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Optical Design Engineer Jobs in Dallas, TX (NOW HIRING)

As a Senior Optical Engineer supporting the Intraocular Lens (IOL) R&D and Advanced Optics team ... Leading end-to-end optical design and simulation using Zemax/Code V, developing proprietary optics ...

Camera and Optical Engineer

Richardson, TX · On-site

$116K - $150K/yr

Camera and Optical Engineer Applied Concepts, Inc. - Richardson, Texas Camera and Optical Engineer ... Design and implement high-performance camera systems tailored for specific applications.

System Design Engineer

Coppell, TX · On-site +1

$98K - $135K/yr

You will collaborate closely with multiple departments, including Marketing, PLM, Sales, Optical, and Software Engineering, to ensure seamless network design and implementation. Your expertise will ...

System Design Engineer

Coppell, TX · On-site

$108K - $154K/yr

You will collaborate closely with multiple departments, including Marketing, PLM, Sales, Optical, and Software Engineering, to ensure seamless network design and implementation. Your expertise will ...

Senior FPGA Design Engineer

Dallas, TX

$121K - $167K/yr

As a Senior FPGA Design Engineer you will develop FPGA designs for all major vendors and device ... RF) and Electro-Optical (EO) DSP, controls, data links, embedded processing and processor ...

We have an exciting opportunity for a Mechanical Engineer to join our Airborne & Ground Optics Department in McKinney, Texas. The responsibilities will include all aspects of the mechanical design ...

We have an exciting opportunity for a Mechanical Engineer to join our Airborne & Ground Optics Department in McKinney, Texas. The responsibilities will include all aspects of the mechanical design ...

Amphenol Fiber Systems International (AFSI) is a full service fiber optic company specializing in ... Design Engineering Manager Engineering • Allen, TX Onsite • Full-Time Reports To: Director of ...

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Showing results 1-20

Optical Design Engineer information

See Dallas, TX salary details

$78.6K

$138.4K

$185.5K

How much do optical design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical design engineer in Dallas, TX is $138,410.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,600.00 and $156,800.00 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 job categories do people searching Optical Design Engineer jobs in Dallas, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Design Engineer jobs in Dallas, TX are:
What cities near Dallas, TX are hiring for Optical Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Dallas, TX with the most Optical Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Optical Design Engineer job openings in Dallas, TX as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,410 per year, or $66.5 per hour.
Senior Optical Engineer

Senior Optical Engineer

Alcon

Fort Worth, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Alcon rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

320th of 535 rated manufacturers


Job description

At Alcon, we are driven by the meaningful work we do to help people see brilliantly. We innovate boldly, champion progress, and act with speed as the global leader in eye care. Here, you'll be recognized for your commitment and contributions and see your career like never before. Together, we go above and beyond to make an impact in the lives of our patients and customers.
We foster an inclusive culture and are looking for diverse, talented people to join Alcon. As a Senior Optical Engineer supporting the Intraocular Lens (IOL) R&D and Advanced Optics team, you will be trusted to work on proprietary optical design, simulation, and metrology innovations that advance vision-restoring ophthalmic technologies at our Fort Worth, Texas site.
In this role, a typical day will include:
  • Driving cross-functional innovation with Optics, Ophthalmology, Chemistry, and Mechanical Engineering teams to solve complex IOL and vision-correction challenges, advancing Alcon's mission to help people see brilliantly.
  • Leading end-to-end optical design and simulation using Zemax/Code V, developing proprietary optics optimized for human vision and defining rigorous optical metrology to ensure world-class performance.
  • Owning critical IOL R&D programs, from conceptual research through execution, applying deep technical judgment and creativity to introduce new design methodologies, materials, or processes; success measured by technical maturity and clinical impact.
  • Leveraging advanced computation and data-driven analysis (Python, MATLAB, ML/data libraries) to accelerate design decisions, improve performance robustness, and elevate engineering efficiency.
  • Setting the technical bar and mentoring others, leading design reviews, influencing best practices, and ensuring compliance with ISO, FDA, and MDD standards-contributing to Alcon's culture of excellence, accountability, and patient-first innovation.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO ALCON:
  • Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +10 yrs; Assoc.+6 yrs; M.S.+0 yrs)
  • The ability to fluently read, write, understand and communicate in English
  • 2 Years of Relevant Experience

PREFERRED:
  • Proven ability to develop solutions for problems that require the regular use of creativity.
  • Knowledge of ISO, FDA, MDD and regulations applicable to the design and development of medical device/science/technology.
  • Understands applied practice, concepts and processes in a defined discipline or scientific/technical field.
  • Provides specific advice in own area and recommends improvements to well established and clearly defined processes.
  • Encounters problems that are varied but similar. Requires some fact-finding to define problem. Selects the best option from a set of defined procedures or based on precedence.
  • Proficiency in Python and common ML/data libraries (e.g., NumPy, SciPy, scikit-learn, PyTorch/TensorFlow) or Matlab.
  • Experience with optical design, optical engineering and optical software like Zemax or Code V are required.
  • Candidates with an advanced degree in Optics, Optical Engineering, Physics or a related engineering field will be given preference.

RELOCATION: Yes
SPONSORSHIP: Yes
HOW YOU CAN THRIVE AT ALCON:
  • See your career like never before with focused growth and development opportunities
  • Join Alcon's mission to provide outstanding, innovative products and solutions to improve sight, improve lives, and grow your career!
  • Alcon provides robust benefits package including health, life, retirement, flexible time off for exempt associates, PTO for hourly associates, and much more!

Alcon Careers
See your impact at alcon.com/careers
ATTENTION: Current Alcon Employee/Contingent Worker
If you are currently an active employee/contingent worker at Alcon, please click the appropriate link below to apply on the Internal Career site.
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ALCON IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND PARTICIPATES IN E-VERIFY
Alcon takes pride in maintaining an inclusive environment that values different perspectives and our policies are non-discriminatory in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Alcon is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to alcon.recruitment@alcon.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

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