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Optical Design Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Design components, subsystems, and portions of engineering solutions for mechanical, electrical, optical, and fluidic systems. * Create designs using CAD; perform product layout and detailed part ...

The Site Supervisor - Optical Fiber Service Delivery is responsible for the overall leadership ... Ensure adherence to engineering design packages (EDPs), technical specifications, and scopes of ...

Lead design for reliability, maintainability, and manufacturability at the system level. Cross-Functional Collaboration * Collaborate with optical, mechanical, electrical, and software engineering ...

The Optical Metrology Division products are used for optical overlay metrology. The portfolio of ... Design and execute multi-disciplinary experiments; author and review detailed test plans and ...

The Optical Metrology Division products are used for optical overlay metrology. The portfolio of ... Design and execute multi-disciplinary experiments; author and review detailed test plans and ...

The Optical Metrology Division products are used for optical overlay metrology. The portfolio of ... Design and execute multi-disciplinary experiments; author and review detailed test plans and ...

Showing results 21-40

Optical Design Engineer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$84.3K

$148.4K

$198.8K

How much do optical design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical design engineer in Portland, OR is $148,382.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $136,800.00 and $168,100.00 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 Portland, OR? For Optical Design Engineer jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Design Engineer jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Design Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:
Infographic showing various Optical Design Engineer job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 88% Full Time, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $148,382 per year, or $71.3 per hour.

Research & Development Engineer

Hp

Vancouver, WA • On-site

$93K - $143K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


HP rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 157 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Research & Development Engineer

Description -

Job Description

HP's Specialty Printing and Technology Solutions business unit is chartered to leverage HP's printing technology assets to OEM's in a wide array of markets including Product Identification, Labels, Transactions, Postage, Mail Addressing, and Life Sciences markets. We repurpose these assets to address needs in vertical markets where HP's technology, performance, and reliability can bring value. The SPTS Engineering Organization is chartered to extend these assets with high-ROI solutions that fit the needs of these markets through specialty inks, printheads, enablers and full imaging solutions.

Tremendous opportunities exist to leverage HP print technologies and apply them to create new applications in the Life Sciences. The SPTS Life Science Dispense business is one new Life Science business that HP has already launched. We develop and sell dispensing products that leverage HP's world-class inkjet printing technology.

Job Summary

This position is for a Mechanical Engineering (ME) design engineer. You will be part of a core group of design engineers developing new, disruptive technology and products. The role spans product layout and component/subsystem design, early prototyping, assembly tools and methods, and scaling designs into production-ready solutions through established product development processes. Work is dynamic and may change as needs evolve in a fast-paced, lean, collaborative environment.

You may lead technical work direction for product design, test tools or assembly tooling, including defining technical metrics and specifications to support program goals, assigning work to supporting engineers, developing and tracking technical milestones, and creating forums/structures for integration across internal teams and external/ODM partners. You will drive issue resolution and provide regular status updates to senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

  • Design components, subsystems, and portions of engineering solutions for mechanical, electrical, optical, and fluidic systems.

  • Create designs using CAD; perform product layout and detailed part/assembly design.

  • Develop specifications and manage technical interfaces/boundaries between systems and subsystems.

  • Plan and execute (or implement established) test and validation methods, including form/fit/function, tolerances, shock and vibration, EMI, safety, reliability, thermal generation, and system power measurements.

  • Own components and subsystems through early technology development: idea conception, prototyping, experimentation, and maturation into production-ready solutions.

  • Support development of assembly tools, assembly methods, and process flows within internal labs and at outsourced/ODM integration partner manufacturing sites.

  • Collaborate cross-functionally across teams, geographies, and external/ODM partners to integrate designs.

  • Track and resolve technical issues; communicate status, risks, and mitigation plans with cross-functional partners.


Education & Experience Recommended

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related field with a proven record demonstrating product design and analysis capabilities).

  • Typically 4+ years of product development (or equivalent) experience.


Knowledge & Skills

  • Strong grasp of mechanical engineering principles; analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to exercise independent judgment.

  • Experience designing electromechanical components, electronic enclosures, mechanical assemblies, structural elements, fluid systems, and/or optical components.

  • Knowledge of manufacturing processes and joining technologies (e.g., injection molding, die casting, sheet metal, and related joining methods) and mechanical properties of materials.

  • Mechanical and fluid systems analysis (e.g., tolerances, stress/strain, thermal calculations) using modeling tools.

  • Proficiency with CAD; high proficiency with CoCreate/OneSpace Designer is a strong plus.

  • Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and high-volume manufacturing methods; design for reliability.

  • Knowledge of microfluidics, FAB processes, final assembly methods, and phase-gate product development processes is highly valued (role-dependent).

  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external/ODM partners across organizations and geographies; willingness to travel as needed.

  • Clear written and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate technical concepts, tradeoffs, and status to partners and senior stakeholders.

  • Growth mindset, creativity, and comfort operating in a start-up-like environment within a larger organization; mentorship opportunities may be available depending on level and assignment.

The pay range for this role is$93,400to$143,800USD annually with additional opportunities for pay in the form of bonus and/or equity (applies to United States of America candidates only). Pay varies by work location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Benefits:
HP offers a comprehensive benefits package for this position, including:

  • Health insurance

  • Dental insurance

  • Vision insurance

  • Long term/short term disability insurance

  • Employee assistance program

  • Flexible spending account

  • Life insurance

  • Generous time off policies, including;

  • 4-12 weeks fully paid parental leave based on tenure

  • 11 paid holidays

  • Additional flexible paid vacation and sick leave (US benefits overview)


The compensation and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, with or without notice, subject to applicable law.

Job -

Engineering

Schedule -

Full time

Shift -

No shift premium (United States of America)

Travel -

Relocation -

No

Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) -

HP, Inc. provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and prospective employees, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, age, disability, or status as a protected veteran, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, uniformed service status, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by applicable national, federal, state, and local law(s).

Please be assured that you will not be subject to any adverse treatment if you choose to disclose the information requested. This information is provided voluntarily. The information obtained will be kept in strict confidence.

For more information, review HP'sEEO Policy or read about your rights as an applicant under the law here: "Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal"


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About HP

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

HP is a technology company that operates in more than 170 countries around the world united in creating technology that makes life better for everyone, everywhere. From the boardroom to factory floor, we create a culture where everyone is respected and where people can be themselves, while being a part of something bigger than themselves. We celebrate the notion that you can belong at HP and bring your authentic self to work each and every day. When you do that, you're more innovative and that helps grow our bottom line. Our history: HP's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion - it's just who we are. From the boardroom to factory floor, we create a culture where everyone is respected and where people can be themselves, while being a part of something bigger than themselves. We celebrate the notion that you can belong at HP and bring your authentic self to work each and every day. When you do that, you're more innovative and that helps grow our bottom line.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Palo Alto, CA, US

Year founded

1939