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Optical Design Engineer Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

PIC Design Engineer

Matawan, NJ ยท On-site

$170K - $290K/yr

You will be part of a multi-disciplinary start-up team, including optical, electrical, mechanical ... device design. You are enthusiastic about engineering and seeing your efforts contribute to ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Totowa, NJ ยท On-site

$77K - $104K/yr

Successful Mechanical Design Engineer will work in the Mechanical Department of KLA ECI division ... Opportunities to integrate sensitive components (optics/opto-mechanics, spectrometers, light ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Totowa, NJ ยท On-site

$71K - $121K/yr

As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will work in the Mechanical Department of KLA ECI division ... Knowledge of the fluidic and pneumatic systems, material science, spectrophotometry or fiber-optics ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Totowa, NJ

$77K - $104K/yr

Successful Mechanical Design Engineer will work in the Mechanical Department of KLA ECI division ... Opportunities to integrate sensitive components (optics/opto-mechanics, spectrometers, light ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Totowa, NJ ยท On-site

$77K - $104K/yr

Successful Mechanical Design Engineer will work in the Mechanical Department of KLA ECI division ... Opportunities to integrate sensitive components (optics/opto-mechanics, spectrometers, light ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Totowa, NJ ยท On-site

$71K - $121K/yr

As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will work in the Mechanical Department of KLA ECI division ... Knowledge of the fluidic and pneumatic systems, material science, spectrophotometry or fiber-optics ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Totowa, NJ

$77K - $104K/yr

Successful Mechanical Design Engineer will work in the Mechanical Department of KLA ECI division ... Opportunities to integrate sensitive components (optics/opto-mechanics, spectrometers, light ...

Sr Optical Engineer

Denville, NJ

$123K - $160K/yr

Our Special Optics team is a design, development and manufacturing group located in Denville, New Jersey. As an Optical Engineer, you will execute optical designs per specification to provide ...

Optical Engineer

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$142K - $183K/yr

This optical engineer will be responsible for the design, tolerancing, manufacturing support, and testing design of systems. Will support product development and OEM business.

Optical Engineer

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$142K - $183K/yr

This optical engineer will be responsible for the design, tolerancing, manufacturing support, and testing design of systems. Will support product development and OEM business.

Sr Optical Engineer

Denville, NJ ยท On-site

$100 - $175/hr

Our Special Optics team is a design, development and manufacturing group located in Denville, New Jersey. As an Optical Engineer, you will execute optical designs per specification to provide state ...

Use design of experiment and failure analysis techniques to identify and resolve issues related to optical device performance * Develop and implement strategies for test automation to improve testing ...

Sr Optical Engineer

Denville, NJ ยท On-site

$123K - $160K/yr

Our Special Optics team is a design, development and manufacturing group located in Denville, New Jersey. As an Optical Engineer, you will execute optical designs per specification to provide ...

Lead micro-optic design and modeling initiatives that support high-volume manufacturing ... Drive technical decision-making as a lead engineer on development projects. The must haves: * 5+ ...

Showing results 21-40

Optical Design Engineer information

See New York salary details

$87K

$153.1K

$205.1K

How much do optical design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical design engineer in New York is $153,074.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,100.00 and $173,400.00 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 New York? For Optical Design Engineer jobs in New York, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in New York are hiring for Optical Design Engineer jobs? Cities in New York with the most Optical Design Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Design Engineer jobs in NY? For Optical Design Engineer jobs in NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Optical Design Engineer job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,074 per year, or $73.6 per hour.

PIC Design Engineer

Pixcel

Matawan, NJ โ€ข On-site

$170K - $290K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

PIXCEL (https://www.pixcel.com) develops novel semiconductor-based photonic modules aimed at sensing and imaging applications.
ย 
What you'll do:ย 
-You will be responsible for the design of novel Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs). You will:
-Develop passive and active photonic components using simulation tools.
-Perform physical layout and DRC verifications.
-Manage R&D and production PIC tape-outs.
-Work with foundry partners to optimize PDKs.
-Collaborate with the engineering team on innovative product concepts.
ย 
Who you'll work with:
You will be part of a multi-disciplinary start-up team, including optical, electrical, mechanical, and software engineers. You will work closely with PIXCEL's silicon photonics development leads. The position is based in Matawan, NJ. Hybrid work arrangements will be considered for exceptional candidates.
ย 
Who you are:
You have extensive experience with silicon photonics and optoelectronic device design. You are enthusiastic about engineering and seeing your efforts contribute to innovative products for real-world applications. You are excited about the opportunity to help build a great company. You can work independently, but you value a friendly, team-oriented, collaborative work environment. You appreciate learning from your colleagues and letting them learn from you. Your great interpersonal and communication skills allow effortless collaboration across the organization.
ย 
Minimum requirements:
-Ph.D. with 2+ years or M.S. with 5+ years of industry experience.
-Prior experience with commercial PIC tape-outs and design-for-manufacturing (DFM).
-Proficient in GDS-based layout tools (e.g. KLayout or similar).
-Experience with Lumerical, Cadence Vituoso, or similar EDA tools.
-Demonstrated Python/Matlab coding skills.
-Knowledge of commercial silicon photonics foundry processes.
-Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
$170,000 - $290,000 a year
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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