estimate of the minimum and maximum for this position at the time of this posting and applies to the possible locations for this position. Baker Hughes will issue a non-bias competitive offer; the salary range posted for this position reflects the projected hiring range for new hires, full-time salaries in some U.S. locations, not including equity or benefits. Where an applicant will ultimately fall within the pay range/scale depends on a variety of factors, including, for example, geographic work location, skillset, qualifications, internal pay alignment, level of experience, and demonstrated performance over time. Please keep in mind that the range stated above is the full base salary range for the role and does not include other forms of compensation. Your recruiter can share more about the pay range for this position during the hiring process.

You will be eligible to participate in Company-sponsored benefit programs, including health & welfare programs and the Thrift Plan (401k). You will have a choice of coverage options that best suit your needs. Coverage options and contribution amounts are related to your benefit elections, base salary level, and specific requirements of each of these plans.

This position is eligible for our comprehensive and competitive benefits package, which can be found here, and is further eligible for additional forms of compensation such as bonuses subject to the terms of the applicable benefit plans or policies.

The Baker Hughes internal title for this role is: Lead Engineer, Physics & Metrology, Product Design and Engineering

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