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Optical Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ametek

Sr Optical Engineer

Denville, NJ · On-site

$123K - $160K/yr

For over 50 years, Zygo Corporation in Middlefield, CT, has been a global leader in designing and manufacturing advanced optical metrology systems, ultra-precise optical components, and complex ...

BHT

Optical Engineer

Southfield, MI

$118K - $153K/yr

Ensure that optical designs can be tooled, manufactured, and meet legal and customer requirements within defined tolerances. Perform feasibility, and benchmark studies to support quotes, and future ...

MicroVision

Staff Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · Hybrid

$120K - $155K/yr

Ensure optical designs are robust, tolerant, and manufacturable * Serve as a technical interface between internal teams and external optical suppliers Your responsibilities: * Design and analyze ...

MicroVision

Staff Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · Hybrid

$120K - $155K/yr

Ensure optical designs are robust, tolerant, and manufacturable * Serve as a technical interface between internal teams and external optical suppliers Your responsibilities: * Design and analyze ...

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MicroVision

Staff Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

Ensure optical designs are robust, tolerant, and manufacturable * Serve as a technical interface between internal teams and external optical suppliers Your responsibilities: * Design and analyze ...

BHT

Optical Engineer

Southfield, MI · On-site

$118K - $153K/yr

... that optical designs can be tooled, manufactured, and meet legal and customer requirements within defined tolerances. • Perform feasibility, and benchmark studies to support quotes, and future ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

$130K - $168K/yr

Generate baseline reference optical designs in Zemax or similar software for further design and fabrication by external vendors. * Simulate laser parameters with Zemax or relevant software. * Select ...

BAE Systems

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Austin, TX · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

Experience designing optical systems, specifically for lens designs and other complex EO/IR optical designs * Experience with sensitivity analysis and other optical system analysis * Experience ...

Ametek

Sr Optical Engineer

Denville, NJ · On-site

$123K - $160K/yr

For over 50 years, Zygo Corporation in Middlefield, CT, has been a global leader in designing and manufacturing advanced optical metrology systems, ultra-precise optical components, and complex ...

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 ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

$130K - $168K/yr

Generate baseline reference optical designs in Zemax or similar software for further design and fabrication by external vendors. * Simulate laser parameters with Zemax or relevant software. * Select ...

QinetiQ

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$164K - $213K/yr

Generate baseline reference optical designs in Zemax or similar software for further design and fabrication by external vendors. * Simulate laser parameters with Zemax or relevant software. * Select ...

QinetiQ

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

$130K - $168K/yr

Generate baseline reference optical designs in Zemax or similar software for further design and fabrication by external vendors. * Simulate laser parameters with Zemax or relevant software. * Select ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$164K - $213K/yr

Generate baseline reference optical designs in Zemax or similar software for further design and fabrication by external vendors. * Simulate laser parameters with Zemax or relevant software. * Select ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$130K - $168K/yr

Generate baseline reference optical designs in Zemax or similar software for further design and fabrication by external vendors. * Simulate laser parameters with Zemax or relevant software. * Select ...

BAE Systems

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Merrimack, NH · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

Experience designing optical systems, specifically for lens designs and other complex EO/IR optical designs * Experience with sensitivity analysis and other optical system analysis * Experience ...

QinetiQ

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

$130K - $168K/yr

Generate baseline reference optical designs in Zemax or similar software for further design and fabrication by external vendors. * Simulate laser parameters with Zemax or relevant software. * Select ...

Optikos

Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

Document designs, test results, and technical reports for internal use and customer communication. * Research new optical technologies and materials to support ongoing development. Skills and ...

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All JobsOptical Designer Jobs

Optical Designer information

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$81K

$144.5K

How much do optical designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical designer 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 Optical Designers face when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Optical Designers often work alongside engineers, product managers, and manufacturing specialists, which can present challenges in aligning technical specifications with practical constraints. Communication is key, as translating complex optical requirements into actionable tasks for other disciplines requires clarity and adaptability. Additionally, Optical Designers must frequently balance ideal optical performance with considerations like cost, manufacturability, and mechanical integration, making compromise and problem-solving essential parts of the job.

What is the difference between Optical Designer vs Optical Engineer?

AspectOptical DesignerOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in optics, physics, or engineeringBachelor's or Master's in optics, physics, or engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, R&D departments, manufacturing settingsDesign labs, R&D departments, manufacturing settings
Employer & Industry UsageOptics companies, research institutions, aerospace, defenseOptics companies, research institutions, aerospace, defense
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Optical Designers focus on creating and developing optical systems and components through detailed design work. Optical Engineers apply engineering principles to develop, test, and improve optical devices, often overseeing the implementation of designs. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, Optical Designers primarily concentrate on conceptual and detailed design, whereas Optical Engineers are more involved in the practical application and testing of optical systems.

Are optical engineers in high demand?

Optical engineers are in high demand due to their expertise in designing and developing optical systems for industries such as telecommunications, healthcare, and defense. The growing use of laser technology, imaging systems, and photonics drives employment opportunities, especially for those with skills in optical design software and relevant certifications.

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 solid background in physics or optical engineering, strong mathematical abilities, and typically a relevant degree in optics or a related field. Proficiency with optical design software such as Zemax, Code V, or LightTools, and familiarity with CAD systems, are essential technical requirements. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help an optical designer excel when collaborating with engineering teams and interpreting client needs. These skills ensure accurate, innovative optical solutions and successful project outcomes in industries ranging from consumer electronics to aerospace.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced optical designers or engineers working in specialized fields such as aerospace, defense, or advanced research can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with senior roles, bonuses, and stock options. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive expertise, and often involve leadership responsibilities or working with cutting-edge technology.

What is the highest paid designer job?

Among optical designers, senior roles such as optical engineering managers or lead optical designers tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures, especially with advanced skills in optical simulation software and industry experience. High-level positions in aerospace, defense, or high-tech manufacturing typically offer the highest compensation for optical design professionals.

What does an optical designer do?

An optical designer develops and analyzes optical systems, such as lenses, microscopes, and cameras, to meet specific performance requirements. They use specialized software to simulate light behavior, optimize designs, and ensure functionality, often working closely with engineers and scientists. Strong knowledge of optics, physics, and CAD tools is essential for this role.
More about Optical Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Optical Designer jobs? Cities with the most Optical Designer job openings:
What states have the most Optical Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Designer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Optical Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Designer jobs are:
Optical Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Designer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,701 per year, or $68.6 per hour.
Sr Optical Engineer

Sr Optical Engineer

Ametek

Denville, NJ • On-site

$123K - $160K/yr

Other

Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

AMETEK rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 141 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

At Zygo, your skills and insights will be integral to our core values of curiosity, collaboration, and persistence. For over 50 years, Zygo Corporation in Middlefield, CT, has been a global leader in designing and manufacturing advanced optical metrology systems, ultra-precise optical components, and complex electro-optical systems and assemblies. Join our team, where your expertise will drive cutting-edge solutions, address complex technical challenges, and uphold the highest standards of precision and safety. We are seeking an Optical Engineer based in Denville, NJ to support optical development for our Special Optics business. This position will report directly to the Sr. Manager, Optical Engineering.

Our Special Optics team is a design, development and manufacturing group located in Denville, New Jersey. As an Optical Engineer, you will execute optical designs per specification to provide state-of-the-art optical solutions to meet the demands of and provide solutions to our customers.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Create optical designs and conduct tolerance analysis to customers' specifications and requirements.
  • Develop analysis tools and procedures for assembly testing processes.
  • Monitor fabrication and assembly to provide technical guidance, identify and troubleshoot issues, and implement solutions to improve processes.
  • Provide technical support and guidance to our customers.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or related discipline.
  • 5+ years of optical engineering experience (lens design and tolerance analysis), working knowledge of opto-mechanics and stray light analysis preferred.
  • Proficiency with ZEMAX or CODE V and basic programming of macros.
  • Knowledge of lens characterization methodology and instrumentation; experience with optical metrology tools (interferometry, MTF testing) preferred.
  • Drives to deliver consistent, high-quality results
  • Problem-solver who seeks opportunities to improve process
  • Understands and relates to customers
  • Organized, contentious and focused
  • Communicates, influences and collaborates across functions and levels

Bring your passion and commitment to Zygo Navitar, where we are curious, collaborative, persistent, and confident, where safety and quality guide every step of our journey. Grow with us as we solve complex challenges, inspire confidence, and drive excellence in manufacturing.

Are you ready to expand the boundaries of possibility, simplify the complex, and embody the values that define our success? We welcome your unique perspective and invite you to join us!

We offer competitive compensation, benefits, retirement (401k) and paid time off programs. Compensation and position level will be set based on experience. 

Due to the nature of Zygo Navitar's programs and products, applicants must have the legal right to work in the US and additionally must be legally authorized to access export-controlled information and source code.

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