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Optical Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Optical Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

Experience with lens design, optical metrology, tolerance analysis, or similar experience. Preferred Qualifications 3+ years relevant industry experience Experience in Stray light analysis Experience ...

Apple

Optical Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

Experience with lens design, optical metrology, tolerance analysis, or similar experience. Experience with ZEMAX, CODE V, FRED, LightTool, etc. Experience in lens characterization methodology and ...

Apple

Optical Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

Experience with lens design, optical metrology, tolerance analysis, or similar experience. Experience with ZEMAX, CODE V, FRED, LightTool, etc. Preferred Qualifications 3+ years relevant industry ...

Apple

Optical Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$129K - $194K/yr

The team is looking for an Optical Engineer to work on advanced optical technology development. Description - Work on new lens design, characterization and integration into CMOS imager sensor based ...

Apple

Optical Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$184K - $324K/yr

The team is looking for an Optical Engineer to work on advanced optical technology development.","responsibilities":"Work on new lens design, characterization and integration into CMOS imager sensor ...

Apple

Optical Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$150K - $225K/yr

The team is looking for an Optical Engineer to work on advanced optical technology development.","responsibilities":"Work on new lens design, characterization and integration into CMOS imager sensor ...

Gooch & Housego PLC

Optical Design Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

... Design Engineers interacting closely with Production, Sales and Process Engineering to help create, test and refine Acousto- and Electro-Optic Products through release-to-Manufacturing. Because of ...

Gooch & Housego PLC

Optical Design Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

... Design Engineers interacting closely with Production, Sales and Process Engineering to help create, test and refine Acousto- and Electro-Optic Products through release-to-Manufacturing. Because of ...

Atln

Sr. Principal Optical Design Engineer

Tustin, CA · On-site

$117.64 - $211.83/hr

Resource for information about optical sensors and optical sensor technology, including the design and modeling of ultraviolet, visual and infrared waveband systems, optically passive athermal ...

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Optical Design information

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$81K

$144.5K

How much do optical design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical design in the United States is $142,701.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $143,000.00 and $143,000.00 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 cities are hiring for Optical Design jobs? Cities with the most Optical Design job openings:
What states have the most Optical Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Design jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Optical Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Design jobs are:
Optical Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Design job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,701 per year, or $68.6 per hour.

Optical Design Engineer

Invariant Corporation

Huntsville, AL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Optical Design Engineer

26-046

Invariant Corporation is seeking a talented and motivatedOptical Systems Design Engineer. The position will directly support leads in the execution of advanced hardware products and prototypes.

Duties Include:

  • Provide engineering guidance to larger team of researchers and hardware engineers
  • Build, test, and refine prototypes and/or precise test fixtures for optical hardware systems
  • Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineering staff on alignment, sensor, and laser development and design problems
  • Documenting and presenting results to internal engineering team and developing new alignment and assembly requirements for optical sub-systems as needed.
  • Integrate electrical, mechanical, optical, firmware, and software solutions into a final prototype/product

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering or related from an ABET-accredited institution.
  • Hands on optical laboratory experience with instrumentation, test equipment, and testing methods.
  • Minimum of Secret clearance

Preferred skills:

  • Familiarity with MWIR/LWIR/EO-IR Applications
  • Experience in lens and optical system design and prototyping using industry standard lens design software such as OpticStudio/Zemax and/or other image processing and optical signature tools
  • Design-to-delivery of R&D prototype optical systems in Visible, MWIR and LWIR, especially those with a specialized bandpass or polarization filtering
  • Familiarity with common COTS optics vendors as well as specifying custom optical assemblies, bandpass filters, and components
  • Preference will be given to candidates with a TS clearance

Requires ability to:

  • Some travel may be required depending on project requirements
  • Work well in a small, fast-paced and mission-driven environmentwith co-workers, management, and customers
  • Demonstrate innovation, quick learning, excellent communication skills with Powerpoint, Documentation in Word/Teams and adaptive thinking
  • Work independently with collaboration with other optical engineers and designers, and to make rational decisions and develop a comfort in optical laboratory setting with hands-on alignment, testing , and to exercise good judgment in laser safety protocols.

Work Environment:

Office, Lab, and field environment.

  • Must possess ability to safely lift and carry up to 35 lbs. with occasional bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, and reaching above shoulder level, minimal walking, climbing, crouching
  • Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate is required

This position is expected to be performed only in the state of Alabama.

Subject to the provisions of Code of Alabama 40-18-370, the Company shall give good faith consideration to Alabama residents for employment at the Project.

Invariant Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Invariant is a drug-free workplace.

Company Description

Headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama, Invariant is a 100% employee owned, non-traditional defense contractor providing advanced engineering solutions to support national defense, homeland security, and law enforcement. We are ISO 9001 certified with secure facilities, labs, and high bay space performing advanced manufacturing, integration, assembly, and testing of mission critical systems. Join a team where innovation fuels impact. At Invariant, every voice contributes, and every employee-owner shares in the success of our mission to protect those who protect us. We’re home to engineers, developers, and specialists—web builders of mission-critical systems, united by purpose and driven by pride. As a 100% employee-owned company, your work doesn’t just power national defense—it helps power your future. Ready to take the next step in your career? Explore our current openings and discover how you can make a lasting impact while building ownership in everything you help create.