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Optical Design Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Alcon

Senior Optical Engineer

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

Leading end-to-end optical design and simulation using Zemax/Code V, developing proprietary optics optimized for human vision and defining rigorous optical metrology to ensure world-class performance.

CivicMinds, Inc.

Camera & Optical Engineer

Richardson, TX · On-site

$116K - $151K/yr

Richardson, TX Type: Full-time | On-site Responsibilities: • Design, develop, and optimize optical systems including lenses, sensors, and lighting subsystems • Perform tolerance analysis, stray ...

3M

Optical Research Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$124K - $151K/yr

Three (3) years of optical design experience in a private, public, government or military environment Additional qualifications that could help you succeed even further in this role include: * Master ...

3M

Optical Research Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$124K - $151K/yr

Three (3) years of optical design experience in a private, public, government or military environment Additional qualifications that could help you succeed even further in this role include: * Master ...

BAE Systems

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Austin, TX · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

This will include the design, analysis, building and test of laser and optical subsystems ... Responsibilities include the development of laser system requirements, laser beam modeling, cross ...

Raytheon

Senior Optical Test Engineer

Mckinney, TX

$102K - $133K/yr

Design test stations for production factories, customer sites, and engineering needs. * Build and maintain optical test stations throughout the factory supporting multiple programs. Qualifications ...

Raytheon

Senior Optical Test Engineer

Mckinney, TX

$102K - $133K/yr

Design test stations for production factories, customer sites, and engineering needs. * Build and maintain optical test stations throughout the factory supporting multiple programs. Qualifications ...

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All JobsOptical Design JobsOptical Design Jobs in Texas

Optical Design information

See Texas salary details

$75.5K

$134.6K

How much do optical design jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical design in Texas is $132,948.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $133,200.00 and $133,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an optical designer do?

An optical designer develops and analyzes optical systems, such as lenses, microscopes, and cameras, to meet specific performance requirements. They use specialized software to simulate light behavior, optimize designs, and ensure manufacturability, often working closely with engineers and scientists. Strong knowledge of optics, physics, and CAD tools is essential for this role.

What is the highest paid design job?

In optical design, senior roles such as Optical Engineering Managers or Lead Optical Designers tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures, especially with advanced skills in optical simulation software and industry experience. These positions typically require a strong background in physics, optics, and engineering, along with leadership responsibilities.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior optical engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in optical design software, and specialized knowledge in areas like laser systems or aerospace optics can earn $300,000 or more annually. High-level engineering roles in industries such as defense, aerospace, or high-tech manufacturing often offer such compensation packages, especially with leadership responsibilities or advanced certifications.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior optical engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in optical design software, and specialized knowledge in areas like laser systems or aerospace optics can reach salaries around $500,000, especially in high-demand industries or leadership roles. Achieving this level often requires advanced degrees, certifications, and a track record of significant project contributions.

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 Texas? For Optical Design jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Design jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Design jobs in Texas are:
Optical Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Design job openings in Texas as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,948 per year, or $63.9 per hour.
Senior Optical Engineer

Senior Optical Engineer

Alcon

Fort Worth, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Alcon rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

163rd of 518 rated manufacturers

Job description

At Alcon, we are driven by the meaningful work we do to help people see brilliantly. We innovate boldly, champion progress, and act with speed as the global leader in eye care. Here, you'll be recognized for your commitment and contributions and see your career like never before. Together, we go above and beyond to make an impact in the lives of our patients and customers.
We foster an inclusive culture and are looking for diverse, talented people to join Alcon. As a Senior Optical Engineer supporting the Intraocular Lens (IOL) R&D and Advanced Optics team, you will be trusted to work on proprietary optical design, simulation, and metrology innovations that advance vision-restoring ophthalmic technologies at our Fort Worth, Texas site.
In this role, a typical day will include:
  • Driving cross-functional innovation with Optics, Ophthalmology, Chemistry, and Mechanical Engineering teams to solve complex IOL and vision-correction challenges, advancing Alcon's mission to help people see brilliantly.
  • Leading end-to-end optical design and simulation using Zemax/Code V, developing proprietary optics optimized for human vision and defining rigorous optical metrology to ensure world-class performance.
  • Owning critical IOL R&D programs, from conceptual research through execution, applying deep technical judgment and creativity to introduce new design methodologies, materials, or processes; success measured by technical maturity and clinical impact.
  • Leveraging advanced computation and data-driven analysis (Python, MATLAB, ML/data libraries) to accelerate design decisions, improve performance robustness, and elevate engineering efficiency.
  • Setting the technical bar and mentoring others, leading design reviews, influencing best practices, and ensuring compliance with ISO, FDA, and MDD standards-contributing to Alcon's culture of excellence, accountability, and patient-first innovation.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO ALCON:
  • Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +10 yrs; Assoc.+6 yrs; M.S.+0 yrs)
  • The ability to fluently read, write, understand and communicate in English
  • 2 Years of Relevant Experience

PREFERRED:
  • Proven ability to develop solutions for problems that require the regular use of creativity.
  • Knowledge of ISO, FDA, MDD and regulations applicable to the design and development of medical device/science/technology.
  • Understands applied practice, concepts and processes in a defined discipline or scientific/technical field.
  • Provides specific advice in own area and recommends improvements to well established and clearly defined processes.
  • Encounters problems that are varied but similar. Requires some fact-finding to define problem. Selects the best option from a set of defined procedures or based on precedence.
  • Proficiency in Python and common ML/data libraries (e.g., NumPy, SciPy, scikit-learn, PyTorch/TensorFlow) or Matlab.
  • Experience with optical design, optical engineering and optical software like Zemax or Code V are required.
  • Candidates with an advanced degree in Optics, Optical Engineering, Physics or a related engineering field will be given preference.

RELOCATION: Yes
SPONSORSHIP: Yes
HOW YOU CAN THRIVE AT ALCON:
  • See your career like never before with focused growth and development opportunities
  • Join Alcon's mission to provide outstanding, innovative products and solutions to improve sight, improve lives, and grow your career!
  • Alcon provides robust benefits package including health, life, retirement, flexible time off for exempt associates, PTO for hourly associates, and much more!

Alcon Careers
See your impact at alcon.com/careers
ATTENTION: Current Alcon Employee/Contingent Worker
If you are currently an active employee/contingent worker at Alcon, please click the appropriate link below to apply on the Internal Career site.
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ALCON IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND PARTICIPATES IN E-VERIFY
Alcon takes pride in maintaining an inclusive environment that values different perspectives and our policies are non-discriminatory in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Alcon is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to alcon.recruitment@alcon.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

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