Optics Designer

a fulfilling; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Syntec Technologies is seeking an experienced Optical Design Engineer to lead design, analysis, and optimization of optical systems for a variety of applications. You will model and simulate designs using Zemax OpticStudio, Code-V, or equivalent, collaborating with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to meet performance requirements.

Responsibilities include leading system testing, applying optical principles to solve complex challenges, and guiding technical staff in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 5–10 years of experience in optical design, modeling, and simulation.
• Proficiency with optical design software (Zemax, Code V, LightTools, etc.).
• Strong understanding of optical principles, including ray tracing, diffraction, and wave optics.
• Experience with optical system testing and validation.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects.
• Flexibility with working hours may be required to meet business needs and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, and optimize optical systems using industry-standard software tools such as Zemax OpticStudio, Code-V, or equivalent.
• Lead the design and execution of optical system and component testing, ensuring alignment with performance requirements.
• Apply a deep understanding of optical principles to solve complex design challenges.
• Analyze data sets and create tools for effective data visualization and manipulation.
• Take a leadership role in guiding technical staff and contributing to project outcomes.
• Collaborate in a small, fast-paced team environment, bringing creativity and technical expertise to each project.
• Utilize Linux/Windows and be proficient in MS Office (PowerPoint, Excel) and MATLAB.
• Present technical results to internal teams, customers, and at workshops/conferences.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Skills

Optical design

Ray tracing

Diffraction

Wave optics

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Independent work

Project management

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering

Master’s degree in Optical Engineering

Tools

Zemax OpticStudio

Code-V

LightTools

MATLAB

Job description

Job summary:

We are seeking an experienced Optical Design Engineer to lead the design, analysis, and optimization of optical systems for a variety of applications and advanced technologies. This role involves using industry-standard software (Zemax, Code-V, or equivalent) to model, simulate, and optimize optical designs. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate optical systems with mechanical, electrical, and software components while ensuring designs meet performance requirements and industry standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design, analyze, and optimize optical systems using industry-standard software tools such as Zemax OpticStudio, Code-V, or equivalent.
• Lead the design and execution of optical system and component testing, ensuring alignment with performance requirements.
• Apply a deep understanding of optical principles, theories, and concepts to solve complex design challenges.
• Analyze data sets and create tools for effective data visualization and manipulation.
• Take a leadership role in guiding technical staff and making significant contributions to project outcomes.
• Collaborate in a small, fast-paced team environment, bringing creativity and technical expertise to each project.
• Utilize operating systems like Linux and Windows, and be proficient in MS Office (PowerPoint, Excel) and MATLAB.
• Present technical results to internal teams, customers, and at workshops/conferences.
• Performs other related duties and assignments as required.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk and/or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and/or crawl. The employee must also occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision and color vision. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete and abstract variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

The noise level in the work environment may range from low, moderate to loud.

Education, Skills, and Experience:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 5-10 years of experience in optical design, modeling, and simulation.
• Proficiency with optical design software (Zemax, Code V, LightTools, etc.).
• Strong understanding of optical principles, including ray tracing, diffraction, and wave optics.
• Experience with optical system testing and validation.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects.
• Flexibility with working hours may be required to meet business needs and deadlines.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. He/she will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other responsible duties as requested by his/her supervisor.

Syntec Technologies is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other reason prohibited by law.