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Optical Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TekGarden

Optical Engineer

Fletcher, NC · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Amat

Optical Engineer IV

Santa Clara, CA

$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 ...

LIGHTPATH TECHNOLOGIES 1

Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$112K - $145K/yr

Conduct optical design and optimization of infrared optical systems and assemblies, and support new product introduction from initial concept to production release. * Utilize optical raytracing ...

Panduit

Fiber Optics Design Engineer

Tinley Park, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

The Fiber Optics Design Engineer will drive the design and development of innovative fiber optic ... Education: Bachelor's Degree Engineering, Opto-electronics, or Optical Engineering. Advanced ...

Panduit

Fiber Optics Design Engineer

Tinley Park, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

The Fiber Optics Design Engineer will drive the design and development of innovative fiber optic ... Education: Bachelor's Degree Engineering, Opto-electronics, or Optical Engineering. Advanced ...

AEI-CIG

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$110K - $200K/yr

Position Overview We are seeking an Optical Engineer to support the design, development, and optimization of optical transceiver products for high-speed optical communication systems. The candidate ...

Intellectt INC

Senior Optical Engineer

Princeton, NJ · On-site

Design, model, and optimize optical systems for imaging and microscopy. * Perform detailed optical ... Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams and external vendors. * Create technical ...

Raytheon

Principal Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$137K - $177K/yr

Optical design and analysis with Zemax, CodeV, FRED, and/or Matlab. * Optical requirements ... Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum ...

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All JobsOptical Design Engineer Jobs

Optical Design Engineer information

See salary details

$79.5K

$139.9K

$187.5K

How much do optical design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 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
Infographic showing various Optical Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 42% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,917 per year, or $67.3 per hour.

Optical Design Engineer - Cooper Lighting Solutions

Genlyte Group

Peachtree City, GA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

About Signify

Through bold discovery and cutting-edge innovation, we lead an industry that is vital for the future of our planet: lighting. Through our leadership in connected lighting and the Internet of Things, we're breaking new ground in data analytics, AI, and smart solutions for homes, offices, cities, and beyond.

At Signify, you can shape tomorrow by building on our incredible 125+ year legacy while working toward even bolder sustainability goals. Our culture of continuous learning, creativity, and commitment to diversity and inclusion empowers you to grow your skills and career.

Join us, and together, we'll transform our industry, making a lasting difference for brighter lives and a better world.

More about the role

This is an exciting job opportunity for you as an Optical Design Engineer in Peachtree City, Georgia, with Cooper Lighting Solutions, a business unit of Signify, the world leader in lighting.

Key Areas of Responsibility

  • Specialized in i.e. Illumination Optics. Translates product requirements in optical specifications, leads the selection of the optical architecture, design optimization and development of illumination optical systems to meet project specifications and offerings until release in the market.
  • Responsible for the design, development, testing and documenting of a system, subsystem, or a component as part of an overall architecture. Ensure that engineering solutions are practical, efficient, and aligned with project goals and industry standards.
  • Applies the latest technology and research findings/results into engineering designs solutions and design rules.
  • Designs, realizes, tests (sub-) systems or components based on design requirements and produces specs for the product and propositions.
  • Drives IP creation and protection (Patents, Trade secrets, Copyrights).

More about you

While we value and appreciate all applicants, we believe that the following experience and skills will be needed to shine brightly in this job opening:

  • Degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related field.
  • 2+ years of experience in optical design and testing, with a focus on integrating optical solutions into engineering projects.
  • Strong background in optical engineering within Lighting or similar product segments preferred.

*Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future company sponsorship needs.

  • Salary:$93,000- $136,000 based on experience
  • Bonus:target bonus opportunity - 10%
  • Benefits Overview:Company subsidized benefits plan offerings that include Medical, Health Savings Account, Dental, 401K retirement plan with company match, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), Paid Time Off, including paid vacation, holidays/personal days, tuition reimbursement and products discounts. Ability to purchase supplemental benefits that include supplemental life insurance, dependent life insurance, vision insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance, health care flexible spending account and dependent care flexible spending account.

Everything we'll do for you

You can grow a lasting career here. We'll encourage you, support you, and challenge you. We'll help you learn and progress in a way that's right for you, with coaching and mentoring along the way. We'll listen to you too, because we see and value every one of our27,000+ people. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace fosters creativity, innovation, and a full spectrum of bright ideas. With a global workforce present in 70+ countries, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where every voice is heard and valued, helping us all achieve more together.

Come join us, and together we can light up the future.

Apply