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Optical Engineers Zemax Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Xcimer Energy

Director of Optical Engineering

Denver, CO · On-site

$190K - $220K/yr

You will be responsible for building and leading a high-performing team of optical engineers while ... Demonstrated expertise using optical design software such as Zemax (preferred), CODE V, or ...

TRL11, Inc.

Lead Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$139K - $179K/yr

Conduct optical system modeling, simulation, and performance analysis using tools such as Zemax ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics/Electrical Engineering or a related ...

CvilleBioHub

Optical Engineer

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$120 - $170/hr

Perform optical modeling and simulation using tools such as Zemax OpticStudio, FRED, or equivalent to predict system performance and guide design decisions * Collaborate with electrical engineers to ...

TRL11, Inc.

Lead Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA

$138K - $179K/yr

Conduct optical system modeling, simulation, and performance analysis using tools such as Zemax ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics/Electrical Engineering or a related ...

TRL11, Inc.

Lead Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$139K - $179K/yr

Conduct optical system modeling, simulation, and performance analysis using tools such as Zemax ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics/Electrical Engineering or a related ...

Jobs for Humanity

Optical Systems Engineers

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

We are seeking a Systems Engineer / Optical Engineer to join our team in Simi Valley! You will be ... Experience with Zemax is preferred * Strong analysis and critical thinking skills * Deadline and ...

TRL11, Inc.

Lead Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Conduct optical system modeling, simulation, and performance analysis using tools such as Zemax ... Qualifications * Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics/Electrical ...

Applied Energetics, Inc

Senior Optical Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$115K - $165K/yr

Work with other optical engineers to integrate optical subsystems into the overall platform by ... Experience using software tools for modelling optical systems such as Zemax, OpticStudio, Code V ...

Diffraqtion

Optical Engineer I

Somerville, MA · On-site

$140K - $182K/yr

You will work side by side with senior optical engineers and with the algorithm/software team ... Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, COMSOL, Lumerical). * Exposure to CAD such as SolidWorks for ...

AIMECH USA LLC

Optics Engineer

Niles, OH · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Join AIMECH USA LLC as an Optics Engineer in Niles, OH, where innovation meets precision. Be part ... Proficiency in optical design software (e.g., Zemax, Code V). * Strong analytical and problem ...

Applied Energetics, Inc

Senior Optical Engineer

Tucson, AZ

$110K - $143K/yr

Work with other optical engineers to integrate optical subsystems into the overall platform by ... Experience using software tools for modelling optical systems such as Zemax, OpticStudio, Code V ...

Meta

Display Optical Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$173K - $245K/yr

... optical engineers for new display applications • Lead complex development projects by ... Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, or equivalent ray-tracing tools • In-depth experience with optical ...

Diffraqtion

Optical Engineer I

Somerville, MA · On-site

$140K - $182K/yr

You will work side by side with senior optical engineers and with the algorithm/software team ... Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, COMSOL, Lumerical). * Exposure to CAD such as SolidWorks for ...

Meta

Display Optical Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$173K/yr

... as optical engineers for new display applications * Lead complex development projects by ... Experience with optical simulation and design software such as Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, or ...

Mesh Optical Technologies

Optical Test Engineer

Gardena, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

OPTICAL TEST ENGINEER Mesh Optical Technologies was founded on the belief that optical photons will ... Proficiency with optical design/analysis tools (e.g., Zemax) * Experience integrating and testing ...

JPL

Optical Engineer III

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$140K - $181K/yr

The 364C Optical Engineering Group specializes in designing and developing optical systems for ... Experience ray tracing in CODE V or Zemax. * Practical experience in hardware integration, optical ...

Aetherflux

Optical Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

Build and maintain optical system models using Zemax or Code V, including tolerance and stray light ... thermal engineers. * Define alignment budgets and verification procedures for deployable opto ...

Diffraqtion

Optical Engineer I

Somerville, MA · On-site

$140K - $182K/yr

You will work side by side with senior optical engineers and with the algorithm/software team ... Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, COMSOL, Lumerical). * Exposure to CAD such as SolidWorks for ...

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Optical Engineers Zemax information

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$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do optical engineers zemax jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineers zemax in the United States is $143,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Optical Engineers Zemax vs Optical Designers?

AspectOptical Engineers ZemaxOptical Designers
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; proficiency in Zemax softwareBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; familiarity with optical design tools
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, engineering firms, manufacturing facilitiesDesign studios, research labs, manufacturing settings
Industry UsageDeveloping optical systems, lenses, and imaging devices using Zemax

Optical Engineers Zemax focus on designing and analyzing optical systems primarily using Zemax software, often working in engineering environments. Optical Designers also create optical systems but may use various design tools and focus more on conceptual and detailed design stages. Both roles require strong technical skills and optical knowledge, but Optical Engineers Zemax typically emphasize software proficiency and system integration.

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Cities with the most Optical Engineers Zemax job openings:

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Optical Engineers Zemax jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineers Zemax job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.

Director of Optical Engineering

Xcimer Energy

Denver, CO • On-site

$190K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Xcimer Energy leverages decades of research on Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) combined with groundbreaking new laser architecture. Our mission is to deploy fusion power plants to meet global decarbonization goals as fast as possible. Xcimer has assembled a team of leaders in tough tech, fusion science, and manufacturing with a track record of rapid execution. Supported by leading investors, Xcimer is uniquely positioned to deliver limitless, clean, fusion power to combat climate change. Join us in powering a better world with inertial fusion! 
 
This is a full-time, onsite role based at our headquarters in Denver, CO.

As a Director of Optical Engineering you will lead the department which staffs the design, development, qualification and commissioning of state-of-the-art UV laser optical systems for laser-driven inertial fusion. This role combines deep technical expertise in optical engineering with organizational leadership responsibility for the Optical Engineering team. You will be responsible for building and leading a high-performing team of optical engineers while providing technical direction for the design, analysis, integration, and validation of laser beamlines, diagnostics, optical coatings, adaptive optics systems, and other critical optical subsystems. 
 
As a member of the engineering leadership team, you will partner closely with scientists, systems engineers, optical physicists, opto-mechanical engineers, and program leadership to ensure that the optical architectures, technical roadmaps, risks, and delivery of optical systems, is accomplished in accordance with the requirements of Xcimer's Fusion and Directed Energy missions. We are looking for a leader who combines exceptional technical depth with strong people leadership, execution discipline, and a passion for solving some of the world's most challenging engineering problems, while very comfortable working in a matrix organization. 
Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership 

  • Build, lead, mentor, and grow the Optical Engineering team through hiring, coaching, performance management, and career development. 
  • Establish team goals, priorities, staffing plans, and organizational capabilities aligned with company objectives. 
  • Develop engineering processes, design standards, documentation practices, and quality expectations for the optical engineering organization.  
  • Foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.  
  • Partner with executive leadership to develop long-term optical engineering strategy and organizational growth plans.  

Technical Leadership 

  • Oversee the development of optical architectures for laser beamlines, diagnostics, adaptive optics systems, beam transport systems, and related optical subsystems.
  • Work with science, systems engineering, and laser teams to derive, allocate, and manage optical system requirements. 
  • Provide technical oversight for optical design, tolerancing, alignment strategies, and system performance analyses.  
  • Chair reviews of optical designs and analyses, ensuring technical rigor and adherence to performance requirements. 
  • Guide development of active beam control systems including adaptive optics, beam stabilization, and tracking systems. 
  • Ensure that requirements and specifications for optical components, coatings, imaging systems, cameras, sensors, and precision optical assemblies are established in compliance with the Xcimer Product Development Process.
  • Drive resolution of complex optical performance issues through modeling, experimentation, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions.  
  • Oversee optical system integration, alignment, verification, validation, and commissioning activities.  

Cross-Functional Collaboration 

  • Partner with optomechanical engineering teams to optimize system performance, manufacturability, alignment accessibility, and maintainability. 
  • Collaborate with optical physicists, electrical engineers, controls engineers, and software engineers to develop integrated laser and diagnostic systems. 
  • Support supplier selection, technical evaluations, and strategic relationships with optical component vendors and manufacturing partners. 
  • Work closely with program management to identify risks, develop mitigation plans, and ensure successful execution of program milestones. 
  • Present technical status, risks, and recommendations to engineering leadership and executive stakeholders.  
Qualifications
  • Education: MS degree in Optical Engineering or a related technical discipline. 
  • Experience: 10+ years of experience in optical engineering, including optical design, analysis, integration, and testing of complex optical systems. 
  • Leadership: 15+ years of experience leading technical teams and managing engineering organizations. 
  • Demonstrated expertise using optical design software such as Zemax (preferred), CODE V, or equivalent tools. 
  • Strong experience with computational analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python, or similar engineering software.  
  • Deep understanding of optical design methodologies, optimization techniques, and performance metrics for imaging and laser systems.
  • Experience with optical tolerancing, fabrication specifications, statistical performance analysis, and alignment sensitivity assessments.  
  • Experience integrating and aligning complex optical systems using instrumentation such as theodolites, autocollimators, laser trackers, interferometers, and related metrology equipment.  
  • Experience performing optical metrology and characterization, including interferometric measurements, surface quality assessment, scatter characterization, and precision inspection techniques.  
  • Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering efforts from concept through integration and testing. 
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.  
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.  
Desired
  • Ph.D. degree in Optical Engineering, Optical Science, Physics, or a related discipline. 
  • 15+ years of experience in optical system design, optimization, tolerancing, integration, and precision alignment.  
  • Experience working in a Matrix Organization delivering multiple projects and programs in parallel.
  • Experience leading optical engineering organizations supporting large-scale technical programs.  
  • Experience designing adaptive optics systems and beam pointing stabilization systems.  
  • Experience performing high-fidelity physical optics modeling and wavefront propagation analyses in both near-field and far-field regimes.  
  • Experience with high-energy laser systems and deep ultraviolet (UV) optical systems.  
  • Experience developing comprehensive end-to-end optical system models and performance budgets.  
  • Experience defining and flowing requirements from system-level architectures to subsystem and component specifications. 
  • Experience supporting development of advanced scientific, aerospace, defense, fusion, or directed-energy systems.