Optical Design Engineer

G5 Infrared LLC; Hudson (NH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

G5 Infrared, a LightPath Technologies company, is seeking an Optical Design Engineer to lead design, analysis, and validation of precision infrared imaging systems. You will collaborate across engineering disciplines to deliver manufacturable, high-performance optical solutions from concept to production.

Responsibilities include tolerancing, design for manufacturing, system modeling, and interfacing with suppliers.

Qualifications

• BS or greater in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 7+ years of lens design and optical system development.
• Experience with optical tolerancing, DMAs, and design for manufacturing.
• Proficiency with Zemax / OpticStudio and Matlab.
• Knowledge of optical testing methods (interferometry, MTF).
• Experience with infrared systems (preferred).
• ITAR awareness and ability to work as a US Person.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, simulate, optimize, validate, and transition optical systems to production.
• Develop optical solutions including tolerancing and manufacturing considerations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet performance targets.
• Create optical specifications and documentation for suppliers and internal teams.
• Support prototyping, testing, qualification, and cost estimation.
• Contribute to design reviews and risk assessments.

Skills

Optical design

Geometrical optics

Physical optics

System modeling

Zemax/OpticStudio

Matlab

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

BS or greater in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field

Tools

Zemax / OpticStudio

Matlab

Job description

G5 Infrared a LightPath Technologies company is a leading global provider of precision infrared and photonics solutions, serving defense, aerospace, medical, and industrial markets. With decades of expertise and a strong culture of innovation, LightPath designs and manufactures advanced optical components and systems that power some of the world’s most demanding applications. We offer a collaborative, technology-driven environment, opportunities to work on cutting-edge programs, and a comprehensive benefits package that supports our employees’ health, growth, and work-life balance.The Optical Design Engineer is responsible for the design, analysis, simulation, optimization, validation, and transition to production of precision optical systems for infrared imaging and electro-optical sensing applications. This role supports the development of thermal camera systems from concept through production by collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams to deliver high-performance, manufacturable optical solutions.Responsibilities:Concept development, trade-off analysis, and lens design for imaging systemsDevelop optical solutions including tolerancing, design for manufacturing analyses, and optimization to meet optical performance requirements in productionInterface and collaborate with other engineering disciplines to ensure overall product successCreate optical specifications, requirements definitions, and documentation for suppliers and internal teamsWork with suppliers and internal departments regarding fabrication and assemblySupport prototyping, test and evaluation, process development, and design validationProvide and support continuous improvement of design and analysis methodologies and toolsContribute to cost estimating and proposal writingPerform optical tolerancing and sensitivity analyses to ensure manufacturable, production-ready designs.Support optical system integration, alignment, and troubleshooting during prototype and production builds.Participate in design reviews and technical risk assessments.Analyze optical test data and correlate measured performance with design predictions.Support root cause investigations and corrective actions related to optical performance.Assist in new product introduction (NPI) and transition of designs into manufacturing.Maintain engineering documentation including drawings, specifications, and design reports.Support supplier technical reviews and optical component qualification.Tasks as assignedExperience/Qualifications:BS or greater in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field7+ years of lens design and optical system developmentMust be a U.S. Person as defined by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)Extensive knowledge of:Optical design for imaging systemsGeometrical and physical opticsSystem performance modelingDesign for manufacturingCommercial optical design softwareExperience with optical product manufacturing and optical component sourcingExperience with infrared systems (thermal imagers highly desired)Experience designing zoom lensesExpertise in Zemax / OpticStudio design softwareProficient with Matlab softwareExperience supporting production optics, yield improvement, and precision alignment methodsAbility to provide technical guidance on assigned projectsExperience with optical testing methods (interferometry, MTF testing)Exposure to defense and/or aerospace industriesProficiency with non-sequential raytrace analysisStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsExcellent verbal and written communicationAttention to detailEffective organizational and project management skillsAbility to manage multiple prioritiesCollaborative team playerContinuous improvement mindset