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Optical Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Optical Engineer

Southfield, MI · On-site

$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 ...

Lead, Optical Engineering

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$116K - $150K/yr

... Design Engineer to join our team onsite, providing critical support for our aerospace programs. This role involves development of optical systems; specifying, selecting and qualifying active and ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 25, 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 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.
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Cities with the most Optical Design Engineer job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Optical Design Engineer jobs?

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What states have the most Optical Design Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Optical Design Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Optical Design Engineer jobs?

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Infographic showing various Optical Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,917 per year, or $67.3 per hour.

Optical Design Staff Engineer

Saxonburg, PA • On-site

II-VI Incorporated
Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Functions:

  • Support activities of the optical design. Responsible for ensuring we have the right software tools to support our customers design needs and that optical design group is proficient in using these tools. Standardize ISO work procedures within optical design group. 
  • Take responsibility for risk assessment of projects being undertaken. Ensure that quality of all groups output meets requirements and expectations of Coherent customers. 
  • Utilize optical design programs to provide component and subassembly optical designs. Ensure design specification can be met based on tolerances achievable using standard manufacturing procedures.
  • Provide technical support to customers identifying and/or designing the best products to support their application.
  • Develop fundamental understanding of Coherent products to enable role as technology expert. Interface directly with customer engineering groups. 
  • Provide optical testing support for nonstandard products.
  • Act as project manager for custom projects managing entire project responsibility for cost, quality and delivery. 
  • Lead the development of new optical and electro-optical products. Build and qualify prototypes to meet customer and market requirements.
  • Utilize Coherent Gate Review Process to ensure buy-in on technical and market strategy.
  • Utilize DFMEA design reviews to ensure robustness of designs.

Job Requirements:       

  • 4 year Science or Engineering Degree, BS minimum requirement.  Post Graduate Engineering or Science Degree - MSc or PhD
  • College science lab and engineering project experience, 5 years product design and applications experience. 
  • High organization skills, motivation, good inter-personal skills for interfacing with customers and other departments
  • Strong physics understanding, therefore, able to do theoretical analysis, both optical and electrical. 
  • Lens design capability using CODE V, OSLO PRO, ZEMAX, and/or FRED or equivalent lens design program is desirable.
  • Computer programming in C or C++ is also desirable.
  • Concise report writing is also required to aid in communicating complex optical issues.

Responsibilities:         

  • Responsible for all operations of optical design group which includes work distribution, organization, documentation, software selection, training, risk assessment design quality for the entire group. 
  • Often involved with proprietary information belonging to COHERENT and its customers. Involved with assessing technical feasibility towards setting strategic direction of IR Engineering and NPI activities.
  • Contact with outside customers, by traveling overseas and domestically and by phone and written communications, regarding optical design and electro-optic design and support during the quotation, ordering, and post order support stages. 
  • Extensive interfacing with the sales department during the quotation of special optics and electro-optics.  
  • Strong interfacing with manufacturing and QA departments to solve design and manufacturing issues.
  • Support documentation and filing of COHERENT Patents and Trade Secrets.
  • Training and mentoring other COHERENT employees.
  • Transfer of new products manufacturing and testing from prototype to production.
  • Engineer must possess ability for self monitoring and error checking so that errors are kept to a minimum. 

Job Conditions:

  • Office, general laboratory, high power laser operation, high electrical voltage operation.
  • All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work


 

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.


 

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.


 #IND

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.