ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optical Design Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Truck-Lite

Optical Design Engineer

Erie, PA · On-site

Designs or guides mechanical engineers in the design of mechanical assemblies of optical elements and sources of illumination. Actively collaborates and guides electrical engineers in the design of ...

Coherent

Optical Design Staff Engineer

Saxonburg, PA · On-site

... optical and electrical. * Lens design capability using CODE V, OSLO PRO, ZEMAX, and/or FRED or equivalent lens design program is desirable. * Computer programming in C or C++ is also desirable.

Truck-Lite

Optics Design Engineer

Erie, PA · On-site

Creates, designs, and develops engineering and optical solutions for new lighting applications ... Actively participates in prototype builds, design verification, and validation testing of ...

Actalent

Hardware Design Engineer

Horsham, PA · On-site

Senior Hardware Design Engineer We are seeking an experienced Senior Hardware Design Engineer to ... Serve as the primary electrical owner for new optical transceiver hardware programs, taking full ...

New

Amphenol TCS

Mechanical Design Engineer

Yocumtown, PA · On-site

$72K - $98K/yr

... Optics, and Commercial electronics markets. Amphenol Corporation is one of the world's largest ... We are currently seeking a mechanical design engineer to join our High Speed IO Connector ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Design Engineer JobsOptical Design Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania

Optical Design Engineer information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$79.7K

$140.3K

$187.9K

How much do optical design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical design engineer in Pennsylvania is $140,253.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,300.00 and $158,900.00 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 Pennsylvania? For Optical Design Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Design Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Design Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Design Engineer jobs in PA? For Optical Design Engineer jobs in PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Optical Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Design Engineer job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $140,253 per year, or $67.4 per hour.

Optical Design Engineer

Truck-Lite

Erie, PA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Description
Essential Job Functions:
Align with our company culture, mission, values, philosophy, and policies and procedures by exemplifying our C.L.E.A.R Principles.
  • Curiosity- look for a better way as a solutions-oriented problem solver.
  • Leadership- take ownership and be the catalyst of change.
  • Enthusiasm- be motivated and passionate about your work.
  • Accountability- deliver on commitments and act with integrity.
  • Respect- be present, listen and engage with inclusive open, honest, and direct communication.

Responsibilities include:
  • Creates, designs, and develops engineering and optical solutions for new lighting applications (Using ASAP, LUCIDSHAPES, etc.)
  • Designs and develops optical solutions incorporating new technologies to improve overall functional performance and/or cost of existing products.
  • Evaluates and verifies optical designs from concept to mass production to meet requirements for specific applications.
  • Performs detailed optical designs, ray-tracing simulations, tolerance analysis, and actively supports design documentation including material and light source selection, CAD, BOM, and manufacturing and assembly processes.
  • Actively participates in prototype builds, design verification, and validation testing of components and systems from concept through product certification stages.
  • Assists in component sourcing and supplier selection and management.
  • Designs or guides mechanical engineers in the design of mechanical assemblies of optical elements and sources of illumination. Actively collaborates and guides electrical engineers in the design of electronics for driving illumination sources or control systems.
  • Analyzes and interprets lighting standards and regulatory requirements pertinent to optical design and function.
  • Leads continuous improvement of optical design capability and improvement of optical components.
  • Leads NCR resolution projects when assigned.
  • Provides engineering design expertise and guidance to engineering and marketing teams for new product definition and concept development.
  • Conducts competitive benchmarking analysis to understand and advance the "state of the art" for all aspects of solid-state lighting for commercial vehicle and general lighting applications.
  • Supports and documents multiple optics projects at any given time (ex. 7 to 10 different lighting designs).
  • Forward lighting optics subject matter expert
  • Supports other activities as directed.
  • Position requires compliance with the Technology Control Plan and the Federal Export Control Policy established for the Corporation.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENT(S):
  • Minimum of a B.S. degree in Optics or Mechanical Engineering or Physics.
  • Requires 2 to 3 years of related optical design or photometry experience.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT(S):
Preferred candidates will have prior experience in the design of complex reflector and optical lenses (TIR, Projector, Collimator, etc.), and FMVSS compliant headlamp systems, and experience with project management, proven PC skills including proficiency in MS Project/Word/Excel/Access, optics design software experience (ASAP, LUCIDSHAPE, etc.) and 3D modeling experience using Unigraphics, Pro-E, Catia, etc.).

Apply