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Optical Lens Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Baker Hughes

R&D Optical Engineer

Skaneateles, NY

$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

Chula Vista, CA

$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

$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

$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

$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

Cardiff By The Sea, CA

$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

La Jolla, CA

$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

$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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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.
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:
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.
Optical Engineer

Optical Engineer

Precision Optics Corporation Inc

Littleton, MA • On-site

$131K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Description:
  • This position requires someone knowledgeable in the areas of Optical System Design across the Visible to Infra-red spectrum including: optical analysis, simulation, design, and realization of solutions to Visible, Laser, Imaging and Illumination systems requirements.
  • Responsibilities include concept development, optical system architecture, system trade-off analysis, requirements definition and flow down, analysis and test and evaluation of optical performance parameters at both the component and system level.
  • Analytical skills should be complimented by an ability to substantially direct or lead system integration and test activities. Outstanding communication skills are required to convey technical ideas to both the customer community and to engineering peers.
  • Supervision of a technical design team and preparation of cost estimates and schedules for proposed activities are additional anticipated duties for more senior levels.
Requirements:
  • Lens design experience including tolerancing and direct involvement with the manufacture, assembly, and troubleshooting of systems.
  • Optical and Electro-optical System performance modeling including imaging and radiometric/photometric properties, tolerance performance. More senior levels should have an additional understanding of advanced properties such as stray light, signal to noise, polarization, practical physical optics, and design and specification for more advanced optical fabrication such as diamond turning, MRF, and precision molding.
  • Direct system experience in designs involving imaging and illumination.
  • Familiar with the application and use of metrology equipment including: interferometers, spectrometers, image analysis (MTF), radiometers, blackbodies, etc.

Required Skills

  • Optical design software (e.g. Zemax or Code V)
  • General Purpose Modeling and Analysis Software (e.g. Matlab or MathCAD)
  • Microsoft Office™ suite of applications

Desired Skills

  • Imager system modeling software (e.g. NVTherm, SSCAM)
  • Non-sequential raytrace software(e.g. FRED)
  • Image analysis and acquisition software (e.g. Matrox MIL, LabView)
  • Lens system measurement equipment (e.g. MTF bench, nodal bench)
  • Matlab Image Processing Toolbox
  • Color accuracy analysis

Education and Experience Requirements

BS in a related field and minimum 4 years relevant experience or MS in a related field and minimum 3 years relevant experience