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Optical Design Engineer Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

We design, develop, integrate, market and service these advanced machines, which enable our ... Using Optical engineering expertise the candidate is expected to perform work in some of these ...

Design experiments and conduct R&D on advanced optical fabrication. * Improve yield, reduce defects ... Bachelor's degree (or higher) in mechanical engineering or related field. * 3 to 5 years of ...

Design experiments and conduct R&D on advanced optical fabrication. * Improve yield, reduce defects ... Some programming experiences (Python/ Matlab). * Experience in one or more optics manufacturing ...

Design experiments and conduct R&D on advanced optical fabrication. * Improve yield, reduce defects ... Some programming experiences (Python/ Matlab). * Experience in one or more optics manufacturing ...

Design experiments and conduct R&D on advanced optical fabrication. * Improve yield, reduce defects ... Some programming experiences (Python/ Matlab). * Experience in one or more optics manufacturing ...

Mechanical Engineer II

New London, CT · On-site

$75K - $102K/yr

Also conducts design reviews, validates and approves documentation packages, preproduction builds ... fiber optic assemblies. * Producing custom cable assembly drawings & technical data sheets as ...

Mechanical Engineer II

New London, CT · On-site

$75K - $102K/yr

Also conducts design reviews, validates and approves documentation packages, preproduction builds ... fiber optic assemblies. * Producing custom cable assembly drawings & technical data sheets as ...

... lighting, optics, and precision mechanics. Machine design at Retina Systems starts with ... CAM experience preferred (programming and running a 3-axis mill) * Experience with vibratory feeds ...

... lighting, optics, and precision mechanics. Machine design at Retina Systems starts with ... CAM experience preferred (programming and running a 3-axis mill) * Experience with vibratory feeds ...

... lighting, optics, and precision mechanics. Machine design at Retina Systems starts with ... CAM experience preferred (programming and running a 3-axis mill) * Experience with vibratory feeds ...

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Showing results 1-20

Optical Design Engineer information

See Connecticut salary details

$75.6K

$133.1K

$178.4K

How much do optical design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical design engineer in Connecticut is $133,101.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,700.00 and $150,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Optical Design Engineers face when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Optical Design Engineers often collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineers to bring complex optical systems to life. A common challenge is ensuring that the optical specifications are maintained while accommodating constraints from other disciplines, such as size, thermal management, and manufacturability. Effective communication and a strong understanding of both optical principles and broader engineering requirements are crucial to balancing these sometimes competing demands. Regular team meetings and clear documentation help keep projects aligned and facilitate successful integration across all engineering domains.

What is the difference between Optical Design Engineer vs Optical Test Engineer?

AspectOptical Design EngineerOptical Test Engineer
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, collaboration with R&D teamsTesting labs, measurement equipment, quality assurance teams
Industry UsageOptical product development, lens design, imaging systemsProduct validation, quality control, performance testing
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Optical Design Engineers focus on creating and optimizing optical systems using design software, while Optical Test Engineers verify and validate these designs through testing and measurements. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work closely in optical product development, but their core responsibilities differ in design versus testing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Design Engineer, you need strong knowledge of optics, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Proficiency in optical design software such as Zemax, Code V, or LightTools is essential, along with familiarity with CAD tools and simulation systems. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in cross-functional teams and address complex design challenges. These skills ensure the creation of high-performance optical systems that meet technical requirements and client needs.

What are Optical Design Engineers?

Optical Design Engineers are professionals who design and develop optical systems and components, such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They use principles of physics and engineering to create products used in industries like telecommunications, medical devices, and consumer electronics. Their work often involves computer-aided design (CAD) software and optical simulation tools to ensure that optical systems meet specific performance requirements. Optical Design Engineers collaborate with other engineers and scientists throughout the development and testing process. They play a key role in advancing technologies that rely on light manipulation and imaging.
What are popular job titles related to Optical Design Engineer jobs in Connecticut? For Optical Design Engineer jobs in Connecticut, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Design Engineer jobs in Connecticut look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Design Engineer jobs in Connecticut are:
What cities in Connecticut are hiring for Optical Design Engineer jobs? Cities in Connecticut with the most Optical Design Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Design Engineer jobs in CT? For Optical Design Engineer jobs in CT, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Optical Design Engineer job openings in Connecticut as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $133,101 per year, or $64 per hour.
Co-Op - Optical Engineer (Internship)

Co-Op - Optical Engineer (Internship)

ASML

Wilton, CT • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


ASML rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 430 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Introduction
ASML US, including its affiliates and subsidiaries, bring together the most creative minds in science and technology to develop lithography machines that are key to producing faster, cheaper, more energy-efficient microchips. We design, develop, integrate, market and service these advanced machines, which enable our customers - the world's leading chipmakers - to reduce the size and increase the functionality of their microchips, which in turn leads to smaller, more powerful consumer electronics. Our headquarters are in Veldhoven, Netherlands and we have 18 office locations around the United States including main offices in Chandler, Arizona, San Jose and San Diego, California, Wilton, Connecticut, and Hillsboro, Oregon.
Your Assignment
ASML's YieldStar Sensor Group in Wilton CT is looking for a co-op to join the team for a period of at least 6 months to focus on a project in the area of optical engineering to support current or future YieldStar product. The candidate should be pursuing a degree in Physicist/Engineer with preference to optical engineering that give him/her the ability to support and develop optical/photonic sensor systems used within ASML's photolithography tools.
Key components of this position are:
Using Optical engineering expertise the candidate is expected to perform work in some of these general area of Optical Engineering:
  • Perform Optical design, optical tolerancing and modeling with CodeV and/or Zemax.
  • Physical Optics Simulation (wave propagation, partial coherence calculation, Polarization optics modeling and other optical effects) in MATLAB, FRED and CodeV or other suitable design tools.
  • Building and aligning complex sensors using diverse mechanical, collimation and interferometry.
  • Working knowledge with diverse optical devices and sensors: objectives, collimation and relay optics, fibers, cameras and detectors.

Your Profile
Looking for candidate That is currently pursuing a degree in optical engineering or closely related areas of engineering and physics. Preference for a candidate pursuing a Master or a Ph.D degrees. Undergraduate students with specific expertise in key areas of optical design and optical systems will be considered.
Student must demonstrate some experience in some of these areas:
  • Optical design and tolerancing using CodeV or equivalent SW package.
  • Physical optics modeling with FRED or equivalent SW package.
  • Optical sensors alignment experience using diverse alignment strategy and tools like optical collimators, mechanical gaging and interferometers.
  • Optical sensor metrology test design and build.
  • Expertise with diverse optical technologies and devices: polarization devices, relays, objectives, light sources, fibers, camera and detectors.

Skills
Working at the cutting edge of tech, you'll always have new challenges and new problems to solve - and working together is the only way to do that. You won't work in a silo. Instead, you'll be part of a creative, dynamic work environment where you'll collaborate with supportive colleagues. There is always space for creative and unique points of view. You'll have the flexibility and trust to choose how best to tackle tasks and solve problems.
To thrive in this job, you'll need the following skills:
  • Can observe and respond to people and situations and interact with others encountered in the course of work.
  • Can learn and apply new information or skills.
  • Must be able to read and interpret data, information, and documents.
  • Strong customer focus and commitment to customer satisfaction through prioritization, quality, efficiency and professionalism.
  • Ability to complete assignments with attention to detail and high degree of accuracy.
  • Proven ability to perform effectively in a demanding environment with changing workloads and deadlines.
  • Result driven-demonstrate ownership and accountability.
  • Identifies bottlenecks and drives improvements.
  • Work independently or as part of a team and follow through on assignments with minimal supervision.
  • Demonstrate open, clear, concise and professional communication.
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with manager, co-workers and customer.
  • Work according to a strict set of procedures within the provided timelines.

Other Information
  • This position is located on-site in Wilton, CT, It requires onsite presence to attend in-person work-related events, trainings and meetings and to further ensure teamwork, collaboration and innovation
  • Routinely required to sit; walk; talk; hear; use hands to keyboard, finger, handle and feel; stoop, kneel, crouch, twist, reach and stretch
  • Occasionally required to move around the campus
  • Occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus
  • Must be willing to work in a clean room environment, wearing coveralls, hoods, booties, safety glasses and gloves for entire duration of shift

Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role. All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check and any other tests that may be required.
Additional Responsibilities:
There is potential for exposure to strong magnetic fields, high voltage and currents.
This position requires access to controlled technology, as defined in the United States Export Administration Regulations (15 C.F.R. § 730, et seq.). Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to access such controlled technology prior to beginning work. Business demands may require ASML to proceed with candidates who are immediately eligible to access controlled technology.
Inclusion and diversity
ASML is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that inclusion and diversity is a driving force in the success of our company.
Need to know more about applying for a job at ASML? Read our frequently asked questions.
Request an Accommodation
ASML provides reasonable accommodations to applicants for ASML employment and ASML employees with disabilities. An accommodation is a change in work rules, facilities, or conditions which enable an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform the essential functions of a job, and/or enjoy equal access to the benefits and privileges of employment. If you are in need of an accommodation to complete an application, participate in an interview, or otherwise participate in the employee pre-selection process, please send an email to USHR_Accommodation@asml.com to initiate the company's reasonable accommodation process.
Please note: This email address is solely intended to provide a method for applicants to initiate ASML's process to request accommodation(s). Any recruitment questions should be directed to the designated Talent Acquisition member for the position.

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