Optical Engineer

LightPath is seeking an experienced Optical Engineer to perform lens design, analysis, and optimization of infrared (SWIR, MWIR, LWIR) optical assemblies for production. The ideal candidate will translate complex optical requirements into robust, manufacturable designs while collaborating closely with mechanical, manufacturing, and test teams. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge products in a fast-paced, technology company.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct optical design and optimization of infrared optical systems and assemblies, and support new product introduction from initial concept to production release.
• Utilize optical raytracing software such as Zemax OpticStudio or Code V for optical modeling and optimization, including desensitization/tolerancing tools (ex. sensitivity, compensators, Monte Carlo) to drive manufacturable designs.
• Model thermal effects and apply athermalization strategies and predict system performance over temperature and environmental extremes.
• Model stray light effects and apply optical and optomechanical best practices for minimizing stray light.
• Optimize optical designs to balance performance requirements with manufacturability, including material selection and adherence to manufacturing guidelines.
• Define and implement metrology and testing strategies, including interferometry, profilometry, CGHs, stitching, centration/wedge measurements, MTF measurements, and assembly alignment methods.
• Produce complete optical documentation, including prescriptions, ISO 10110 drawings/specifications, tolerances, coating specs, and test plans.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical engineers, manufacturing teams, and suppliers to ensure designs meet production requirements.
• Support prototype development, testing, and iteration to achieve production-ready assemblies
• Interface directly with customers as needed to support sales, evaluate requirements, propose design solutions, and document performance relative to specifications.
• Support operations with optical modeling to troubleshoot existing products and tests.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Knowledge, ability and skills:

• Proficiency with Zemax OpticStudio or Code V optical design software and associated tools for tolerancing, optimization, and stray light analysis.
• Skilled in custom design of multi-element imaging lenses, including familiarity with incorporating aspheric surface prescriptions.
• Strong understanding of image quality metrics such as EFL, f/#, FOV, distortion and relative illumination, including interactions and trade-offs in design space, and their effects on system applications.
• Familiarity with building custom merit functions for optimizing trade-offs to balance manufacturability and performance metrics.
• Familiarity with design techniques to desensitize designs to manufacturing tolerances.
• Strong understanding of athermalization, environmental performance prediction, and manufacturability considerations.
• Hands-on knowledge of optical metrology and alignment techniques for lenses and multi-element assemblies.
• Coding experience for analysis automation and optical design workflows a plus.
• Familiarity with yield modeling, specification flow-down to suppliers, and data-driven design updates from prototype to production.

Minimum previous experience/qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field (MS/PhD a plus)
• 5 years of experience designing infrared optical assemblies for production.
• Ability to produce comprehensive optical documentation and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Experience mentoring or guiding junior engineers and participating in cross-functional project leadership.