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

Design Engineering Manager Engineering · Allen, TX Onsite · Full-Time Reports To: Director of ... Since 1993, AFSI has built a reputation for delivering reliable, high-performance fiber optic ...

Senior Systems Engineer - EO/IR

Plano, TX

$100K - $136K/yr

Typically requires a Bachelor degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of eight (5) or more years of documented work and/or academic experience in optical design ...

FPGA Engineer II

Plano, TX

$117K - $162K/yr

... RF) and Electro-Optical (EO) DSP, controls, data links, embedded processing, and processor ... Design support is expected from requirements definition through production release. Design ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 15, 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,410 per year, or $66.5 per hour.

Design Engineering Manager

amphenol

Allen, TX

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Design Engineering Manager

Engineering · Allen, TX Onsite · Full-Time

Reports To: Director of Product Development, Joe Ingold

Salary Range: $130,000k – $170,000k

 

About Amphenol Fiber Systems International

Amphenol Fiber Systems International (AFSI), based in Allen, Texas, is a leading manufacturer of harsh-environment fiber optic connectivity products serving the military, telecommunications, and industrial markets worldwide. Since 1993, AFSI has built a reputation for delivering reliable, high-performance fiber optic systems engineered to operate in the toughest conditions.

 

Our Mission                                                                                                                                                    

Our mission is to be the world’s most advanced harsh environment fiber optic company by building a culture where curiosity is core, teamwork is fostered, continuous improvement is routine, and attention to detail defines our success.

 

About the Role

The Design Engineering Manager is responsible for guiding and leading the engineering team in the development of new products/technologies, providing engineering support of existing products and supporting the product management, operations and sales organizations.

 

What You'll Do

Product Development

  • Provides leadership to the engineering team
  • Interfaces with product managers, sales/BD, systems engineering and/or customers to understand product requirements and trade-offs
  • Helps plan and organize engineering efforts
  • Drives the engineering team to develop detailed designs that meet new product requirements
  • Focus the engineering team on quality, schedule, and cost
  • Ensures that product designs are well documented
  • Manages, allocates, and/or re-allocates resources to ensure schedules are met and communicates any schedule changes
  • Manages the work assignments for engineering staff based on company priorities
  • Works with the executives, PLM, sales teams and others on our innovation process to define the direction of the technology development
  • Manages the personnel aspects of the engineering department
  • Provides employee development, teambuilding, coaching and mentoring

Engineering Support to Sales and Product Management

  • Ensures that the engineering team provides engineering support to sales and the product managers
  • Supports proposal and quoting activity as required
  • Provides technical guidance to PLM and Sales
  • Oversees Configuration Management of products and instills Best CM Practices
  • Implements and oversees AS9100 requirements as they pertain to the design process

Engineering Support to Manufacturing & Operations

  • As needed, ensures that the engineering team supports the design and development of the tools and processes required to manufacture new products
  • Ensures that the engineering team resolves manufacturing and procurement issues relating to product design
  • Ensures that the engineering team supports manufacturing as new products are introduced into the manufacturing environment

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering discipline
  • Minimum 5 years of engineering leadership experience multidisciplinary engineering teams
  • Experience leading new product development from concept through production
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and assembly documentation
  • Experience with CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, Inventor, or equivalent preferred)
  • Strong knowledge of AS9100, PLM systems, configuration management, and engineering change processes
  • Excellent leadership, communication, project management, and problem-solving skills
  • U.S Citizen or Permanent Resident to satisfy ITAR requirements

Why Join Us

  • Health, dental and vision insurance
  • 401k match
  • Paid Time Off
  • Health Savings Account

Equal Opportunity Statement

Amphenol Fiber Systems International is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.