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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 ...

Samson Rose

$150 - $190/hr

We're looking for a Senior Optical Design Engineer to take true end-to-end ownership of critical optical subsystems--from first sketch and simulation, through prototyping and test, all the way to ...

Truck-Lite

Optics Design Engineer

Erie, PA · On-site

Designs and develops optical solutions incorporating new technologies to improve overall functional performance and/or cost of existing products. * Evaluates and verifies optical designs from concept ...

Samson Rose

Senior Optical Design Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150 - $190/hr

We're looking for a Senior Optical Design Engineer to take true end-to-end ownership of critical optical subsystems--from first sketch and simulation, through prototyping and test, all the way to ...

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 ...

Syntec Optics

Optics Designer

Rochester, NY · On-site

We are seeking an experienced Optical Design Engineer to lead the design, analysis, and optimization of optical systems for a variety of applications and advanced technologies. This role involves ...

Syntec Optics

Optics Designer

Rochester, NY · On-site

We are seeking an experienced Optical Design Engineer to lead the design, analysis, and optimization of optical systems for a variety of applications and advanced technologies. This role involves ...

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Optical Design information

See salary details

$81K

$144.5K

How much do optical design jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 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 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.

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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?

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Optical Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% 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.

Principal Optical Design Engineer

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Irvine, CA • On-site

$175K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead the design and development of high-precision optics and optical systems, including complex multi-element assemblies.

  • Translate system-level requirements into optical architectures, designs, and specifications, and perform optical modeling, tolerancing, sensitivity analysis, error budgeting, and trade studies.

  • Partner with multidisciplinary teams to integrate optical designs into complete systems, oversee fabrication, assembly, alignment, verification, and ensure designs are practical and manufacturable.

Job description

The MKS Systems Business Unit develops and manufactures advanced optics, optical assemblies, subsystems, and complete laser-based production systems. As a Principal Optical Design Engineer within our Central Engineering organization in Irvine, CA, you will serve as a technical authority in the design and development of high-precision optical systems.
You will lead complex optical designs from concept through verification. Partnering with multidisciplinary teams, you will turn system requirements into robust, manufacturable optical solutions.
The Principal Optical Design Engineer reports to the Director of Engineering, Laser and Optics.
You Will Make an Impact By:
  • Leading the design and development of high-precision optics and optical systems, including complex multi-element assemblies, such as scan lenses and objectives

  • Translating system-level requirements into optical architectures, designs, and specifications

  • Performing optical modeling, tolerancing, sensitivity analysis, error budgeting, and trade studies to achieve demanding performance requirements

  • Partnering with optical systems, mechanical, electrical, laser, manufacturing, and other engineering teams to integrate optical designs into complete systems

  • Driving designs through fabrication, precision assembly, alignment, metrology, integration, and performance verification

  • Working with suppliers and manufacturing teams to ensure designs are practical, manufacturable, and scalable

  • Providing technical leadership through design reviews, feasibility studies, troubleshooting, and data-driven engineering decisions

  • Mentoring engineers and serving as a technical authority in optical design and system development

  • Travel Requirements: Up to 10%

Skills You Bring:
  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Optics, Physics, or a related technical discipline; advanced degree preferred

  • 8+ years of relevant industry experience designing and developing high-precision optical systems, with demonstrated technical leadership at a senior/principal level

  • Proven experience independently designing and optimizing complex optical systems, rather than primarily integrating or testing designs developed by others

  • Advanced proficiency with Zemax OpticStudio and/or CODE V

  • Strong experience with optical tolerancing, sensitivity analysis, and error budgeting

  • Experience taking optical designs through fabrication, assembly, alignment, integration, and verification

  • Understanding of optical fabrication, metrology, and design for manufacturability

  • Experience with lasers and laser-based optical systems strongly preferred

  • Strong communication, technical leadership, and problem-solving skills

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
  • Office and laboratory work is required, with regular work in a cleanroom environment. Wearing of Personal Protective Equipment as well as cleanroom garb is required
  • Must be able to lift, move, or position equipment up to 35 pounds while working in a laboratory environment
  • Noise level in the laboratory environment can temporarily be elevated, but does not typically require PPE

We are interested in a qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we will not be sponsoring work visas for this position, at this time.
Compensation and Benefits:
Salary Pay Range: $175,000 - $195,000 per year. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law. At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role.
Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable].
Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.].
MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details.
MKS will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act and the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers.
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Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. persons." "U.S. persons" are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.
MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries ("MKS") is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.
MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: accommodationsatMKS@mksinst.com .
If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role

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