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Optical Lens Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ametek

Sr. Optical Lens Designer

Middlefield, CT · On-site

$170K/yr

As a Senior Optical Lens Designer for our Optical Systems Group, you will work on a wide range of ... Design complex imaging and non-imaging systems, with emphasis on imaging systems using Zemax or ...

Ametek

Sr. Optical Lens Designer

Middlefield, CT · On-site

As a Senior Optical Lens Designer for our Optical Systems Group, you will work on a wide range of ... Design complex imaging and non-imaging systems, with emphasis on imaging systems using Zemax or ...

Ametek

Sr. Optical Lens Designer

Middlefield, CT

$170K/yr

As a Senior Optical Lens Designer for our Optical Systems Group, you will work on a wide range of ... Design complex imaging and non-imaging systems, with emphasis on imaging systems using Zemax or ...

Ametek

Sr. Optical Lens Designer

Middlefield, CT · On-site

As a Senior Optical Lens Designer for our Optical Systems Group, you will work on a wide range of ... Design complex imaging and non-imaging systems, with emphasis on imaging systems using Zemax or ...

Apple

Optical Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

The team is looking for an Optical Engineer to work on advanced optical technology development. - Work on new lens design, characterization and integration into CMOS imager sensor based camera ...

Apple

Optical Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$126K - $190K/yr

The team is looking for an Optical Engineer to work on advanced optical technology development ... Description - Work on new lens design, characterization and integration into CMOS imager sensor ...

Apple

Optical Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$147K - $272K/yr

The team is looking for an Optical Engineer to work on advanced optical technology development ... Work closely with lens supplier for prototype design, evaluation and MTF testing. Preferred ...

Apple

Optical System Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $206K/yr

Experience in lens design fundamentals. Master's or PhD and a minimum of 3 years relevant industry ... Proficiency using an optical software package (examples may include ZEMAX, CODE V, FRED, LightTool ...

Apple

Optical System Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $206K/yr

The team is looking for a Camera Optical Engineer to develop and support custom lens design and development. Bachelor's degree in Optical Science, Optical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or related ...

Apple

Optical System Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $206K/yr

Experience in lens design fundamentals. Master's or PhD and a minimum of 3 years relevant industry ... Proficiency using an optical software package (examples may include ZEMAX, CODE V, FRED, LightTool ...

Apple

Optical Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

Experience with lens design, optical metrology, tolerance analysis, or similar experience. 3+ years relevant industry experienceExperience in Stray light analysisExperience in lens characterization ...

Apple

Optical System Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$126K - $190K/yr

The team is looking for a Camera Optical Engineer to develop and support custom lens design and development.","responsibilities":"Work on new lens designs, characterization and integration into CMOS ...

Apple

Optical System Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$147K - $272K/yr

The team is looking for a Camera Optical Engineer to develop and support custom lens design and development.","responsibilities":"Work on new lens designs, characterization and integration into CMOS ...

Apple

Optical System Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$147K - $272K/yr

The team is looking for a Camera Optical Engineer to develop and support custom lens design and development.","responsibilities":"Work on new lens designs, characterization and integration into CMOS ...

BAE Systems

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Austin, TX · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

The qualified applicants will support assignments in EO/IR systems, precision pointing, Lens design ... The Senior Principal Optical Engineer will develop and mature advanced EO system concepts. This ...

BAE Systems

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Merrimack, NH · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

The qualified applicants will support assignments in EO/IR systems, precision pointing, Lens design ... The Senior Principal Optical Engineer will develop and mature advanced EO system concepts. This ...

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All JobsOptical Lens Design Jobs

Optical Lens Design information

See salary details

$81K

$144.5K

How much do optical lens design jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical lens 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 Lens Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Lens Designer, you need strong expertise in optics, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Proficiency with design software such as Zemax, Code V, or LightTools, and familiarity with optical manufacturing processes are essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are key soft skills for collaborating with engineers and clients. These skills ensure the precise development of high-performance optical systems, meeting technical specifications and client needs.

What is the difference between Optical Lens Design vs Optical Manufacturing?

AspectOptical Lens DesignOptical Manufacturing
CredentialsDegree in optics, physics, or engineeringTechnical certifications, manufacturing experience
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, CAD software, R&D facilitiesManufacturing plants, assembly lines
Industry UsageDeveloping lens specifications and prototypesProducing and assembling lenses
Common Search/ComparisonFocuses on design and developmentFocuses on production and quality control

Optical Lens Design involves creating and optimizing lens specifications using CAD tools, while Optical Manufacturing focuses on producing and assembling the lenses based on those designs. Both roles are essential in the optical industry but differ in their focus, skills, and work environment.

What is optical lens design?

Optical lens design is the process of creating lenses or lens systems that manipulate light to achieve specific imaging, focusing, or illumination goals. This field combines physics, engineering, and computer-aided design to develop lenses used in cameras, eyeglasses, microscopes, telescopes, and other optical devices. Designers consider factors like lens shape, material, coatings, and aberration correction to optimize performance. The process often involves simulation software to model how light will behave within the lens system. Optical lens designers work in industries ranging from consumer electronics to medical devices and scientific instruments.

What are some common challenges faced by optical lens designers during the product development process?

Optical lens designers often encounter challenges such as balancing optical performance with manufacturability and cost constraints. They must carefully consider factors like material selection, lens tolerances, and environmental conditions that can impact final product quality. Collaboration with mechanical engineers and manufacturing teams is crucial to ensure that the lens design can be successfully produced and integrated into the overall system. Additionally, keeping up with advancements in simulation software and fabrication technologies is important for delivering innovative solutions.
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What cities are hiring for Optical Lens Design jobs? Cities with the most Optical Lens Design job openings:
What states have the most Optical Lens Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Lens Design jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Optical Lens Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Lens Design jobs are:
Optical Lens Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Lens Design job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Internship, 80% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,701 per year, or $68.6 per hour.
Sr. Optical Lens Designer

Sr. Optical Lens Designer

Ametek

Middlefield, CT • On-site

$170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

AMETEK rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

52nd of 139 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 advanced optical metrology systems, ultra-precise optical components, and complex electro-optical systems. We are looking for a Senior Optical Lens Designer to join our team, where your expertise will drive cutting-edge solutions, address complex technical challenges, and uphold the highest standards of precision and safety.
As a Senior Optical Lens Designer for our Optical Systems Group, you will work on a wide range of optical systems, both imaging and non-imaging, with an emphasis on space optics. Other types of projects may include microscope objectives, illumination systems, AR/VR systems, interferometers and medical optics.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Design complex imaging and non-imaging systems, with emphasis on imaging systems using Zemax or Code V.
  • Develop manufacturable optical systems to meet cost and performance targets.
  • Support designs through the manufacturing process including troubleshooting and reconciling differences from design performance.
  • Perform sensitivity and tolerance analysis, analysis of effects of perturbations and integrating finite element analysis data.
  • Design to specifications of imaging system performance, e.g., MTF, wavefront, Strehl ratio, distortion, etc.
  • Ability to quickly develop and iterate conceptual designs to support customer quotes.
  • Knowledge of standard lens design forms and ability to develop novel designs to achieve desired performance goals.

Required Skills and Competencies:
  • Minimum of a Master's degree from an Optics program
  • Formal training in lens design
  • Experience in lens or optical engineering in aerospace or defense companies preferred
  • 8-10 years of experience
  • Intellectually curious and able to take initiative
  • Collaborative and able to partner across functions and teams
  • Uses a proactive approach to communicate and solve problems

Why join Zygo?
  • Engage in complex challenges: Tackle high-impact projects that push the boundaries of optical engineering and precision metrology.
  • Collaborate with experts: World-class engineers and scientists dedicated to excellence.
  • Develop your career: Access hands-on innovation opportunities, cross-disciplinary projects, and advanced training programs.
  • Explore global opportunities: Work on international projects, connect with colleagues worldwide, and grow your career globally.
  • Comprehensive benefits: Competitive compensation, robust 401(k) with company contributions, health and wellness programs, and generous paid time off.
  • Achieve recognition: Publish research, develop patents, and earn incentives for innovative contributions.
  • Work in well-equipped facilities with advanced tools and resources.

Bring your passion and commitment to Zygo, where we are curious, collaborative, persistent, and confident, and 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'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.
Compensation
Employee Type: Salaried
Currency: USD
Salary Minimum: 170,000
Salary Maximum: 190,000
Incentive: No
Disclaimer: Where a specific pay range is noted, it is a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. The actual salary offered will be based on experience, skills, qualifications, market / business considerations, and geographic location.
For more information on AMETEK's competitive benefits, please click here.
AMETEK, Inc. is a leading global provider of industrial technology solutions serving a diverse set of attractive niche markets with annual sales over $7.5 billion.
AMETEK is committed to making a safer, sustainable, and more productive world a reality. We use differentiated technology solutions to solve our customers' most complex challenges. We employ 22,000 colleagues, in 35 countries, that are grounded by our core values: Ethics and Integrity, Respect for the Individual, Inclusion, Teamwork, and Social Responsibility. AMETEK is a component of the S&P 500. Visit https://www.ametek.com/careers for more information.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Individuals who need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process should call 1 (866) 263-8359.
Nearest Major Market: Hartford

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