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Optical Design Engineer Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

Optics Manufacturing Engineer

Middlefield, CT · On-site

$125K - $161K/yr

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 ...

... 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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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 Aug 9, 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 is an optical design engineer?

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 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,101 per year, or $64 per hour.

FLS Production Engineer - Optical Alignment & Metrology Competency (Nights)

ASML US, LLC

Wilton, CT • On-site

Other

Posted 21 days ago


ASML rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Introduction to the job

ASML is the world's leading provider of lithography systems for the semiconductor industry, manufacturing complex machines that are critical to the production of integrated circuits or microchips. This position is for a First Line Support Production Engineer with innovative attitude to work in the Production Engineering department in Wilton Factory. Candidate will work with cross-sectors employees to provide rapid response to resolvedisturbance notices related to engineering issues and to perform the engineering steps listed in the production operator dashboard (POD) to support output.

Role and responsibilities

Job Description

  • Spends about 75% of time in the Cleanroom providing direct support to production processes and troubleshooting

  • Provide efficient response to troubleshoot optical alignment and metrology issues

  • Provide efficient response to troubleshoot module test and final qual issues

  • Provide efficient response to troubleshoot manufacturing tooling and optical metrology equipment issues

  • Provide efficient response to perform re-computation of the nominal optical design

  • Provide efficient response to perform correction of optical aberrations

  • Run image processing algorithm to extract nm flatness information from interferometer data

  • Analyze Matlab scripts and plot data from database

  • Support query code to interrogate data for manufacturing needs

  • Support image analysis on data and derive conclusions

  • Develop OCAPs, Fishbones and troubleshooting guidelines

  • Support diagnostics qualification and implementation for production staff

  • Evaluate and disposition failed parts with proposed solutions

  • Support development of Manufacturing procedures and technical work instructions

  • Support design and document reviews for diagnostics

  • Support DOA Root Cause Analysis

  • Support cycle time and labor hours roadmaps implementation

  • Support PFMEA

  • Able to read optical, mechanical and electrical drawings

  • Knowledge of Code-V and /or Zemax

  • Knowledge of MATLAB, LabVIEW and Python

  • The employee is willing to provide occasionally weekend coverage

  • There is a potential for exposure to strong magnetic fields, high voltage and currents in the workplace

  • The employee is required to work in a cleanroom environment:

    • full gowning (full body coveralls, hood, CR safety shoes, face mask, nitrile gloves and safety glasses. Working under ISO 9000/14000 standards).

    • Working around overhead cranes, fork trucks and motorized pallet movers.

    • Working around lasers; working with ladders; working on platforms; and working around chemicals.

Work Schedule

We have openings for both compressed work week schedules

Compressed Work Week Nights 1 (CWW N1) schedule that works from 6pm to 6am on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and every other Wednesday.

Compressed Work Week Nights 2 (CWW N2) schedule that works from 6pm to 6am on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and every other Wednesday.


Education

  • Bachelor of Science in Optical Engineering

Experience

Job Grade 6:

0+ years' experience in an Engineering environment with Bachelor of Science in Optical Engineering degree

Job Grade 7:

2+ years' experience in an Engineering environment with Bachelor of Science in Optical Engineering degree or 0+ years' experience in an Engineering environment with Master of Science Optical Engineering degree

  • Working knowledge of diverse optical metrology setups: Interferometers, Shack - Hartmann sensor, polarimetry/ellipsometry & Optical alignment

  • Working knowledge of geometric optics, wave optics, Gaussian propagation, and aberration theory

  • Working Knowledge in image/signal /data process algorithm, statistics and software development

  • Working knowledge with epoxy application in opto-mechanical designs

  • Working knowledge with optical assy/ alignment/ test equipment/ tools

  • Working Knowledge in lasers, polarization, detectors, electro-optical devices and opto-mechanical constructions

  • Experience in a production environment with high tech products and complex production processes

  • Experience in Lean Manufacturing

  • Working knowledge with Optical-Electrical sensors is a plus

  • Experience in the field of technical Production Engineering and quality methodology such as statistical process control and FMEA is a plus

  • Working knowledge of NX, Teamcenter and SAP is a plus

Personal skills

  • Capability to interface with multidisciplinary groups (including senior leadership), and be willing to take on responsibility and follow through

  • Possess strong ownership characteristics - demonstrated commitment to achieving results on time

  • Have strong written and oral communicative skills - ability to communicate effectively to your team and to senior management

  • Focus on quality and continuous improvements

  • Demonstrated "team player" with a quality orientation and interpersonal skills

Context of the position

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee routinely is required to sit; walk; talk; hear; use hands to keyboard, finger, handle, and feel; stoop, kneel, crouch, twist, reach, and stretch.

  • The employee is occasionally required to move around the campus.

  • The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

  • May require travel dependent on company needs.

  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

  • Can work under deadlines.

  • The environment generally is moderate in temperature and noise level.

  • Must be able to read and interpret data, information, and documents.

  • 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.

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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