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Optical Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

BHT

Optical Engineer

Southfield, MI · On-site

$118K - $153K/yr

Ensure that optical designs can be tooled, manufactured, and meet legal and customer requirements ... Interface pro-actively with Design Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Tooling Engineers, and ...

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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.

Senior Principal Optical Designer Engineer

Prattwhitney

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$145.60 - $276.80/hr

Other

Medical, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Position: Optical Designer

Location: Raytheon, El Segundo, CA

Security clearance: U.S. citizenship required; existing Secret clearance required.

Responsibilities
  • Lead innovative optical design for space and airborne systems, including tolerance and alignment simulations.
  • Perform optical analysis such as stray light, STOP, image simulation, and radiometry to validate system performance.
  • Develop, maintain, and manage optical error trees, budgets, and allocations throughout program lifecycle.
  • Support backend verification of as-built designs and test configurations to ensure compliance.
  • Serve as technical leader across multiple programs, mentoring junior optical engineers.
  • Design and analyze systems using Zemax, Code V, FRED, and MATLAB; conduct stray light analysis.
  • Develop tolerance designs with focus on manufacturability and alignment feasibility.
  • Derive optical requirements and translate into detailed specifications and engineering drawings.
  • Support test equipment design, alignment activities, and system integration.
  • Present technical results to internal leadership and external customers in formal reviews.
Qualifications
  • Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics).
  • Minimum 10 years of relevant experience.
  • Experience with optical design/analysis and CAD software.
  • Experience with optical alignment and measurement equipment.
  • Experience performing optical design and analysis using Zemax or Code V.
  • Experience designing refractive and reflective optical systems.
  • Experience modeling optical alignment procedures.
  • Experience collaborating with optical fabrication suppliers.
Preferred Skills
  • Stray‑light analysis using FRED.
  • Building, aligning, and testing optical assemblies.
  • Designing opto‑mechanical hardware in CREO.
Benefits and Compensation
  • Salary range: $145,600 – $276,800 USD.
  • Comprehensive rewards package: compensation, healthcare, wellness, work/life benefits.
  • Parental (including paternal) leave, flexible work schedules, achievement awards, educational assistance.
  • Child/adult backup care, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts.
  • Relocation assistance available.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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