Hardware Design Engineer - Optical

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Optical Hardware Design Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on the end-to-end design, development, and optimization of advanced optical systems and hardware. The Senior Optical Hardware Design Engineer takes technical ownership of optical components and assemblies, leads optical simulations and validation, and collaborates closely with suppliers and cross-functional teams to deliver robust, manufacturable solutions. The position combines hands-on engineering, system-level problem solving, and active engagement with an optical supply chain to ensure high-performance, reliable products.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop optical systems and components, including lenses, optical assemblies, and complete light paths from source to sensor.
• Analyze and optimize optical trains to ensure high performance from the light source through to the sensor interface.
• Perform optical simulations using tools such as Zemax, Code V, or equivalent software to predict and refine system behavior.
• Evaluate optical system performance, identify limitations, and recommend design improvements or corrective actions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve optical performance issues, including lens, alignment, integration, and hardware-related problems.
• Conduct root cause analysis for optical and hardware issues and drive corrective actions through to resolution.
• Provide technical guidance on optical design trade-offs, feasibility, and system-level architecture decisions.
• Identify, evaluate, and select optical component suppliers and manufacturing partners that meet technical and quality requirements.
• Support the development of a fast and reliable optical supply chain, with a focus on regional partners where practical.
• Conduct vendor assessments and audits to ensure capability, quality, and adherence to specifications.
• Collaborate with suppliers on design for manufacturability, integration, packaging, and delivery schedules.
• Take ownership of key optical engineering tasks and deliverables, ensuring they meet performance, schedule, and quality goals.
• Estimate engineering effort, timelines, and technical scope for optical and hardware projects.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including test engineering, electrical engineering, and validation, as well as external vendors.
• Provide recommendations on outsourcing strategies, prototyping approaches, and production methods for optical components and assemblies.
• Contribute to test planning and test procedure development for optical and hardware validation.
• Support manual and automated testing of optical and hardware systems using appropriate test equipment and tools.
• Participate in design reviews and validation activities to ensure that optical and hardware designs meet specifications and customer requirements.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Optics, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in optical engineering at a Senior level.
• Strong expertise in optical component design, including lenses, optical assemblies, and light paths.
• Proficiency with optical simulation tools such as Zemax, Code V, or equivalent software.
• Experience with imaging or illumination systems and their performance optimization.
• Hands-on experience in hardware design with a focus on optical hardware integration.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot optical performance issues and perform root cause analysis.
• Experience in test engineering and validation of optical systems.
• Ability to develop and execute test plans and test procedures, including manual testing.
• Familiarity with electrical engineering concepts and collaboration with electrical teams.
• Experience using test equipment for optical and hardware validation.
• Proficiency with Python for scripting, data analysis, or test automation.
• Experience with LabVIEW for test control, measurement, or automation.
• Ability to coordinate with suppliers and manage technical aspects of vendor relationships.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with optical supply chains and vendors, including component sourcing and qualification.
• Familiarity with lens manufacturing, integration, and packaging processes.
• Exposure to imaging systems or image science, including performance metrics and analysis.
• Background connected to strong optics programs, such as those offered by leading universities or research institutions.
• An established network within optical component suppliers and manufacturers.
• Experience in validation activities for optical and hardware systems.
• Ability to contribute to overall design strategy and make informed recommendations on outsourcing, prototyping, and production.
• Strong communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Attention to detail and a systematic approach to documentation, test planning, and reporting.

Work Environment

This position is fully onsite at a facility located in North Reading. The role involves close collaboration with engineering, test, and supply chain teams, as well as frequent interaction with external vendors and manufacturing partners. You will work with advanced optical simulation tools such as Zemax or Code V, test equipment for optical and hardware validation, and software tools including Python and LabVIEW. The environment emphasizes hands-on work with hardware and optical assemblies, structured testing and validation, and close coordination across disciplines. The organization offers benefits that include paid time off and holidays, supporting a balanced and sustainable work experience.

This is a Permanent position based out of North Reading, MA.

The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $80.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in North Reading,MA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 5, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.