Optical Physicist

Gentex Corporation; Simpson (PA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Gentex Corporation in Carbondale, PA seeks an Optical Physicist to lead design, modeling, and characterization of advanced optical systems for commercial and military eyewear. You will bridge physics, coatings, and materials to system performance, from concept to production.

The role demands mentoring, program leadership, and collaboration with customers and partners. The position emphasizes developing roadmaps, conducting laboratory experiments, and guiding high-impact optics programs across

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Physics, Optical Science/Engineering, Materials Science, or related engineering with optics focus.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and analysis of optical eyewear, lenses and components for ballistic and laser protection.
• Develop optical models linking design parameters, materials, coatings, and process to performance.
• Plan and execute lab experiments to characterize optical components and systems.
• Serve as technology lead for optics programs with government and commercial work.
• Support business and product teams in program execution and capture.
• Develop technology and product roadmaps in core optical areas.
• Prepare white papers, proposals, and technical reports.
• Mentor engineers and technicians and manage project resources.
• Interface with customers, suppliers, universities, and institutes as optics SME.
• Survey literature and patents to identify opportunities and inform roadmaps.
• Document work and transition technology from development to production.

Skills

Physical optics

Geometrical optics

Optical system design

Laser-matter interaction

Coatings development

Experimental design

Data-driven problem solving

Customer communication

Budget planning

Education

Master’s or PhD in Physics/Optical Science/Engineering

Tools

Zemax/OpticStudio

MS Project

MS Office Suite

Job description

Optical Physicist

Gentex Corporation Simpson, Pennsylvania, United States

About this position

Description:

PURPOSE:

The Optical Physicist 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.

DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• 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.

REQUIREMENTS:

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).

POSITION SUPERVISES:

May supervise engineers, technicians.

CONTACT WITH OTHERS:

Daily contact with technical and operational team members, value stream managers, product and program managers, business development, finance, purchasing, customers, vendors, and partners.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL/COMMUNICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; manual dexterity to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee may lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by the job may include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The individual must have the ability to solve practical problems and a general ability to interpret instructions furnished in verbal, written, diagram or schedule format.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Works majority of the day in a climate-controlled environment, with the exception of or otherwise specified, performing work in the warehouse or manufacturing areas which are subject to changes in temperature and/or noise.

TRAVEL:

Limited travel required

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, recreate, 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.