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Optical Design Engineer Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

As a design engineer, you will design, develop, build and integrate optical sensor systems. This position may require access to controlled technology, as defined in the Export Administration ...

Optical Engineer

Danbury, CT · On-site

$86K - $181K/yr

Work in inter-disciplinary groups on complex optical system design, manufacture, test, and ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering, ideally Optical Engineering or Optical Science, although will ...

Optical Engineer

Danbury, CT · On-site

$87 - $182/hr

Work in a group of optical engineers solving challenging technical problemsWork in inter-disciplinary groups on complex optical system design, manufacture, test, and alignmentGain hands-on and ...

We also produce a comprehensive range of optical fibers, copper cables and connectivity for voice ... Reporting to the Design Engineering Manager, this role is at the intersection of engineering ...

$129K - $167K/yr

Overview The Electric Boat fiber-optic engineering team is responsible for the design, qualification, integration and testing of the fiber-optic cable system (FOCS) on US Navy submarines. Engineers ...

New

$130K - $169K/yr

Overview The Electric Boat fiber-optic engineering team is responsible for the design, qualification, integration and testing of the fiber-optic cable system (FOCS) on US Navy submarines. Engineers ...

New

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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 Aug 26, 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 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 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 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 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.

Are optical design engineers in high demand?

Optical design engineers are in high demand due to the growth of industries such as telecommunications, consumer electronics, and aerospace that rely on advanced optical systems. Their expertise in lens design, optical simulations, and proficiency with tools like Zemax or Code V makes them valuable in developing innovative optical solutions, especially as technology continues to advance.

What do optical design engineers do?

Optical design engineers develop and optimize optical systems and components, such as lenses, microscopes, and cameras, using specialized software like Zemax or Code V. They analyze light behavior, perform simulations, and ensure designs meet performance specifications, often collaborating with manufacturing and testing teams. Strong knowledge of optics, physics, and CAD tools is essential for this role.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,101 per year, or $64 per hour.

Optical Sensor Design Engineer

ASML

Wilton, CT • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


ASML rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 495 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.
Job Mission
ASML's Wafer Alignment Sensor department in Wilton CT is seeking a Design Engineer to support and develop complex optical/photonic sensor systems used within ASML's photolithography tools. These systems typically include light sources, detectors, optical/electro-optical components, fiber optics, electronics and signal processing software functioning in close collaboration with the rest of the lithography system. As a design engineer, you will design, develop, build and integrate optical sensor systems.
This position may require access to controlled technology, as defined in the Export Administration Regulations (15 C.F.R. § 730, et seq.). As a condition of employment, qualified candidates must be legally authorized to access such controlled technology prior to beginning work. Business demands may require the Company to proceed with candidates who are immediately eligible to access controlled technology.
Job Description
  • General

  • Use general Physics, Optics, Software knowledge and an understanding of the sensor systems and tools to develop optical alignment sensors in lithography machines

  • Have hands-on skills of building optical systems (e.g. imaging, testing, alignment, detector system, etc.)

  • Have strong data analysis skills to evaluate sensor performance and troubleshooting

  • Leadership

  • Lead executing activities for determining problem root cause, execute complex tests, gather data, and effectively communicate results on different levels of abstraction (from technical colleagues to high level managers)

  • Lead engineers in various competencies, eg software, electronics, equipment engineering, manufacturing engineering in support of feature delivery for alignment sensors

  • Problem Solving

  • Troubleshooting complex technical problems

  • Develop/debug data signal processing algorithms

  • Develop and execute test plans in order to determine problem root cause

  • Communications/Teamwork

  • Good communication skills during brainstorm/troubleshooting sessions

  • Good listening skills

  • Good analytical skills

  • Draw conclusions based on the input from different stakeholders

  • Capability to clearly communicate the information on different level of abstraction

  • Programming

  • Implement data analysis techniques into functioning MATLAB codes

  • Optimization skills

  • GUI building experience

  • Familiarly with LabView and Python

  • Some travel (up to 10%) to Europe, Asia and within the US can be expected

Scope / Level of Impact
JG07: Leads complex technical design work within a discipline or owns a module-level area requiring input from multiple engineers. Works autonomously on complex assignments and interfaces with suppliers or customers as part of a broader team.
JG08: Leads development of complex parts of modules, owns technically complex solutions, considers industrialization and cross-team impact, and may guide a small group of peers through technical execution.
JG09: Takes full technical ownership of multiple complex designs end-to-end, manages system impacts and cross-functional dependencies, and drives solutions through significant technical uncertainty.
Education and Experience
  • JG07: BS degree in a technical field and 2+ years of solid experience; MS preferred.

  • JG08: BS degree in a technical field and 5+ years of thorough experience; MS or PhD preferred.

  • JG09: BS degree in a technical field and 8+ years of substantial experience; MS or PhD preferred.

  • Experience with data processing/analysis/software tools (e.g. MATLAB) (including during graduate studies)

  • Hands-on experience with optical system alignment (e.g. imaging, testing, alignment, detector system, etc.)

  • Strong English communication skills - both written and oral

Personal 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

  • 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 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

  • A flexible workplace arrangement may be available to employees working in roles conducive to remote work (up to 2 days a week)

Role within Office
Essential Job Functions
The essential job functions for this position include, but are not limited to:
  • Work in a fast-paced office environment, including working in a standing or seated position for long periods sometimes exceeding 8 hours per day, 5 days per week

  • Commute to ASML's facility and report to work on a regular and timely basis and complete the scheduled workday on a consistent basis

  • Routinely required to sit; walk; talk; hear; use hands to finger, handle and feel; stoop, kneel, crouch, twist, reach and stretch

  • Occasionally required to move around the campus

  • Perform office tasks using simple hand grasping, fine hand manipulation and reach associated with assigned tasks such as paperwork, computer keyboarding (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint), filing, calculating and use of telephone or other handheld electronic devices, continuously sometimes exceeding 8 hours per day, 5 days per week

  • Have a sufficient ability to communicate, through sight, hearing and/or otherwise, to perform assigned tasks and maintain proper job safety conditions

  • 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

  • Perform other functions that may be assigned

Additional Responsibilities (as needed in the cleanroom and/or labs):
  • 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

  • Must be willing to work in a clean room environment, wearing coveralls, hoods, booties, safety glasses and gloves. Working under ISO 9000/14000 standards

  • The environment in the cleanroom is moderate in temperature with moderate to high noise level

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

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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