Optical Engineer

Actalent; North Reading (MA); On-site; USD 96,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) retirement plan

Life Insurance

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Time Off/Leave

Job summary

Actalent in North Reading, MA, seeks an experienced Optical Engineer to design, develop, and optimize advanced optical systems. The role emphasizes optical component design, system integration, hands-on ownership, and active vendor engagement to drive performance and manufacturability.

Responsibilities include simulating with Zemax or Code V, evaluating lens assembly performance, guiding supplier selections, and shaping a fast, reliable US Northeast supply chain.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in optics or related field.
• 5+ years of optical engineering experience.
• Strong expertise in optical component design and system integration.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop optical systems and components, including lenses and assemblies.
• Analyze and optimize optical trains from light source to sensor.
• Perform optical simulations with Zemax or Code V.
• Evaluate performance and propose improvements.
• Troubleshoot lens alignment and integration issues.
• Drive root cause analysis and resolution.
• Collaborate with suppliers on design, manufacturability, and delivery.
• Own key engineering tasks and project scope estimation.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams and vendors.
• Support US Northeast supply chain efforts.

Skills

Optical design

Optical simulations

Imaging systems

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD in Optics/Optical Engineering/Physics

Tools

Zemax

Code V

Job description

Job Title: Optical Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Optical Engineer to support the design, development, and optimization of advanced optical systems. This role focuses on optical component design, system integration, and supply chain collaboration, with a strong emphasis on hands‑on technical ownership and vendor engagement.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop optical systems and components, including lenses and optical assemblies.
• Analyze and optimize optical trains from light source to sensor interface.
• Perform optical simulations using tools such as Zemax, Code V, or equivalent.
• Evaluate system performance and recommend improvements.
• Troubleshoot and resolve optical performance issues, including lens alignment and integration problems.
• Conduct root cause analysis and drive issues to resolution.
• Provide technical guidance on optical design trade-offs and feasibility.
• Identify, evaluate, and select optical component suppliers and manufacturing partners.
• Support development of a fast and reliable supply chain, primarily in the U.S. (Northeast region preferred).
• Conduct vendor assessments and audits.
• Collaborate with suppliers on design, manufacturability, and delivery.
• Take ownership of key optical engineering tasks and deliverables.
• Estimate effort, timelines, and technical scope for projects.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams and external vendors.
• Provide recommendations on outsourcing, prototyping, and production strategies.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Optics, Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in optical engineering.
• Strong expertise in optical component design (lenses, assemblies, light paths).
• Proficiency in optical simulation tools such as Zemax and Code V.
• Experience with imaging or illumination systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with optical supply chains and vendors.
• Familiarity with lens manufacturing, integration, and packaging processes.
• Exposure to imaging systems or image science.
• Connected to strong optics programs (e.g., University of Arizona or similar).
• Established network within optical component suppliers and manufacturers.

Work Environment

This role is fully onsite, located in North Reading. The position offers comprehensive benefits, including FTC benefits, 15 days of PTO, and 7 holidays.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of North Reading, MA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $80.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in North Reading,MA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 6, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.