Optical Design Engineer

G5 Infrared a LightPath Technologies company is a leading global provider of precision infrared and photonics solutions, serving defense, aerospace, medical, and industrial markets. With decades of expertise and a strong culture of innovation, LightPath designs and manufactures advanced optical components and systems that power some of the world’s most demanding applications. We offer a collaborative, technology-driven environment, opportunities to work on cutting-edge programs, and a comprehensive benefits package that supports our employees’ health, growth, and work-life balance.

The Optical Design Engineer is responsible for the design, analysis, simulation, optimization, validation, and transition to production of precision optical systems for infrared imaging and electro-optical sensing applications. This role supports the development of thermal camera systems from concept through production by collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams to deliver high-performance, manufacturable optical solutions.

Responsibilities:

• Concept development, trade-off analysis, and lens design for imaging systems
• Develop optical solutions including tolerancing, design for manufacturing analyses, and optimization to meet optical performance requirements in production
• Interface and collaborate with other engineering disciplines to ensure overall product success
• Create optical specifications, requirements definitions, and documentation for suppliers and internal teams
• Work with suppliers and internal departments regarding fabrication and assembly
• Support prototyping, test and evaluation, process development, and design validation
• Provide and support continuous improvement of design and analysis methodologies and tools
• Contribute to cost estimating and proposal writing
• Perform optical tolerancing and sensitivity analyses to ensure manufacturable, production-ready designs.
• Support optical system integration, alignment, and troubleshooting during prototype and production builds.
• Participate in design reviews and technical risk assessments.
• Analyze optical test data and correlate measured performance with design predictions.
• Support root cause investigations and corrective actions related to optical performance.
• Assist in new product introduction (NPI) and transition of designs into manufacturing.
• Maintain engineering documentation including drawings, specifications, and design reports.
• Support supplier technical reviews and optical component qualification.
• Tasks as assigned

Experience/Qualifications:

• BS or greater in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
  • 7+ years of lens design and optical system development
• Must be a U.S. Person as defined by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
• Extensive knowledge of:
  • Optical design for imaging systems
  • Geometrical and physical optics
  • System performance modeling
  • Design for manufacturing
  • Commercial optical design software
• Experience with optical product manufacturing and optical component sourcing
• Experience with infrared systems (thermal imagers highly desired)
• Experience designing zoom lenses
• Expertise in Zemax / OpticStudio design software
• Proficient with Matlab software
• Experience supporting production optics, yield improvement, and precision alignment methods
• Ability to provide technical guidance on assigned projects
• Experience with optical testing methods (interferometry, MTF testing)
• Exposure to defense and/or aerospace industries
• Proficiency with non-sequential raytrace analysis
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Attention to detail
• Effective organizational and project management skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities
• Collaborative team player
• Continuous improvement mindset