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

Prattwhitney

Senior Systems Engineer - EO/IR

Plano, TX · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Minimum eight (or 5?) years of documented work and/or academic experience in optical design ... Experience programming in C or C++ and using MATLAB or Python for data set evaluation * U.S ...

Raytheon

Senior Systems Engineer - EO/IR

Plano, TX · On-site

$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 ...

Prattwhitney

EO/IR Principal Systems Engineer

Plano, TX · On-site

$108 - $205/hr

Typically requires a bachelor's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of relevant work or academic experience in optical design and algorithm ...

Trace3

Engineer: Tier 2 (On-site)

Dallas, TX

Plan, design, engineer, configure, maintain, defend, troubleshoot, and repair classified and ... Ability to properly identify various fiber optic cables and optics (LC, SC, FC, Single Mode ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsOptical Design Engineer JobsOptical Design Engineer Jobs in Dallas, TX

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 Sep 5, 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 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 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 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 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.

Are optical design engineers in high demand?

Optical design engineers are in high demand due to the growth of industries such as telecommunications, consumer electronics, and aerospace that rely on advanced optical systems. Their expertise in lens design, optical simulations, and proficiency with tools like Zemax or Code V makes them valuable in developing innovative optical solutions, especially as technology continues to advance.

What do optical design engineers do?

Optical design engineers develop and optimize optical systems and components, such as lenses, microscopes, and cameras, using specialized software like Zemax or Code V. They analyze light behavior, perform simulations, and ensure designs meet performance specifications, often collaborating with manufacturing and testing teams. Strong knowledge of optics, physics, and CAD tools is essential for this role.

What are popular job titles related to Optical Design Engineer jobs in Dallas, TX?

For Optical Design Engineer jobs in Dallas, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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:

Optical Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Design Engineer job openings in Dallas, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% 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 Systems Engineer - EO/IR

Prattwhitney

Plano, TX • On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Pratt & Whitney rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 157 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Senior System Engineer – Naval Airborne Systems (NAS)

Date posted: 2026-07-02

Location: Plano, Texas, United States

Employment type: Onsite (full‑time)

Security clearance: U.S. citizenship required; Top Secret clearance required; must obtain U.S. government issued security clearance before start.

What You Will Do
  • Leverage software development skills to develop and implement new mode algorithms for cutting‑edge processing solutions and platforms
  • Conduct performance analysis, algorithm development, trade study generation, statistical modeling, performance predictions, and data analysis for complex systems
  • Interface with team lead, team members, and related engineers
  • Participate in customer and program presentations
  • Provide task progress status updates and deliver work products to team lead
Qualifications You Must Have
  • Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM)
  • Minimum eight (or 5?) years of documented work and/or academic experience in optical design, algorithm development, imaging EO/IR systems, physics, image signal processing, and/or discrimination algorithms
  • Experience programming in C or C++ and using MATLAB or Python for data set evaluation
  • U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance
Preferred Qualifications
  • Top Secret clearance
  • Advanced degree in STEM
  • Experience developing signal processing algorithms for airborne surveillance, signal & image processing, digital communications, detection and estimation theory, or AI/ML and training techniques
  • UNIX/Linux experience
  • Real‑time programming and software change management tools/processes
Benefits
  • Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term & long‑term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts
  • Paid time off, holidays, parental leave, employee assistance program
  • Relocation assistance available
  • Annual short‑term and/or long‑term incentive compensation programs (dependent on level and agreement)
Equal Opportunity Employer

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable protected class.

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About Pratt & Whitney

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Pratt & Whitney has a long history of leadership and innovation in the field of aviation propulsion. Our story begins in the 1920s and has flourished throughout the decades. We have continuously transformed and reinvented our businesses to offer superior products and services to our customers. In 1925, the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company was founded by Frederick B. Rentschler, pioneer of the air-cooled radial engine design which enabled unprecedented power-to-weight ratio. Its first engine, the R-1340 Wasp engine, transformed military and commercial aviation and is still in use today. In 1928, the Canadian division of the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company was established. In 1944, Pratt & Whitney began its gas turbine and jet propulsion initiative. The company constructed a wind tunnel, laboratory and engineering center to support our allies’ efforts in World War II. In 1945, wartime production included more than 300,000 Pratt & Whitney engines, touted by service members as extremely dependable – a legacy that continues today. From there, Pratt & Whitney continued to design and innovate more powerful, agile, and reliable engines becoming a leader in the aerospace industry. Today, Pratt & Whitney has more than 85,000 engines in service and more than 16,000 customers worldwide.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

East Hartford, CT, US

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