Senior Optical Physicist — Eyewear & Defense Optics

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

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