Senior Optical Engineer - Eyewear & Protective Optics

Gentex Corporation; Simpson (PA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Ideal candidates hold a Master’s or PhD in optics-related fields and possess 10+ years of hands-on experience leading major optics programs, including modeling, lab characterization, and customer-facing collaboration. The position offers on-site work at the Carbondale, PA area facility with opportunities to mentor and grow technical leadership.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree with optics focus and strong research background.
• 10+ years of experience in optical applications or related programs.
• Experience leading complex optics programs in commercial or defense contexts.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and analysis of optical eyewear lenses and components for ballistic and laser protection.
• Develop optical models linking design parameters to system performance.
• Plan and execute experiments to characterize components and relate results to requirements.
• Act as technology lead for government and commercial optics programs.
• Mentor engineers and interface with customers and partners.

Skills

Optical design

Modeling & analysis

Lab experimentation

Technical leadership

Project/program support

Mentoring

Education

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

Tools

Zemax/OpticStudio

Job description

Ideal candidates hold a Master’s or PhD in optics-related fields and possess 10+ years of hands-on experience leading major optics programs, including modeling, lab characterization, and customer-facing collaboration. The position offers on-site work at the Carbondale, PA area facility with opportunities to mentor and grow technical leadership.