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Optical Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LIGHTPATH TECHNOLOGIES 1

Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL

$112.30K - $145.30K/yr

Conduct optical design and optimization of infrared optical systems and assemblies, and support new product introduction from initial concept to production release. * Utilize optical raytracing ...

Raytheon

Principal Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$137.40K - $177.90K/yr

Optical design and tolerancing, optics requirement generation and procurement, creating alignment and test plans, and hands-on assembly, integration, and test. * Optical design and analysis with ...

Intellectt INC

Senior Optical Engineer

Princeton, NJ · On-site

Design, model, and optimize optical systems for imaging and microscopy. * Perform detailed optical and mechanical tolerance analyses and simulations. * Build and test microscopy systems using off-the ...

Attalon

Sr. Principal Optical Design Engineer

Tustin, CA

$135.20K - $175K/yr

Optical Engineer Job Details The Optical Engineer's function is to plan, design, analyze, communicate, and execute the optical design for high performance optical assemblies, and to determine the ...

BAE Systems USA

Senior Optical Design Engineer

Nashua, NH · Hybrid

$97.01K - $164.91K/yr

The Senior Optical Design Engineer will develop and mature advanced EO/IR system concepts. Work will support development of next-generation Precision Pointers, Laser Systems, Imaging Systems, and ...

Raytheon Technologies

Senior Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$137.40K - $177.90K/yr

Optical design and tolerancing, optics requirement generation and procurement, creating alignment and test plans, and hands-on assembly, integration, and test. * Optical design and analysis with ...

Raytheon

Senior Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$137.40K - $177.90K/yr

Optical design and tolerancing, optics requirement generation and procurement, creating alignment and test plans, and hands-on assembly, integration, and test. * Optical design and analysis with ...

II-VI Incorporated

Lead Optical Product Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$152.90K - $197.90K/yr

Conduct and well manage design documents, ECO, design change implementation in new product release ... D in Optics, Optical Engineering, Opto-mechanical instrumentation. Advanced education ...

Coherent

Lead Optical Product Engineer

Fremont, CA

$152.90K - $197.90K/yr

Conduct and well manage design documents, ECO, design change implementation in new product release ... D in Optics, Optical Engineering, Opto-mechanical instrumentation. Advanced education ...

BAE Systems USA

Senior Optical Design Engineer

Merrimack, NH · Hybrid

$97.01K - $164.91K/yr

The Senior Optical Design Engineer will develop and mature advanced EO/IR system concepts. Work will support development of next-generation Precision Pointers, Laser Systems, Imaging Systems, and ...

Raytheon Technologies

Principal Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$137.40K - $177.90K/yr

Optical design and tolerancing, optics requirement generation and procurement, creating alignment and test plans, and hands-on assembly, integration, and test. * Optical design and analysis with ...

BAE Systems USA

Senior Optical Design Engineer

Hudson, NH · Hybrid

$97.01K - $164.91K/yr

The Senior Optical Design Engineer will develop and mature advanced EO/IR system concepts. Work will support development of next-generation Precision Pointers, Laser Systems, Imaging Systems, and ...

AEI-CIG

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$110K - $200K/yr

Position Overview We are seeking an Optical Engineer to support the design, development, and optimization of optical transceiver products for high-speed optical communication systems. The candidate ...

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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 May 28, 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 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 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 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.

More about Optical Design jobs
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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,701 per year, or $68.6 per hour.

Optical Design Engineer - Cooper Lighting Solutions

Genlyte Group

Peachtree City, GA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

About Signify

Through bold discovery and cutting-edge innovation, we lead an industry that is vital for the future of our planet: lighting. Through our leadership in connected lighting and the Internet of Things, we're breaking new ground in data analytics, AI, and smart solutions for homes, offices, cities, and beyond.

At Signify, you can shape tomorrow by building on our incredible 125+ year legacy while working toward even bolder sustainability goals. Our culture of continuous learning, creativity, and commitment to diversity and inclusion empowers you to grow your skills and career.

Join us, and together, we'll transform our industry, making a lasting difference for brighter lives and a better world.

More about the role

This is an exciting job opportunity for you as an Optical Design Engineer in Peachtree City, Georgia with Cooper Lighting Solutions, a business unit of Signify, the world leader in lighting.

Key Areas of Responsibility

  • Specialized in i.e. Illumination Optics. Translates product requirements in optical specifications, leads the selection of the optical architecture, design optimization and development of illumination optical systems to meet project specifications and offerings until release in the market.
  • Responsible for the design, development, testing and documenting of a system, subsystem, or a component as part of an overall architecture. Ensure that engineering solutions are practical, efficient, and aligned with project goals and industry standards.
  • Applies the latest technology and research findings/results into engineering designs solutions and design rules
  • Designs, realizes, tests (sub-) systems or components based on design requirements and produces specs for the product and propositions.
  • Drives IP creation and protection (Patents, Trade secrets, Copyrights).

More about you

While we value and appreciate all applicants, we believe that the following experience and skills will be needed to shine brightly in this job opening:

  • Degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related field.
  • 2+ years of experience in optical design and testing, with a focus on integrating optical solutions into engineering projects.
  • Strong background in optical engineering within Lighting or similar product segments preferred.

*Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future company sponsorship needs.

Everything we'll do for you

  • Salary:$93,000- $136,000 based on experience
  • Bonus:target bonus opportunity - 10%
  • Benefits Overview:Company subsidized benefits plan offerings that include Medical, Health Savings Account, Dental, 401K retirement plan with company match, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), Paid Time Off, including paid vacation, holidays/personal days, tuition reimbursement and products discounts. Ability to purchase supplemental benefits that include supplemental life insurance, dependent life insurance, vision insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance, health care flexible spending account and dependent care flexible spending account.

Everything we'll do for you

You can grow a lasting career here. We'll encourage you, support you, and challenge you. We'll help you learn and progress in a way that's right for you, with coaching and mentoring along the way. We'll listen to you too, because we see and value every one of our27,000+ people. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace fosters creativity, innovation, and a full spectrum of bright ideas. With a global workforce present in 70+ countries, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where every voice is heard and valued, helping us all achieve more together.

Come join us, and together we can light up the future.

Apply