Optical Design Engineer

Job DetailsJob Location: G5 Infrared LLC - Hudson, NH 03051Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: 4 Year DegreeTravel Percentage: NoneJob Shift: First ShiftJob Category: EngineeringG5 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 QualificationsExperience/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