Principal Optical Engineer – R&D Lead

Hardware FYI; Lake Forest (CA); On-site; USD 131,000 - 169,000; Full time

Job summary

Alcon is seeking a Principal I, Optical Engineering in Lake Forest, CA to lead complex optical projects from concept through testing. You will guide cross‑functional teams, select components, optimize performance, and ensure SOP and GxP compliance, while maintaining rigorous documentation and quality control.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, fluent English, and about 5 years of relevant experience, with travel up to 10% and on‑site work in Lake Forest.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience (or HS +13 yrs; AS +9 yrs; MS +2 yrs; PhD +0 yrs).
• Ability to fluently read, write, understand and communicate in English.
• 5 years of relevant optical engineering experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex optical engineering projects from design to testing.
• Provide technical guidance and collaborate with product development teams.
• Make informed decisions on optical designs, component selection, and performance optimization.
• Contribute to improving optical system functionality, safety, and manufacturability.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and SOPs (GxP).
• Maintain accurate documentation and rigorous quality control.
• Complete required training and meet job requirements.
• Contribute to overall organizational compliance and continuous improvement.
• Travel up to 10%.

Skills

Fluent English

5 Years of Relevant Experience

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience

Job description

Alcon is seeking a Principal I, Optical Engineering in Lake Forest, CA to lead complex optical projects from concept through testing. You will guide cross‑functional teams, select components, optimize performance, and ensure SOP and GxP compliance, while maintaining rigorous documentation and quality control.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, fluent English, and about 5 years of relevant experience, with travel up to 10% and on‑site work in Lake Forest.