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Optical Lens Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

Rancho Santa Fe, 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 ...

esr

Optician

Richmond, VA

$17 - $22/hr

We are searching for a full-time optician to join our busy practice. Job purpose * Responsible ... Knowledge of appropriate frame selection based on prescription, facial shape and size, lens design ...

Virginia Eye Institute

Optician

Richmond, VA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

We are searching for a full-time optician to join our busy practice. Job purpose * Responsible ... Knowledge of appropriate frame selection based on prescription, facial shape and size, lens design ...

Ametek

MTS Optical Engineer

Denville, NJ · On-site

$123K - $160K/yr

Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or related discipline. * 5+ years of optical engineering experience (lens design and tolerance analysis), working knowledge of opto-mechanics and stray light ...

esr

Optician

Richmond, VA

$17 - $22/hr

We are searching for a full-time optician to join our busy practice. Job purpose * Responsible ... Knowledge of appropriate frame selection based on prescription, facial shape and size, lens design ...

esr

Optician

Mechanicsville, VA

$17.25 - $22/hr

Opticians are responsible for financial close out and bank deposit at end of day when necessary ... Knowledge of appropriate frame selection based on prescription, facial shape and size, lens design ...

LIGHTPATH TECHNOLOGIES 1

Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$112K - $145K/yr

LightPath is seeking an experienced Optical Engineer to perform lens design, analysis, and optimization of infrared (SWIR, MWIR, LWIR) optical assemblies for production. The ideal candidate will ...

Virginia Eye Institute

Optician

Mechanicsville, VA · On-site

$17.25 - $22/hr

Opticians are responsible for financial close out and bank deposit at end of day when necessary ... Knowledge of appropriate frame selection based on prescription, facial shape and size, lens design ...

Panduit

Fiber Optics Design Engineer

Tinley Park, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Familiarity with optical communication transceivers, high-speed optical links, fundamentals of micro-optics or lens design, and industry standards (IEC, TIA, Telcordia). * Systems : Experience using ...

Virginia Eye Institute

Optician

Chester, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Opticians are responsible for financial close out and bank deposit at end of day when necessary ... Knowledge of appropriate frame selection based on prescription, facial shape and size, lens design ...

Applied Concepts

Camera and Optical Engineer

Richardson, TX · On-site

$116K - $150K/yr

Design, develop, and optimize optical systems, including lenses, sensors, and lighting subsystems. * Perform tolerance analysis, stray light analysis, and lens characterization to ensure system ...

esr

$14 - $18.25/hr

Opticians are responsible for financial close out and bank deposit at end of day when necessary ... Knowledge of appropriate frame selection based on prescription, facial shape and size, lens design ...

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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 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.
Senior Optical Engineer

Senior Optical Engineer

Leidos

San Diego, CA • On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 426 rated business services

Job description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?
At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.
Are you ready for your next career challenge?
Leidos Defense provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world's toughest security challenges for customers with "can't fail" missions.
Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in developing optical payload systems for the Space Force, including missions such as Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR), Space Control, and Space-Based Sensing. Leidos programs are funded by multiple U.S. government sponsors as well as internal research and development (IR&D) efforts. The optical engineer will also contribute to responses for government-issued proposals related to optical imaging systems operating in the visible and infrared spectrum. Upon contract award, responsibilities include system conceptualization, optical design, performance analysis, payload construction, testing, and integration.
The candidate should be able to conceptualize optical designs and oversee their mechanical implementation into qualified flight instruments, with demonstrated proficiency in mechanical modeling for proposal and concept development. The candidate should understand radiometric requirements, optical performance specifications, and payload hardware development to design optical systems using Zemax. A strong understanding of aberration theory and its impact on system performance is required.
The candidate should also be proficient in optical tolerancing, athermalization analysis, and lens manufacturing methods and drawing standards. Experience in stray light control, Structural Thermal Optical Performance (STOP) analysis, and laboratory testing and evaluation is required. 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 Master of Science with 10+ years of prior relevant experience. May possess a Doctorate in a relevant technical domain.
  • Infrared and Visible lens design using Zemax experience required.
  • Knowledge of how electro-optical systems are designed, specified, developed, manufactured, and tested including Focal Plane Arrays, bandpass filter performance, AR coating, and Lyot stop implementation.
  • Experience in prototype and production development, including testing and demonstrations.
  • Knowledge and experience in laboratory alignment, testing, and evaluation.
  • Working knowledge of MS Office applications, MatLab, and Solidworks.
  • Effective communication, coordination, and customer engagement skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic, and team environment.
  • Minimum of an active SECRET security clearance with the ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Stray light performance analysis using FRED
  • Bandpass and AR coating development
  • Radiometric modeling
  • Manufacturing and assembly process knowledge

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
May 29, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $131,300.00 - $237,350.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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