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Optical Design Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

We are a global photonics company (25+ years), specializing in custom optical design, engineering, and manufacturing for high-tech industries worldwide. Position Overview Avantier is seeking an ...

Sr Optical Engineer

Denville, NJ

$123K - $160K/yr

Our Special Optics team is a design, development and manufacturing group located in Denville, New Jersey. As an Optical Engineer, you will execute optical designs per specification to provide ...

Optical Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$142K - $183K/yr

This optical engineer will be responsible for the design, tolerancing, manufacturing support, and testing design of systems. Will support product development and OEM business.

Use design of experiment and failure analysis techniques to identify and resolve issues related to optical device performance * Develop and implement strategies for test automation to improve testing ...

Optical Engineer

Manhattan, NY

$142K - $183K/yr

This optical engineer will be responsible for the design, tolerancing, manufacturing support, and testing design of systems. Will support product development and OEM business.

Sr Optical Engineer

Denville, NJ · On-site

$100 - $175/hr

Our Special Optics team is a design, development and manufacturing group located in Denville, New Jersey. As an Optical Engineer, you will execute optical designs per specification to provide state ...

Drive the architecture and development of next-generation optical engines in advanced Si photonics ... Champion design-for-test and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) best practices, establishing photonic ...

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Showing results 1-20

Optical Design information

See New York salary details

$88.6K

$158.1K

How much do optical design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical design in New York is $156,120.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $156,400.00 and $156,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by optical design engineers in project development?

Optical design engineers often face challenges such as balancing performance requirements with cost and manufacturability, ensuring tolerance to environmental factors, and integrating optics with mechanical and electronic systems. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams is essential, as changes in one component can impact the entire system's performance. Staying updated with the latest simulation and modeling tools also helps address these challenges efficiently.

What is the difference between Optical Design vs Optical Engineering?

AspectOptical DesignOptical Engineering
CredentialsDegree in optics, physics, or engineeringDegree in optics, physics, or engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, CAD software, simulation toolsManufacturing, testing labs, integration environments
Industry UsageDeveloping lens systems, optical componentsImplementing, testing, and maintaining optical systems
Search/Comparison IntentFocus on designing optical systemsFocus on applying and optimizing optical systems

Optical Design involves creating and simulating optical systems and components, primarily focusing on the conceptual and detailed design phase. Optical Engineering extends this work into implementing, testing, and maintaining these systems in real-world applications. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in their focus within the optical development process.

What is optical design?

Optical design is the process of creating systems and components that manipulate light, such as lenses, mirrors, and optical instruments. Professionals in this field use principles of physics and engineering to design devices like cameras, microscopes, telescopes, and fiber optic systems. They often use specialized software to model how light will travel through different materials and configurations, optimizing for factors like image quality and efficiency. Optical designers work in industries ranging from consumer electronics to healthcare and aerospace.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Designer, you need a strong background in physics, optics, and mathematics, typically supported by a relevant engineering or science degree. Familiarity with optical design software such as Zemax or Code V, and knowledge of CAD systems are commonly required, with certifications in these tools considered advantageous. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and refining complex designs. These skills ensure the creation of precise, innovative optical systems that meet stringent performance and quality standards.
What are popular job titles related to Optical Design jobs in New York? For Optical Design jobs in New York, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Design jobs in New York look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Design jobs in New York are:
What cities in New York are hiring for Optical Design jobs? Cities in New York with the most Optical Design job openings:
Infographic showing various Optical Design job openings in New York as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $156,120 per year, or $75.1 per hour.

Electro Optical Software Product Manager

Keysight Technologies, Inc.

New York, NY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Keysight Technologies rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 156 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Overview

Keysight is at the forefront of technology innovation, delivering breakthroughs and trusted insights in electronic design, simulation, prototyping, test, manufacturing, and optimization. Our ~15,000 employees create world-class solutions in communications, 5G, automotive, energy, quantum, aerospace, defense, and semiconductor markets for customers in over 100 countries. Learn more about what we do.

Our award-winning culture embraces a bold vision of where technology can take us and a passion for tackling challenging problems with industry-first solutions. We believe that when people feel a sense of belonging, they can be more creative, innovative, and thrive at all points in their careers.

You Are:

You are a visionary and technically savvy product leader with a deep understanding of optical and electro-optical systems. With a background in physics, electrical engineering, optics, or optical engineering, you have hands-on experience designing and manufacturing electro-optical devices and thrive at the intersection of technology and market needs. You are passionate about translating complex customer requirements into actionable product feature plans for R&D and excel at collaborating with cross-functional teams, including software developers, marketing, and sales. Your knowledge of EM solver software (including FDTD, RCWA, and beam propagation tools) is complemented by your ability to grasp emerging trends in AI, solid modeling, and photonics.

You are comfortable engaging with customers, gathering feedback, and participating in industry events to keep your finger on the pulse of market evolution. You are equally adept at crafting technical marketing materials and supporting the sales process as you are at guiding agile software development cycles. Your communication skills are top-notch, enabling you to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical audiences, and you thrive in a fast-paced, global environment. Travel excites you as an opportunity to build relationships and champion Keysight’s optical solutions worldwide. Your curiosity, adaptability, and drive for continuous learning make you a valued team member and a catalyst for innovation.


Responsibilities
  • Co-author and review technical marketing materials, including product descriptions, competitive analyses, ads, white papers, and web content for the Optical Design Engineering team.
  • Participate in industry events and conferences to represent Keysight and stay current with optical technology trends.
  • Engage in strategic product planning, requirements generation, and roadmap development in close collaboration with R&D teams.
  • Support agile software development activities, including planning meetings, bug triage, test prioritization, and feature acceptance testing.
  • Manage alpha and beta programs by recruiting users, collecting feedback, and synthesizing results to shape future product releases.
  • Work with external partners—such as glass manufacturers, model providers, and embedded catalog vendors—to enhance product capabilities.
  • Analyze and validate product packaging and pricing through customer feedback and competitive intelligence.
  • Support sales, distributors, and customer engagements through on-site visits, tradeshows, user group meetings, and technical presentations.
  • Contribute to professional development by attending technical sessions, taking relevant courses, and building strong team relationships.
The Impact You Will Have:
  • Drive the evolution of Keysight’s optical design software portfolio, ensuring alignment with industry needs and technological advancements.
  • Empower customers to innovate in areas such as sensors, transceivers, lasers and photonic integrated circuits by delivering best-in-class design solutions.
  • Enhance Keysight’s market leadership through effective product positioning, compelling marketing, and robust customer engagement.
  • Accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge simulation and modeling tools within the photonics and optics community.
  • Facilitate seamless collaboration between R&D, sales, and marketing, leading to successful product launches and customer satisfaction.
  • Strengthen Keysight’s global presence by representing the company at key industry events and building strategic partnerships.
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the Optical Design Engineering team.

Qualifications
  • BS, MS, or PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, Optical Engineering, or a related discipline with emphasis on electro-optics.
  • Proven experience using EM solver software (e.g., FDTD, RCWA, diffraction-based, beam propagation tools) for EO device design.
  • Background as an optical, electrical, or systems engineer in the design and manufacture of electro-optical devices (sensors, transceivers, lasers, PICs, etc.).
  • Demonstrated ability to translate customer needs into product features and specifications.
  • Hands-on experience collaborating with software development teams to define and communicate product requirements and use cases.
  • Familiarity with AI systems, solid modeling, and photonics tools is a plus.
  • Willingness to travel up to 20% domestically and internationally for customer engagement, tradeshows, and team meetings.
Who You Are:
  • Excellent communicator—able to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
  • Collaborative team player who thrives in cross-functional, multicultural environments.
  • Strategic thinker with a customer-centric mindset and strong analytical skills.
  • Resourceful, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
  • Curious, adaptable, and committed to continuous professional growth.
  • Comfortable networking and building relationships across industry and academia.
The Team You’ll Be a Part Of:

You’ll join the Optical Design Engineering (ODE) team, a dynamic team of physicists, engineers, product managers, and software developers dedicated to advancing the state-of-the-art in photonics and optical design. The team’s core mission is to deliver innovative simulation and modeling tools that empower engineers and researchers to push the boundaries of what’s possible in optical technology. Collaboration, learning, and customer focus are at the heart of everything we do.

The level of role will be based on applicable experience, education and skills. 

California  pay range: MIN $145,970 - MAX $243,280

Note: 

This role is eligible for our Keysight Results Bonus Program 

US Employees may be eligible for the following benefits:

  • Medical, dental and vision
  • Health Savings Account
  • Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life, Accident, Disability insurance
  • Business Travel Accident and Business Travel Health
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Flexible Time Off, Paid Holidays
  • Paid Family Leave
  • Discounts, Perks
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Adoption Assistance
  • ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan)

Careers Privacy Statement
Keysight Technologies Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other protected categories under all applicable laws.

Qualifications:
  • BS, MS, or PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, Optical Engineering, or a related discipline with emphasis on electro-optics.
  • Proven experience using EM solver software (e.g., FDTD, RCWA, diffraction-based, beam propagation tools) for EO device design.
  • Background as an optical, electrical, or systems engineer in the design and manufacture of electro-optical devices (sensors, transceivers, lasers, PICs, etc.).
  • Demonstrated ability to translate customer needs into product features and specifications.
  • Hands-on experience collaborating with software development teams to define and communicate product requirements and use cases.
  • Familiarity with AI systems, solid modeling, and photonics tools is a plus.
  • Willingness to travel up to 20% domestically and internationally for customer engagement, tradeshows, and team meetings.
Who You Are:
  • Excellent communicator—able to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
  • Collaborative team player who thrives in cross-functional, multicultural environments.
  • Strategic thinker with a customer-centric mindset and strong analytical skills.
  • Resourceful, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
  • Curious, adaptable, and committed to continuous professional growth.
  • Comfortable networking and building relationships across industry and academia.
The Team You’ll Be a Part Of:

You’ll join the Optical Design Engineering (ODE) team, a dynamic team of physicists, engineers, product managers, and software developers dedicated to advancing the state-of-the-art in photonics and optical design. The team’s core mission is to deliver innovative simulation and modeling tools that empower engineers and researchers to push the boundaries of what’s possible in optical technology. Collaboration, learning, and customer focus are at the heart of everything we do.

The level of role will be based on applicable experience, education and skills. 

California  pay range: MIN $145,970 - MAX $243,280

Note: 

This role is eligible for our Keysight Results Bonus Program 

US Employees may be eligible for the following benefits:

  • Medical, dental and vision
  • Health Savings Account
  • Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life, Accident, Disability insurance
  • Business Travel Accident and Business Travel Health
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Flexible Time Off, Paid Holidays
  • Paid Family Leave
  • Discounts, Perks
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Adoption Assistance
  • ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan)

Careers Privacy Statement
Keysight Technologies Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other protected categories under all applicable laws.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: UNAVAILABLE

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