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Optical Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Optical Product Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$152.90K - $197.90K/yr

Primary Duties & Responsibilities • Introduce and help develop efficient and improved methods for optical system assembly and inspection as needed. • Involved directly with new product development

Optical Engineer

Southfield, MI

$118.30K - $153.20K/yr

Company Description Beacon Hill Technologies Job Description RESPONSIBILITIES: Create innovative exterior and interior lighting systems for Automotive, Commercial Vehicles, and Recreational Vehicles

Optical Engineer

Southfield, MI · On-site

$118.30K - $153.20K/yr

Company Description Beacon Hill Technologies Job Description RESPONSIBILITIES: • Create innovative exterior and interior lighting systems for Automotive, Commercial Vehicles, and Recreational

Company Overview Red 6 is an innovative Augmented Reality (AR) technology startup leading the way in synthetic air combat training. Our primary technology, supporting our ATARS product, enables

Company Overview Red 6 is an innovative Augmented Reality (AR) technology startup leading the way in synthetic air combat training. Our primary technology, supporting our ATARS product, enables

Lead Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA

$138.50K - $179.30K/yr

Responsibilities: * Develop and optimize systems involving lenses, sensors, or imaging devices * Conduct optical system modeling, simulation, and performance analysis using tools such as Zemax, Code

Lead Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$139K - $179.90K/yr

Responsibilities: * Develop and optimize systems involving lenses, sensors, or imaging devices * Conduct optical system modeling, simulation, and performance analysis using tools such as Zemax, Code

Lead Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$139K - $179.90K/yr

Responsibilities: * Develop and optimize systems involving lenses, sensors, or imaging devices * Conduct optical system modeling, simulation, and performance analysis using tools such as Zemax, Code

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$130K - $168.30K/yr

Minimum $10,000 Sign on Bonus being offered for external hires. In this career enhancing opportunity, you will have a great deal of responsibility and opportunity gain experience over the full life

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$132.96K - $226.04K/yr

Minimum $10,000 Sign on Bonus being offered for external hires. In this career enhancing opportunity, you will have a great deal of responsibility and opportunity gain experience over the full life

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Optical Design information

See salary details

$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:
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.
Lead Optical Product Engineer

Lead Optical Product Engineer

II-VI Aerospace & Defense

Fremont, CA • On-site

$152.90K - $197.90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
• Introduce and help develop efficient and improved methods for optical system assembly and inspection as needed.
• Involved directly with new product development projects incorporating optical, electrical, mechanical, software and system integration engineering functions for high-speed optical transceivers.
• Ensure meeting project schedule and timelines and milestones, and the completion of complex cross-disciplinary activities within project team.
• Conduct and well manage design documents, ECO, design change implementation in new product release process.
• Communicates project status and progresses to management as appropriate, including recommendations on resources, process development, and product improvement and management.
• Individual contributor on the project team in addition to project management responsibilities.
• Keep abreast of customer needs and new competitive products, assessing the related impact on company projects/products development plans.
• Identify, select, and implement new development, component, manufacturing and/or testing technologies.
• Maintain technical relationships with key suppliers, as needed. Provide professional technical support to internal departments, sales and marketing teams worldwide, and customers as needed.
Education & Experience
• MS or Ph. D in Optics, Optical Engineering, Opto-mechanical instrumentation. Advanced education qualifications would be a plus. Candidates with suitable hands-on experience with a BS degree will be considered in exceptional circumstances.
• 3+ years' experience in design, simulation, testing, and inspection of fiber optics, optical imaging systems, laser, illumination or other optical systems.
• A minimum of 3 years' experience in optical design and simulations for fiber optics, Si-Photonics, laser, life science, LiDAR, machine vision and other related industries.
• Experienced in working with customers and engineering team to effectively and successfully bring optical products through product life cycle from prototyping to volume production.
Skills
• Strong foundation in optics, physics, fiber optics, optical networks system.
• Proficient in using optical design tools - e.g. OptiStudio, Code-V etc. to do Optical system design, simulations, optimization, tolerance analysis.
• Hands-on experiences in optical design for industries within semiconductors, fiber optics, machine vision, and laser. Experience of Co-package optical design/architecture and Si-Photonics is preferable.
• Knowledgeable and experienced with precision mechanical components and manufacturing, materials for fiber optical modules and assemblies.
• Able to utilize various equipment and to develop test plans for optical devices and optical components, assemblies and systems for engineering and production.
• Demonstrate ability to DfX, DfM and to solve complex issues in optical design and opto-mechanical product development.
• Preferred experience of working in a fast paced optical or Si-photonics manufacturing environment, especially dealing with multiple projects of optical and opto-mechanical assemblies.
• Be flexible and work efficiently in a multi-site, cross-organizational, cross-cultural, global team environment
• Leadership and the ability to work highly independently with minimal guidance from supervisors on specific tasks
• The ability to work and deliver on aggressive schedules.
• Able to develop long-term plans, programs and goals, to evaluate work accomplishments and provide effective feedback.
• Able to learn, share, work with, and interpret software and test equipment based on requirements.
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of evaluation methods through product development.
• Good independent planning skills to successfully complete multiple and cross-functional projects.
• Creative, analytical and structured problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Capability to teamwork and collaborate among different functions.
• Capable in technical communication and being able to express effectively to manufacturing personnel.
• Ability to work in cross-organization, cross-culture, and global team environment.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally.
Working Conditions
  • on-site

Physical Requirements
  • Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer or conducting meetings.
  • Use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents.
  • Occasional lifting of objects or materials up to 20 pounds for administrative tasks.
  • Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
  • Mobility within the office environment to attend meetings or interact with colleagues.

Safety Requirements
All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.
Quality and Environmental Responsibilities
Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.
Culture Commitment
Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:
Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust
Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome
Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone
Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work
Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.
About Us
Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.