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Optical Design Engineer Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

Ametek

Supplier Engineer - Mechanical

Middlefield, CT · On-site

Are you ready to collaborate with leading experts in optical engineering and contribute to the next ... The role blends design understanding, manufacturing process expertise, and structured problem ...

Ametek

Field Sales Application Engineer

Middlefield, CT

$100K - $124K/yr

Engineering, Optics or Optical Engineering * 3-5 years of experience in optical metrology, design engineering and manufacturing, preferably with Interferometry. May continue optical education in ...

ASML

Optical Sensors Researcher

Wilton, CT · On-site

We design, develop, integrate, market and service these advanced machines, which enable our ... Optics or Optical Engineering * Physics * Electrical Engineering Experience Minimum qualifications ...

CACI International, Inc.

Senior Quality Engineer

Danbury, CT · On-site

$90K - $122K/yr

... and Design Engineering) Desired: * Prior experience in a high-reliability environment with Electro/Mechanical/Optical equipment * MS Office proficiency, SAP experience, and statistical analysis ...

Ametek

Field Sales Application Engineer

Middlefield, CT · On-site

$100K - $124K/yr

Engineering, Optics or Optical Engineering * 3-5 years of experience in optical metrology, design engineering and manufacturing, preferably with Interferometry. May continue optical education in ...

ARKA Group

Senior Quality Engineer {D}

Danbury, CT

$90K - $122K/yr

... and Design Engineering) Preferred Qualifications: * Prior experience in a high-reliability environment with Electro/Mechanical/Optical equipment * MS Office proficiency, SAP experience, and ...

ARKA Group

Senior Quality Engineer {D}

Danbury, CT · On-site

$90K - $122K/yr

... and Design Engineering) Preferred Qualifications: * Prior experience in a high-reliability environment with Electro/Mechanical/Optical equipment * MS Office proficiency, SAP experience, and ...

Coherent

Controls Engineer

East Granby, CT

$83K - $107K/yr

Our optical fiber plant is specialized in high volume manufacturing of glass preforms, optical fibers and optical fiber assemblies. The Controls Engineer will design, install and maintain control ...

II-VI Aerospace & Defense

Controls Engineer

East Granby, CT · On-site

$83K - $107K/yr

Our optical fiber plant is specialized in high volume manufacturing of glass preforms, optical fibers and optical fiber assemblies. The Controls Engineer will design, install and maintain control ...

Coherent Corp.

Controls Engineer

East Granby, CT · On-site

$83K - $107K/yr

Our optical fiber plant is specialized in high volume manufacturing of glass preforms, optical fibers and optical fiber assemblies. The Controls Engineer will design, install and maintain control ...

II-VI Incorporated

Controls Engineer

East Granby, CT · On-site

$83K - $107K/yr

Our optical fiber plant is specialized in high volume manufacturing of glass preforms, optical fibers and optical fiber assemblies. The Controls Engineer will design, install and maintain control ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Design Engineer JobsOptical Design Engineer Jobs in Connecticut

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:
Optical Design Engineer jobs near you
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.
Senior Mechanical Engineer, Optics Manufacturing

Senior Mechanical Engineer, Optics Manufacturing

Ametek

Middlefield, CT • On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

AMETEK rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 143 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Are you ready to collaborate with leading experts in optical engineering and contribute to the next level of precision and innovation?
At Zygo, your skills and insights will be integral to our core values of curiosity, collaboration, and persistence. For over 50 years, Zygo Corporation in Middlefield, CT, has been a global leader in advanced optical metrology systems, ultra-precise optical components, and complex electro-optical systems. Join our team, where your expertise will help drive innovative solutions, solve complex technical challenges, and uphold the highest standards of precision, safety, and quality.
As a Senior Mechanical Engineer optics manufacturing, based in Middlefield, Connecticut, you will design and support precision mechanical systems, tooling, fixtures, lifting devices, handling equipment, and opto-mechanical assemblies used in the manufacturing of world-class optical components and systems. This role is ideal for a hands-on mechanical engineer who can independently develop practical mechanical solutions, support complex manufacturing operations, and improve the safety, repeatability, and efficiency of optical manufacturing processes.
You will partner closely with Manufacturing, Process Engineering, Metrology, Quality, Procurement, suppliers, and customers to develop innovative mechanical designs, support production activities, solve complex technical challenges, and enable the successful manufacturing of precision optical components ranging from small optics to meter-class assemblies.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Design and release precision tooling, fixtures, lifting devices, handling systems, and opto-mechanical assemblies using SolidWorks.
  • Develop fabrication-ready CAD models, detailed drawings, GD&T documentation, bills of material, and engineering release packages.
  • Perform or support stress, thermal, motion, and structural analyses to ensure robust and reliable mechanical designs.
  • Improve manufacturability, reduce handling risk, and support prototype builds, testing, validation activities, and technical problem resolution.
  • Collaborate with Manufacturing, Process Engineering, Metrology, Quality, Procurement, suppliers, and customers to deliver practical mechanical solutions and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline with 3 - 5+ years of experience in mechanical design, precision manufacturing, tooling design, equipment design, or opto-mechanical engineering.
  • Advanced SolidWorks proficiency, including part and assembly modeling, detailed drawings, configurations, and release documentation.
  • Experience designing precision tooling, fixtures, lifting devices, handling systems, and opto-mechanical assemblies for manufacturing environments.
  • Strong understanding of GD&T, tolerance analysis, engineering drawings, design for manufacturability, and mechanical analysis methods, including FEA.
  • Experience supporting precision optical manufacturing environments, including large, fragile, high-value components, combined with strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

Bring your passion and commitment to Zygo, where we are curious, collaborative, persistent, confident, and problem-solvers - and where safety and quality guide every step of our journey. Grow with us as we solve complex challenges, inspire confidence, and drive excellence in manufacturing.
Are you ready to expand the boundaries of possibility, simplify the complex, and embody the values that define our success?
We welcome your unique perspective and invite you to join us. We offer competitive compensation, benefits, 401(k), and paid time off programs. Compensation and position level will be set based on experience.
Due to the nature of Zygo's programs and products, applicants must have the legal right to work in the U.S. and must be legally authorized to access export-controlled information and source code.
Compensation
Employee Type: Salaried
Currency: USD
Salary Minimum: 110,000
Salary Maximum: 125,000
Incentive: No
Disclaimer: Where a specific pay range is noted, it is a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. The actual salary offered will be based on experience, skills, qualifications, market / business considerations, and geographic location.
For more information on AMETEK's competitive benefits, please click here.
AMETEK, Inc. is a leading global provider of industrial technology solutions serving a diverse set of attractive niche markets with annual sales over $7.5 billion.
AMETEK is committed to making a safer, sustainable, and more productive world a reality. We use differentiated technology solutions to solve our customers' most complex challenges. We employ 22,000 colleagues, in 35 countries, that are grounded by our core values: Ethics and Integrity, Respect for the Individual, Inclusion, Teamwork, and Social Responsibility. AMETEK is a component of the S&P 500. Visit https://www.ametek.com/careers for more information.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Individuals who need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process should call 1 (866) 263-8359.

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