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Optical Lens Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Precision Optics Corporation Inc

Optical Engineer

Littleton, MA · On-site

$131K - $170K/yr

Lens design experience including tolerancing and direct involvement with the manufacture, assembly, and troubleshooting of systems. * Optical and Electro-optical System performance modeling including ...

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CivicMinds, Inc.

Camera & Optical Engineer

Richardson, TX · On-site

$116K - $151K/yr

... and lens characterization to ensure system reliability • Design and implement high-performance ... optical materials, system trade-offs, and manufacturing processes • Optimize Image Signal ...

AEI-CIG

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 ...

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MicroVision

Staff Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · Hybrid

$120K - $155K/yr

Support lens design, optimization, and performance evaluation * Define and document lens requirements, coatings and optical specifications * Develop and execute optical lab setups for model ...

SAFRAN DSI OPTRONICS

Optical Engineer

Bedford, NH · On-site

$127K - $164K/yr

Lens design: * Validation of flowed-down requirements to the optical sub-system * Design from selection * Tolerance analysis to ensure a best-value solution * Use tools such as Zemax and FRED WHAT ...

MicroVision

Staff Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · Hybrid

$120K - $155K/yr

Support lens design, optimization, and performance evaluation * Define and document lens requirements, coatings and optical specifications * Develop and execute optical lab setups for model ...

Apply Early

MicroVision

Staff Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

Support lens design, optimization, and performance evaluation * Define and document lens requirements, coatings and optical specifications * Develop and execute optical lab setups for model ...

Baker Hughes

R&D Optical Engineer

Skaneateles, NY · On-site

$87K - $163K/yr

You will execute optical system designs, including lens design, packaging, prototyping, refinement, and validation. * You will collaborate with crossfunctional teams to ensure designs meet ...

Baker Hughes

R&D Optical Engineer

Skaneateles, NY · On-site

$87K - $163K/yr

You will execute optical system designs, including lens design, packaging, prototyping, refinement, and validation. * You will collaborate with crossfunctional teams to ensure designs meet ...

Leidos

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 ...

Leidos

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 ...

Leidos

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 ...

Leidos

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 ...

Leidos

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 ...

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Optical Lens Design information

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$81K

$144.5K

How much do optical lens design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 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:
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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 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,701 per year, or $68.6 per hour.
Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

BAE Systems

Austin, TX • On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

BAE Systems rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 145 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 46 rated military and defense

Job description


Thank you for your interest in BAE Systems! This opening is included as part of our June 2026 Countermeasure & Electromagnetic Attack Solutions Engineering Hiring Event. While we encourage all interested professionals to apply, please note that this is a selection-based interview event for candidates whose skills and experience match our hiring needs. If your background and skill set match these needs, we will reach out with next steps. If selected for an interview, specific opportunities based on your interests, experience, and skill set will be discussed with the hiring team. For candidates not local to the southern NH or Austin, TX areas, virtual interviews will be accommodated.
BAE Systems is currently looking for a talented Senior Principal Optical Engineer to join our EO/IR Capability Group. This group comprises a team of expert Optical, Electro-Optical, Opto-mechanical and Laser specialists dedicated to developing innovative hardware solutions that drive the success of our program portfolio.
BAE Systems is experiencing continued growth in our Electro-optic/Infrared (EO/IR) markets, and we are seeking experienced, highly motivated Engineers to join our team. The qualified applicants will support assignments in EO/IR systems, precision pointing, Lens design and other complex EO/IR product design/development at our southern New Hampshire locations. At BAE Systems we design, develop and manufacture highly sophisticated EO/IR solutions that service a variety of product areas for government and commercial applications.
The Senior Principal Optical Engineer will develop and mature advanced EO system concepts. This will include the design, analysis, and measurement of optical subsystems. Responsibilities include the development of optical subsystem schedule/budgets, design and analysis of optical subsystems, and the testing and validation of prototype assemblies. The work environment is fast-paced and presents many technical challenges as well as significant growth opportunities. Successful technical contributors will be comfortable working in multi-disciplinary teams, present current program work to customers as well as contribute to proposals for new projects.
  • The successful candidate will have an in-depth understanding in one or more of the following: Optics, Laser, Material Science, Precision Pointing, Optical Lens Systems, Imaging Systems
  • 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 Integrating and testing hardware and optical components in a laboratory environment
  • Experience/ability/knowledge working with Focal Plane Arrays (FPA), microbolometers, EO/IR cameras, thermal imaging or sensor technologies
  • Experience presenting proposals/designs to customers (internal and external)
  • Ability to collect, analyze, and document EO/IR hardware requirements
  • Ability to support proposals through labor estimations and written technical plans / architecture.
  • Experience allocating system requirements to subsystem requirements & creating supplier specifications for custom optical designs
  • Willingness to provide manufacturing support for optical imaging test equipment
  • Effective oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills and a positive, can-do attitude

Hybrid: Onsite 3 days per week
About BAE Systems Electronic Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference. Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems' game-changing defense and commercial electronics. Exploiting every electron, we push the limits of what is possible, giving our customers the edge and our employees opportunities to change the world. Our products and capabilities can be found everywhere - from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space. At our core are more than 14,000 highly talented Electronic Systems employees with the brightest minds in the industry, we make an impact - for our customers and the communities we serve.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
Required Skills and Education
  • BS degree in Optical Engineering or a related technical field
  • Experience in designing optical subassemblies
  • Experience working with and designing for electro-optical systems
  • Understanding EO/IR Systems

Preferred Skills and Education
  • Ability to obtain a Secret Clearance

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