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

Senior Systems Engineer

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$102K - $153K/yr

Design and conduct experiments to characterize, troubleshoot, and improve optical metrology systems ... D. in Engineering or Sciences with a focus on optical physics * >5 years experience in a ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$102K - $153K/yr

Design and conduct experiments to characterize, troubleshoot, and improve optical metrology systems ... D. in Engineering or Sciences with a focus on optical physics * >5 years experience in a ...

Manage and develop a team of engineers across optical/laser, mechanical, electrical, and test ... Guide system-level design decisions, requirements flow-down, design reviews, and risk mitigation.

Manage and develop a team of engineers across optical/laser, mechanical, electrical, and test ... Guide system-level design decisions, requirements flow-down, design reviews, and risk mitigation.

The environment includes legacy optical transport platforms, with direct SONET experience strongly ... design, analysis, circuit engineering, and records management (not solely installation or ...

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

$108K - $142K/yr

Teledyne FLIR is looking for a mechanical engineer to work in the Surveillance Systems Division in ... Design of optical airborne sensor payloads. * Responsible for the mechanical specifications and ...

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

$108K - $142K/yr

Teledyne FLIR is looking for a mechanical engineer to work in the Surveillance Systems Division in ... Design of optical airborne sensor payloads. * Responsible for the mechanical specifications and ...

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Wilsonville, OR

$108K - $142K/yr

Teledyne FLIR is looking for a mechanical engineer to work in the Surveillance Systems Division in ... Design of optical airborne sensor payloads. * Responsible for the mechanical specifications and ...

Join AZAD Technology Partners as a CAD Technician an d provide quality design, layout, and production of engineering, civil, mechanical, electrical, and fiber optic drawings within the Communications ...

Join AZAD Technology Partners as a CAD Technician an d provide quality design, layout, and production of engineering, civil, mechanical, electrical, and fiber optic drawings within the Communications ...

Knowledge of trunking, circuit design, synchronous optical networking, team division multiplexing ... In addition, Level 2 Telecom Engineer require; * Three years of telecommunications or networking ...

Showing results 41-60

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 13, 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.

Senior Systems Engineer

Onto

Hillsboro, OR • On-site

$102K - $153K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Onto Innovation is a leader in process control, combining global scale with an expanded portfolio of leading-edge technologies that include: 3D metrology spanning the chip from nanometer-scale transistors to micron-level die-interconnects; macro defect inspection of wafers and packages; metal interconnect composition; factory analytics; and lithography for advanced semiconductor packaging. Our breadth of offerings across the entire semiconductor value chain helps our customers solve their most difficult yield, device performance, quality, and reliability issues. Onto Innovation strives to optimize customers' critical path of progress by making them smarter, faster and more efficient.

Job Summary & Responsibilities

The core responsibilities of the Senior Systems Engineer are to develop new optical metrology technologies, to optimize the performance of existing metrology products, and to communicate those optimization results and methods to the field. The successful candidate will interface with cross functional engineering teams, e.g. software, hardware, and applications scientists, to generate specifications and performance requirements that guide systems development. They will also design and perform experiments that validate those requirements have been met and provide guidance on implementation improvements where needed. Additional responsibilities include support for on site installation of first in fab metrology tools, initial tool matching efforts of those systems, and the generation of procedures and training documents to educate local engineering teams.This will require international travel of up to 20%.

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Alignment, optimization, and validation of complex optical systems

  • Development of best operational methods for tool performance optimization

  • Design and conduct experiments to characterize, troubleshoot, and improve optical metrology systems

  • Develop plans of action, and execute in a timely manner

  • Generate both internal and external technical presentations

  • Clearly communicate requirements and specifications to cross functional teams

Qualifications

Candidate for this position must have met minimum requirements to successfully meet expectations for the position:

  • Ph.D. in Engineering or Sciences with a focus on optical physics

  • >5 years experience in a semiconductor capital equipment engineering role, preferably metrology

  • Experience in applications development using spectroscopic ellipsometric tools

  • Experience in the integration of precision optical and optomechanical components

  • Proficiency in data analysis using various programming/scripting tools (Python, Matlab, etc.)

  • Excellent analytical capability for systematic troubleshooting

  • Possess good interpersonal skills and willing to work in a team environment

  • Experience working on prototype systems in a hands-on laboratory setting

  • New product development and support in the semiconductor space

  • This will require international travel of up to 20%.

Why Join Onto Innovation?

At Onto Innovation, we believe your work should matter-and so should your well-being. That's why we offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family. From health, dental, and vision coverage to life and disability insurance, PTO, and a 401(k) with employer match, we've got you covered. You'll also enjoy access to our Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), wellness initiatives, and cutting-edge tools-all within a collaborative, inclusive culture where your contributions are valued and recognized.

Compensation & Growth

Base Salary Range:

$102,400.00 - $153,600.00, offered in good faith and based on experience, location, and qualifications.
  • Additional Rewards: Annual bonus opportunities and potential long-term incentives tied to both company and individual success.

Empowering Every Voice to Shape the Future:

Onto Innovation is committed to creating a workplace where every qualified candidate has an equal opportunity to succeed. We evaluate applicants based on skills, experience, and potential - without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We believe diversity of thought and background drives innovation and strengthens our team.

Important Note on Export Compliance

For certain positions requiring access to technical data, U.S. export licensing review may be necessary for applicants who are not U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, or other protected persons under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).


ONTO logo

About ONTO

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

2021