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Optical Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gooch & Housego PLC

Optical Design Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

... Design Engineers interacting closely with Production, Sales and Process Engineering to help create, test and refine Acousto- and Electro-Optic Products through release-to-Manufacturing. Because of ...

Truck-Lite

Optics Design Engineer

Erie, PA · On-site

Creates, designs, and develops engineering and optical solutions for new lighting applications ... Actively participates in prototype builds, design verification, and validation testing of ...

TekGarden

Optical Engineer

Fletcher, NC

$122K - $158K/yr

\n \n \n Optical Design Engineer We are seeking an Optical Design Engineer to join a well\-respected team of engineers in building innovative LED lighting for emergency vehicles - the lights that help ...

Syntec Optics

Optics Designer

Rochester, NY · On-site

We are seeking an experienced Optical Design Engineer to lead the design, analysis, and optimization of optical systems for a variety of applications and advanced technologies. This role involves ...

BHT

Optical Engineer

Southfield, MI

$118K - $153K/yr

Ensure that optical designs can be tooled, manufactured, and meet legal and customer requirements ... Interface pro-actively with Design Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Tooling Engineers, and ...

BHT

Optical Engineer

Southfield, MI · On-site

$118K - $153K/yr

FMVSS 108, ECE, CCC, and SAE standards. • Assist in design of manufacturing tools, fixtures and ... S. in Engineering or Applied Physics. • 4+ yrs. Illumination Optical Design (non-imaging ...

IDEX

Optical Engineer

Albuquerque, NM

$125K - $161K/yr

Design, analyze, develop, and tolerance optical components and systems to meet or exceed product specifications. Evaluate optical design feasibility considering requirements, tolerances ...

IDEX Corporation

Optical Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$125K - $161K/yr

This role evaluates optical design feasibility based on performance requirements, tolerances, manufacturing capabilities, and cost considerations. The Optical Engineer serves as a technical resource ...

Applied Materials

Optical Engineer IV

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$161K - $221K/yr

We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display ... Key Responsibilities Optical design engineer to support the development of high-performance optical ...

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Optical Design Engineer information

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$79.5K

$139.9K

$187.5K

How much do optical design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical design engineer in the United States is $139,917.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $158,500.00 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.
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Optical Design Engineer jobs near you

Optical Design Engineer

Gooch & Housego Pal Alto

Fremont, CA

$140K - $170K/yr

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Description

ABOUT US

Gooch & Housego is a world leader in the design and manufacture of customized photonics components and modules for industrial, avionic, and medical OEMs. At our Fremont, CA Facility, we are looking for a motivated Individual to work in a team of Design Engineers interacting closely with Production, Sales and Process Engineering to help create, test and refine Acousto- and Electro-Optic Products through release-to-Manufacturing. Because of the unique Products G&H sells, the Job will initially focus on all technical aspects of Prototype build and characterization, and evolve over time into Product Design dependent on the Candidates experience and aptitude.


We are looking for an Individual with:

  • Master's or PhD in Science or Engineering
  • Professional Experience 5-10 years in laser or optics industry.
  • Hands-on experimental experience in a Laser laboratory
  • Strong analytical thinking, including theoretical and other modelling in problem solving
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Requirements

Required and Useful Skills:

  • Hands on experience with Opto-mechanical assemblies
  • Theoretical understanding of optical beam diffraction
  • Gaussian beam and/or Ray trace modelling a plus
  • RF background a plus (Impedance transformation circuits)
  • MatLab or equivalent
  • UV and/or MIR optical experience a plus

Note: This job description is not intended to be exhaustive in every respect, but rather to clearly define the fundamental purpose, responsibilities and dimensions for the role. Therefore, this job description does not describe any individual role holder. In addition to the contents of this job description, employees are expected to undertake all other reasonable and related tasks allocated by their line manager.


The Company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunity or practices on the grounds of gender, race, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by national laws under which the Company operates.


In the instance that the position will involve having access to items and technical data that may be controlled under U.S. export laws and regulations ("U.S. Export Control Laws"), including but not limited to the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR") and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations ("ITAR"). To comply with the U.S. Export Control Laws, and in conjunction with the review of candidates for those positions within G&H that may present access to export-controlled technical data, G&H must assess whether candidates are "U.S. persons" as defined under the EAR (15 C.F.R. Part 772) and the ITAR (22 C.F.R. 120.15). Certain questions asked during the application process are intended to assess this and will be used for evaluation purposes only. Failure to provide the necessary information in this regard will result in our inability to consider you further for this position.

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