Optical Design Engineer

LightPath Technologies; Hudson (NH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

LightPath Technologies, a leader in precision infrared and photonics, seeks an Optical Design Engineer to drive design, analysis, simulation, and validation of infrared imaging and electro‑optical sensing systems from concept to production.

You will collaborate across engineering teams, perform lens design and tolerancing, support manufacturing readiness, and contribute to test, validation, and supplier communications. 7+ years in lens design and ITAR experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• BS or higher in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 7+ years of lens design and optical system development.
• Must be a U.S. Person under ITAR.
• Experience with infrared systems (thermal imagers highly desired).
• Proficient with Matlab software.
• Experience with optical testing methods (interferometry, MTF testing).
• Exposure to defense/aerospace industries.

Responsibilities

• Concept development, trade-off analysis, and lens design for imaging systems.
• Develop optical solutions including tolerancing, DFM analyses, and optimization to meet production requirements.
• Interface with other engineering disciplines to ensure overall product success.
• Create optical specifications, requirements definitions, and documentation for suppliers and internal teams.
• Work with suppliers and internal departments regarding fabrication and assembly.
• Support prototyping, test and evaluation, process development, and design validation.
• Provide and support continuous improvement of design and analysis methodologies.
• Contribute to cost estimating and proposal writing.
• Perform optical tolerancing and sensitivity analyses to ensure manufacturable designs.
• Support optical system integration, alignment, and troubleshooting during prototype and production builds.
• Participate in design reviews and risk assessments.
• Analyze optical test data and correlate with design predictions.

Skills

Optical design for imaging systems

Geometrical and physical optics

System performance modeling

Design for manufacturing

Infrared systems knowledge

Analytical problem solving

Excellent verbal and written comms

Education

BS in Optical Engineering/Physics

Tools

MATLAB

Non-sequential raytrace

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 systems
• Develop optical solutions including tolerancing, design for manufacturing analyses, and optimization to meet optical performance requirements in production
• Interface and collaborate with other engineering disciplines to ensure overall product success
• Create optical specifications, requirements definitions, and documentation for suppliers and internal teams
• Work with suppliers and internal departments regarding fabrication and assembly
• Support prototyping, test and evaluation, process development, and design validation
• Provide and support continuous improvement of design and analysis methodologies and tools
• Contribute to cost estimating and proposal writing
• Perform 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 assigned

Experience/Qualifications:

• BS or greater in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
• 7+ years of lens design and optical system development
• Must be a U.S. Person as defined by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
• Extensive knowledge of:
• Optical design for imaging systems
• Geometrical and physical optics
• System performance modeling
• Design for manufacturing
• Experience with optical product manufacturing and optical component sourcing
• Experience with infrared systems (thermal imagers highly desired)
• Proficient with Matlab software
• Experience supporting production optics, yield improvement, and precision alignment methods
• Ability to provide technical guidance on assigned projects
• Experience with optical testing methods (interferometry, MTF testing)
• Exposure to defense and/or aerospace industries
• Proficiency with non‑sequential raytrace analysis
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Effective organizational and project management skills