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Optical Lens Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Optical System Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $206K/yr

Experience in lens design fundamentals. Experience in the area of lens design metrology and integration. Proficiency using an optical software package (examples may include ZEMAX, CODE V, FRED ...

Optical System Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $206K/yr

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

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 ...

Experience with lens design, optical metrology, tolerance analysis, or similar experience. Experience with ZEMAX, CODE V, FRED, LightTool, etc. Experience in lens characterization methodology and ...

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

Experience with lens design, optical metrology, tolerance analysis, or similar experience. Experience with ZEMAX, CODE V, FRED, LightTool, etc. Preferred Qualifications 3+ years relevant industry ...

Optical System Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$150K - $277K/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 ...

Optical System Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$150K - $277K/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 ...

Optical System Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$129K - $194K/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 ...

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$110K - $200K/yr

The candidate will contribute to optical system design, fiber coupling optimization, lens development, optical characterization, and performance validation for next-generation optical communication ...

Senior Optical Engineer

National City, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Additionally, knowledge of infrared lens design and reflective optical system design is essential. Basic Qualifications * Bachelor of Science degree with 12+ years of prior relevant experience or ...

Senior Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Additionally, knowledge of infrared lens design and reflective optical system design is essential. Basic Qualifications * Bachelor of Science degree with 12+ years of prior relevant experience or ...

Senior Optical Engineer

Chula Vista, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Additionally, knowledge of infrared lens design and reflective optical system design is essential. Basic Qualifications * Bachelor of Science degree with 12+ years of prior relevant experience or ...

Senior Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Additionally, knowledge of infrared lens design and reflective optical system design is essential. Basic Qualifications * Bachelor of Science degree with 12+ years of prior relevant experience or ...

Senior Optical Engineer

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Additionally, knowledge of infrared lens design and reflective optical system design is essential. Basic Qualifications * Bachelor of Science degree with 12+ years of prior relevant experience or ...

Additionally, knowledge of infrared lens design and reflective optical system design is essential. Basic Qualifications * Bachelor of Science degree with 12+ years of prior relevant experience or ...

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Optical Lens Design information

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.
What are popular job titles related to Optical Lens Design jobs in California? For Optical Lens Design jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Optical Lens Design job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Optical Design Engineer

Optical Design Engineer

Apple

Cupertino, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Apple rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 675 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product we build, service we create, or Apple Store experience we deliver is the result of us making each other's ideas stronger. That happens because every one of us shares a belief that we can make something wonderful and share it with the world, changing lives for the better. It's the diversity of our people and their thinking that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do. When we bring everybody in, we can do the best work of our lives. Here, you'll do more than join something - you'll add something.
The Camera Hardware Engineering group is responsible for all research, design, development, test and qualification of camera hardware for Apple products. 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 based camera modules.
- Drive development of advanced metrology development.
- Complete analysis of the optical element's influence on the image quality characteristics of the camera module.
- Work closely with lens supplier for prototype design, evaluation and MTF testing.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Manufacturing, or similar field.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in lens design, optical metrology, tolerance analysis, especially multi group optics such as zoom lens
Experience in Stray light analysis
Experience in lens characterization methodology and instrumentation
Proficiency with ZEMAX, CODE V, FRED, LightTool, etc.
Ability to perform comprehensive optical and image quality characterization of the lens and the camera module
Support metrology methodology for camera lens testing and develop appropriate test charts and methods for camera evaluation
Interface with the assembly and packaging groups to support integration of camera lens into module
Working knowledge of thin film physics and fabrication
Track record of imaging related innovations
Working knowledge of optomechanics
Working knowledge of CAD software and good understanding about optical components drawing

What Apple employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Apple logo

About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976