Optical Design Engineer

LIGHTPATH TECHNOLOGIES 1•Hudson, NH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

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