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Optical Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

IDEX

Optical Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$125K - $161K/yr

Design, analyze, develop, and tolerance optical components and systems to meet or exceed product specifications. Evaluate optical design feasibility considering requirements, tolerances ...

IDEX Corporation

Optical Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$125K - $161K/yr

This role evaluates optical design feasibility based on performance requirements, tolerances, manufacturing capabilities, and cost considerations. The Optical Engineer serves as a technical resource ...

MicroVision

Senior Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

Perform optical design and analysis of free-space optical systems using Zemax OpticStudio, including lens layout definition, system performance evaluation, trade studies, and design iteration

Rydberg Technologies

Optical Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$126K - $163K/yr

Key Responsibilities: • Design, simulate, and develop complex micro-optical assemblies, lasers, and optoelectronics. • Execute hands-on tasks including precision assembly, integration, and ...

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 ...

IonQ

Optical Engineer

Broomfield, CO

$116K - $152K/yr

This role requires hands-on experience with optical design software, a strong background in optics, and the ability to collaborate across disciplines to deliver optical designs that are both ...

Raytheon

Principal Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$137K - $177K/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 ...

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 ...

Raytheon

Principal Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$137K - $177K/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 ...

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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 Jul 2, 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.
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Optical Design jobs near you
Optical Design Engineer

Optical Design Engineer

Gooch & Housego PLC

Fremont, CA • On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Description:

ABOUT US

Gooch & Housego is a world leader in the design and manufacture of customized photonics components and modules for industrial, avionic, and medical OEMs. At our Fremont, CA Facility, we are looking for a motivated Individual to work in a team of 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 the unique Products G&H sells, the Job will initially focus on all technical aspects of Prototype build and characterization, and evolve over time into Product Design dependent on the Candidates experience and aptitude.


We are looking for an Individual with:

  • Master's or PhD in Science or Engineering
  • Professional Experience 5-10 years in laser or optics industry.
  • Hands-on experimental experience in a Laser laboratory
  • Strong analytical thinking, including theoretical and other modelling in problem solving
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Requirements:

Required and Useful Skills:

  • Hands on experience with Opto-mechanical assemblies
  • Theoretical understanding of optical beam diffraction
  • Gaussian beam and/or Ray trace modelling a plus
  • RF background a plus (Impedance transformation circuits)
  • MatLab or equivalent
  • UV and/or MIR optical experience a plus

Note: This job description is not intended to be exhaustive in every respect, but rather to clearly define the fundamental purpose, responsibilities and dimensions for the role. Therefore, this job description does not describe any individual role holder. In addition to the contents of this job description, employees are expected to undertake all other reasonable and related tasks allocated by their line manager.


The Company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunity or practices on the grounds of gender, race, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by national laws under which the Company operates.


In the instance that the position will involve having access to items and technical data that may be controlled under U.S. export laws and regulations ("U.S. Export Control Laws"), including but not limited to the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR") and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations ("ITAR"). To comply with the U.S. Export Control Laws, and in conjunction with the review of candidates for those positions within G&H that may present access to export-controlled technical data, G&H must assess whether candidates are "U.S. persons" as defined under the EAR (15 C.F.R. Part 772) and the ITAR (22 C.F.R. § 120.15). Certain questions asked during the application process are intended to assess this and will be used for evaluation purposes only. Failure to provide the necessary information in this regard will result in our inability to consider you further for this position.