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Optical Design Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Neuralink

Optical Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$86K - $143K/yr

We also design hardware for producing and inspecting consumables, such as laser-machined needle ... As an Optical Engineer at Neuralink, you will develop custom optics and imaging systems used ...

Exowatt

Lead Optical Engineer (Austin, TX)

Austin, TX · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

In this role, you will design optical setups, perform advanced testing, validate models to ensure system accuracy and performance, and automate processes to improve efficiency. You will collaborate ...

BAE Systems

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Austin, TX · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

At BAE Systems we design, develop and manufacture highly sophisticated EO/IR solutions that service a variety of product areas for government and commercial applications. The Senior Principal Optical ...

Visa Hunt

Senior Lithography Research Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$105 - $195/hr

Drive exploratory R&D autonomously across optical design and nanofabrication * Simulate optical and nanophotonic behavior to guide hands-on physical experimentation * Interface closely with the ...

Neurophos

Optical Test Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$65 - $95/hr

Hands‑on experience in an optics laboratory - undergraduate research, senior design, internship, or professional experience are all relevant. * Experience with free‑space optical alignment ...

Intuitive Machines LLC

GN&C Hardware Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$106K - $140K/yr

Experience with integrated optical design and software tools (ZEMAX, etc.), multi-bounce ray-tracing tools (FRED, etc.), camera baffledesignand optimization. * Experience with camera/optical thermal ...

Amphenol

Cable Harness Design Engineer

Allen, TX · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

Amphenol Fiber Systems International (AFSI) is a full service fiber optic company specializing in ... Design Engineering Manager - Cable Harness Salary Range: $70,000 - $95,000 About Amphenol Fiber ...

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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 Sep 7, 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 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,948 per year, or $63.9 per hour.

Optical Engineer

Neuralink

Austin, TX • On-site

$86K - $143K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

About Neuralink:
We are creating devices that enable a bi-directional interface with the brain. These devices allow us to restore movement to the paralyzed, restore sight to the blind, and revolutionize how humans interact with their digital world.
Team Description:
The Robot Optics Team is seeking Optical Engineers passionate about shaping the future of operating rooms. We are responsible for all optical engineering aspects of Neuralink surgeries, which includes working on our surgical robotics, supporting operating room equipment, and manufacturing custom consumables. The core device we work on is the robotic system that performs implant insertions. Key subsystems include 2D and 3D machine vision cameras, optical coherence tomography, and surgical site illuminators.
Our team oversees the entire product lifecycle of all optical subsystems across multiple robot versions, from ideation and design through production, testing, and maintenance. We also design hardware for producing and inspecting consumables, such as laser-machined needle cartridges. As we manufacture a significant portion of our hardware in-house, our core activities include bring-up testing, designing hardware acceptance testers, and overseeing manufacturing processes.
Job Description and Responsibilities:
As an Optical Engineer at Neuralink, you will develop custom optics and imaging systems used directly in our surgical robot and associated consumables-manufacturing systems. These systems impact everything from sub-micron conventional imaging and laser scanning imaging to non-imaging optical power delivery. You will have the opportunity to work closely with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers on the Robotics Team and collaborate with neuroscientists and biologists in the rest of the company. You will be responsible for designs from conception through to implementation as well as prototyping and building these optical systems quickly with the rest of the team. Other job responsibilities will include:
  • Designing and simulating optical imaging systems
  • Testing, verification, and maintenance of robot vision systems
  • Designing and developing custom laser interferometry systems and manufacturing systems
  • Testing and verification of optics consumables
  • Building and testing of beam-scanning instruments
  • Developing image acquisition and processing software
  • Researching and developing new imaging technologies for robotic surgeries
  • Preparing relevant documentation and SOPs for robot optics

Required Qualifications:
  • Evidence of exceptional ability in optical engineering or a related field
  • Bachelor of Science or higher-level degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering
  • 3+ years of optical engineering experience
  • 2+ years of experience simulating and designing optics in Zemax or equivalent software
  • Practical experience in designing, testing, and reliability hardening optical systems
  • Basic computer skills and proficiency in Google Docs, Google Drive, and Gmail

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in designing and testing of in-vivo imaging systems
  • Experience in handling high power laser instruments
  • Basic understanding in laser interferometry or optical coherence tomography
  • Hands-on experience in fabricating, terminating, and splicing optical fibers
  • Software engineering experience in developing scripts for instrument testing

Expected Compensation:
The anticipated base salary for this position is expected to be within the following range. Your actual base pay will be determined by your job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. We also believe in aligning our employees' success with the company's long-term growth. As such, in addition to base salary, Neuralink offers equity compensation (in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSU)) for all full-time employees.
Base Salary Range:
$86,000-$143,000 USD
What We Offer:
Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits listed below.
  • An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and most talented experts from different fields
  • Growth potential; we rapidly advance team members who have an outsized impact
  • Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan
  • Paid holidays
  • Commuter benefits
  • Meals provided
  • Equity (RSUs) *Temporary Employees & Interns excluded
  • 401(k) plan *Interns initially excluded until they work 1,000 hours
  • Parental leave *Temporary Employees & Interns excluded
  • Flexible time off *Temporary Employees & Interns excluded

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