Optical Engineer

Gentex Corp.; Carbondale (PA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Gentex Corporation seeks an experienced Optical Engineer to lead the design, modeling, and development of optical systems and eyewear products for ballistic protection, laser protection, and display applications. The role links physics, materials, coatings, and production processes from concept through transfer to production.

The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. or equivalent in optics, 10+ years in optical programs, and hands-on experience with optics modeling, materials, and coatings.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Physics, Optical Science/Engineering, Materials Science, or related field with optics focus.
• Ten or more years in optical applications; leadership of complex programs preferred.
• Experience with eyewear, laser protection, imaging, or display optics is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead optical eyewear lens and component design for ballistic and laser protection.
• Develop optical models linking design parameters to performance metrics.
• Plan and run lab experiments for refraction, transmission, haze, and polarization.
• Act as technology lead for government and commercial optics programs.
• Support product roadmaps and transition technologies to production.
• Write white papers, proposals, and technical reports.
• Mentor engineers and interface with customers and suppliers.

Skills

Optical design

Zemax/OpticStudio

Labs characterization

Project leadership

Customer communication

Education

Master’s or Ph.D. in Optical Science/Engineering

Tools

Zemax/OpticStudio

MS Office

Job description

At Gentex Corporation, we’ve created an environment where great ideas and great people can thrive. Leveraging a history that spans over 130 years, Gentex is a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, emergency responders, and industrial personnel operating in high performance environments. Join our multinational team of exceptional and dedicated employees around the world and work on challenging and rewarding projects, grow your skills, and advance your career all while making a positive difference in the lives of our customers. Together, you and Gentex can build a career that’s uniquely yours.

About the Job

The Optical Engineer is a subject matter expert responsible for the design, modeling, characterization, and development of optical systems and eyewear products for commercial and military applications, including ballistic protection, variable light transmission, laser eye protection, and visual display technologies. This role provides technical leadership and pathfinding in optical physics and optical materials, linking fundamental physics, materials, coatings, and process conditions to system-level performance, from concept through transfer to production.

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead the design and analysis of optical eyewear lenses and eyewear components to meet performance requirements for ballistic protection, laser protection, and display applications.
• Develop and refine optical models that link design parameters, materials, coating stacks, and process conditions to measurable system performance metrics.
• Plan and execute laboratory experiments to characterize optical components and systems (e.g., refraction, spectral transmission, reflection, haze, polarization), and correlate results with models and product requirements.
• Serve as technology lead and principal investigator for key government and commercial optics programs.
• Act as an internal technical and opportunity consultant in optics, supporting business, value stream, and new product development teams in program execution and capture.
• Participate in the development of technology, research, and product roadmaps in core and adjacent optical technology areas.
• Write or support the writing of white papers, proposals, and technical reports.
• Lead or support departmental initiatives to optimize technical and operational effectiveness.
• Support development of budgets, resource planning, and allocation for optical new product activities.
• Coach and mentor engineers, scientists, and technicians.
• Interface with military and commercial customers, suppliers, universities, and research institutes, representing the company as a subject matter expert in optics.
• Survey technical information streams (literature, patents, conferences) to identify new opportunities and inform product roadmaps.
• Document experimental work and modeling results and help transition technologies and products from development to production.

Qualifications

Education, Professional License(s) and Experience

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Physics, Optical Science/Engineering, Materials Science, or related engineering discipline with an optics focus; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ten (10) or more years of experience in a business or research organization focused on optical applications; experience leading complex technical programs is strongly preferred.
• Experience with optical technologies for eyewear, laser protection, imaging, or display applications, including materials and coatings development and characterization is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Deep expertise in physical and geometrical optics, including optical system design, laser-matter interaction, stray light, and scattering.
• Proficiency with optical modeling and design tools (e.g., Zemax/OpticStudio or equivalent), and with spectroscopic and radiometric characterization techniques.
• Strong knowledge of optical materials, polymers, wet coating or thin-film processes, and their impact on optical and mechanical performance.
• Ability to functionally manage technical teams, plan and manage projects, and control budgets and resources.
• Experience communicating directly with customers and senior management, including preparation and delivery of technical presentations and reports.
• Familiarity with intellectual property, white paper and proposal development.
• Knowledge of statistical techniques, experimental design, and data-driven problem solving.
• Demonstrated capability to work in a self-initiated and self-directed manner while handling multiple projects in parallel.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and project management tools (e.g., MS Project).

Location

Gentex’s Carbondale facility is located in Northeastern Pennsylvania in Lackawanna County. Carbondale, PA is about twenty miles north of Scranton, PA, 50 miles south of Binghamton, NY, and about 125 miles from New York City and Philadelphia. The area hosts numerous nearby state parks, nature preserves and local colleges and universities, including The University of Scranton and Marywood University. Northeast Pennsylvania is a beautiful area and offers an excellent cost of living. It is a great place to work, meet people, raise a family and live!

Gentex Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard for any applicable state or federal protected class. Gentex is an E-Verify Participant. Pre-employment drug/alcohol/background screening is required.