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Optical Lens Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Optical Design Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$112K - $155K/yr

Develop lens design forms for complex optical systems that meet these system specifications. * Develop manufacturing tolerances and build strategies for these lens systems using custom sensitivity ...

Support activities of the optical design. Responsible for ensuring we have the right software tools ... Lens design capability using CODE V, OSLO PRO, ZEMAX, and/or FRED or equivalent lens design program ...

Optical Design Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$112K - $155K/yr

Develop lens design forms for complex optical systems that meet these system specifications. * Develop manufacturing tolerances and build strategies for these lens systems using custom sensitivity ...

Develop lens design forms for complex optical systems that meet these system specifications. * Develop manufacturing tolerances and build strategies for these lens systems using custom sensitivity ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Principal Optical Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$151.20 - $236.25/hr

Lens design * Fiber optics * Lasers * Optical system characterization and testing * Opto‑mechanics * Experience bringing complex optical systems from concept to production * Expertise with ...

Experience in optical lens design and fabrication * Understanding of opto-mechanical system assembly and packaging, tolerance analysis, and stray light analysis * Experience with statistical data ...

Showing results 21-40

Optical Lens Design information

See salary details

$81K

$144.5K

How much do optical lens design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 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?

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.
More about Optical Lens Design jobs
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:
Infographic showing various Optical Lens Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,701 per year, or $68.6 per hour.

Optical Design Staff Engineer

II-VI Incorporated

Saxonburg, PA

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Functions:

  • Support activities of the optical design. Responsible for ensuring we have the right software tools to support our customers design needs and that optical design group is proficient in using these tools. Standardize ISO work procedures within optical design group. 
  • Take responsibility for risk assessment of projects being undertaken. Ensure that quality of all groups output meets requirements and expectations of Coherent customers. 
  • Utilize optical design programs to provide component and subassembly optical designs. Ensure design specification can be met based on tolerances achievable using standard manufacturing procedures.
  • Provide technical support to customers identifying and/or designing the best products to support their application.
  • Develop fundamental understanding of Coherent products to enable role as technology expert. Interface directly with customer engineering groups. 
  • Provide optical testing support for nonstandard products.
  • Act as project manager for custom projects managing entire project responsibility for cost, quality and delivery. 
  • Lead the development of new optical and electro-optical products. Build and qualify prototypes to meet customer and market requirements.
  • Utilize Coherent Gate Review Process to ensure buy-in on technical and market strategy.
  • Utilize DFMEA design reviews to ensure robustness of designs.

Job Requirements:       

  • 4 year Science or Engineering Degree, BS minimum requirement.  Post Graduate Engineering or Science Degree - MSc or PhD
  • College science lab and engineering project experience, 5 years product design and applications experience. 
  • High organization skills, motivation, good inter-personal skills for interfacing with customers and other departments
  • Strong physics understanding, therefore, able to do theoretical analysis, both optical and electrical. 
  • Lens design capability using CODE V, OSLO PRO, ZEMAX, and/or FRED or equivalent lens design program is desirable.
  • Computer programming in C or C++ is also desirable.
  • Concise report writing is also required to aid in communicating complex optical issues.

Responsibilities:         

  • Responsible for all operations of optical design group which includes work distribution, organization, documentation, software selection, training, risk assessment design quality for the entire group. 
  • Often involved with proprietary information belonging to COHERENT and its customers. Involved with assessing technical feasibility towards setting strategic direction of IR Engineering and NPI activities.
  • Contact with outside customers, by traveling overseas and domestically and by phone and written communications, regarding optical design and electro-optic design and support during the quotation, ordering, and post order support stages. 
  • Extensive interfacing with the sales department during the quotation of special optics and electro-optics.  
  • Strong interfacing with manufacturing and QA departments to solve design and manufacturing issues.
  • Support documentation and filing of COHERENT Patents and Trade Secrets.
  • Training and mentoring other COHERENT employees.
  • Transfer of new products manufacturing and testing from prototype to production.
  • Engineer must possess ability for self monitoring and error checking so that errors are kept to a minimum. 

Job Conditions:

  • Office, general laboratory, high power laser operation, high electrical voltage operation.
  • All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work


 

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.


 

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.


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Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.