Principal Optical Design Engineer

Gooch & Housego Keene; Keene (NH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Gooch & Housego Keene in Keene, NH is seeking an experienced optical systems engineer to lead the conceptual design, development, integration, and validation of complex precision optical systems. You will perform lens design, tolerance analysis, and system performance modeling, using Zemax and other tools, and mentor cross-functional teams while delivering prototypes and first articles.

This role requires strong analytical skills, excellent communication, and the ability to translate vague needs

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field.
• Minimum experience in optical CAD software (e.g., Zemax).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptual design, development, integration and validation of precision optical systems.
• Perform lens design, tolerance analysis, and system performance modeling.
• Mentor junior engineers and collaborate across disciplines.
• Develop test methods to characterize optical performance and support prototypes to production.

Skills

Optical design

Tolerance analysis

System modeling

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Zemax

Job description

Description

ABOUT US

Join a Global Photonics Leader Engineering Solutions from the Deep Ocean to Outer Space!

Gooch & Housego (G&H) is a world leader in the design and manufacture of advanced photonic technologies, components, and systems. With operations across the U.S. and internationally, we serve customers in the Aerospace & Defense, Industrial, Life Sciences, and Scientific Research markets. Our teams combine precision engineering, advanced manufacturing, and technical expertise to deliver high-quality solutions for some of the world’s most demanding applications.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The successful candidate will lead the conceptual design, development, integration, and validation of complex precision optical systems and components to meet both customer requirements and application needs. Experienced in evaluating optical design solutions via sophisticated analytical techniques and tools to predict performance and manufacturability. This includes lens design, tolerance analysis, and system performance modeling in support of a variety of program deliverables ranging from prototype hardware to first article production units. The candidate will also be responsible to help develop test methods and procedures to characterize optical system performance while mentoring teams and collaborating across disciplines.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

Design & Development

• Lead the design of optical systems and components (lenses, filters, sensors, subsystems) for science, defense, intelligence, and commercial applications
• Design optical systems using aspheres, reflective, and diffractive elements.
• Fluent in translating vague needs into firm optical specifications.

Simulation & Modeling

• Produce optical lens designs with supporting analysis to include Monte Carlo simulation, sensitivity, and tolerance analysis.
• Utilize Zemax optical design program utilizing various materials.

Design Reviews & Documentation

• Lead or participate in design reviews, present findings, and author technical documents, white papers, and proposals
• Create PowerPoint presentations documenting optical designs in support of Design Review Activities for both internal and external customers.

Mentorships & Innovation

• Guide junior engineers, provide technical leadership, and foster cross-functional problem-solving
• Stay current with optical technology advances and apply them to improve system performance

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Optical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline required. Master's Degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 experience in optical cad software (e.g. Zemax)
• Advanced knowledge of optical principles
• Demonstrated ability to handle and complete multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment where projects change on a weekly basis.
• Expert analytical/problem-solving skills, including problem identification, analysis, action planning, and execution
• Strong presentation, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Excellent analytical/problem-solving skills, including problem identification, analysis, action planning, and execution
• Experience with Microsoft Office Products: Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point.
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment and communicate effectively through listening, understanding and supplying timely feedback as well as continuously demonstrates a ‘can do’ attitude
• Self-starter with willingness and discipline to continually learn.

Notes: This job description is not intended to be exhaustive in every respect, but rather to clearly define the fundamental purpose, responsibilities and dimensions for the role. Therefore, this job description does not describe any individual role holder. In addition to the contents of this job description, employees are expected to undertake all other reasonable and related tasks allocated by their line manager

The Company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunity or practices on the grounds of gender, race, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by national laws under which the Company operates.

In the instance that the position will involve having access to items and technical data that may be controlled under U.S. export laws and regulations ("U.S. Export Control Laws"), including but not limited to the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR") and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations ("ITAR"). To comply with the U.S. Export Control Laws, and in conjunction with the review of candidates for those positions within G&H that may present access to export-controlled technical data, G&H must assess whether candidates are "U.S. persons" as defined under the EAR (15 C.F.R. Part 772) and the ITAR (22 C.F.R. § 120.15). Certain questions asked during the application process are intended to assess this and will be used for evaluation purposes only. Failure to provide the necessary information in this regard will result in our inability to consider you further for this position.