Part-Time Instructor: Optical Engineering and Optical Instrument Design

Position overview



Salary range:
A reasonable estimate for this position is $2600 - $3200 per course and would also be based on the specific number of courses assigned and enrollment numbers.

Application Window

Open date: January 15, 2026

Most recent review date: Saturday, Jan 31, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Tuesday, Dec 15, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) is a self-supporting unit within the University of California. Funding is generated through fees collected from a diverse, complex, and ever-changing student population. Part-time instructor positions are on a course by course contracted basis. This is NOT a faculty position.

Online teaching positions are now available in both the Optical Engineering and Optical Instrument Design Programs. We are seeking qualified applicants possessing current knowledge and/or teaching experience in Advanced Lens Design, Introduction to Lasers, Vibration Control for Optomechanical Systems, Optical Systems Engineering, Optomechanical Systems Engineering and Geometrical and Physical Optics.


Specific Instructor Duties

* Develop and/or update course syllabi in consultation with the UCI DCE Engineering, Sciences Programs Director as assigned using approved syllabus template

* Prepare and deliver online course materials and learning assessments in the assigned format

* Utilize the Canvas Learning Management System as the course support platform

* Communicate teaching objectives and specific learning outcomes to students, and clearly outline the grading policies for the course

* Evaluate student achievement of specific learning outcomes, and assign grades

* Post final student grades to the transcript system by set deadlines

* Respond to student questions and learning needs in a timely manner

* Handle student inquiries about final grades and consult with Director as needed

* Stay current regarding the professional body of knowledge in the field of practice

* Participate in required orientations and complete mandatory training programs by deadlines established by UC Irvine

* Complete required administrative tasks in a timely manner including: Initial training of Canvas learning system; providing bio for website; completing all hiring paperwork; submitting updated quarterly syllabus; and signing quarterly contract.

* Develop and maintain curriculum, syllabus, modules, learning practice questions, exams and grading

* Employ culturally competent teaching methodologies in the classroom inclusive of both domestic and international student populations

* Allow students to review their final exams/papers for up to 13 months following the last class session

* Use subject-matter expertise and leverage additional resources appropriately to enhance the curriculum (i.e.: make arrangements for guest speakers, etc.)

* Design interactive and motivational classroom activities to fully engage participants and to reinforce student learning

* Update materials periodically, and regularly monitor course evaluations in order to make adjustments and improvements to the curriculum

Our curriculum is constantly updated and tailored to bring students the background, expertise, and business practices to remain competitive and advance their careers. Taught by qualified practitioners, our courses feature practical applications, underlying rationale, and current issues, all of which can be immediately utilized in and applied to our students' work environments.

Part-time, temporary assignments are on an as-needed basis. This is an ONGOING recruitment. We accept part-time instructor applications all year long; when the division has a need to fill, we refer to the "pool" of applications on file. We are looking specifically for instructors who are qualified to teach the following course(s) as early as summer quarter (beginning June 2026).

Course Descriptions:


Advanced Lens Design


Understand optical systems with first and third, higher-order analysis and aberration theory. Explore design principles such as bending, symmetry, stop shift, and lens splitting. Apply these principles and knowledge to various optical systems with tolerancing analysis. Learn user-defined merit functions and learn and practice advanced lens designs for photographic systems, telecentric lenses (machine visions), zoom systems, scan (f-theta lens), microscopes (objective and eyepieces), and telescopes.

Introduction to Lasers


Learn about the basic physical and engineering principles of lasers and review different types of lasers. Topics include spontaneous and induced transitions between atomic levels, absorption and amplification, optical resonators, Gaussian beams, three and four-level lasers, mode-locked and Q-switched lasers, and specific laser systems: Nd:YAG and other solid-state lasers; He-Ne, argon-ion, carbon dioxide lasers and other gas lasers; semiconductor diode lasers; and laser applications.

Vibration Control for Optomechanical Systems


The course will discuss ways in which vibration may affect optical performance, as well as methods and means of reducing this impact. Principal methods of vibration control, such as damping and isolation will be discussed using mathematical models and real-life examples. Vibration measurements and environmental standards will be presented as applicable to optomechanical systems. State-of-the art vibration control systems will be reviewed, including pneumatic and elastomeric isolators, damping treatments and active control systems.

Optical Systems Engineering


Examine the fundamentals of systems engineering as applied to the design of optical, infrared, and laser systems; understand requirements analysis, trade studies, error budgets, requirements flowdown, component specifications, and vendor selection. Develop first-order models for the radiometric, optical source, focal plane array, and overall performance of an optical system. Quantify radiometric performance using etendue and stray light analysis. Compare FPA types and properties; predict MTF and SNR performance combining optical, source, and FPA parameters; explore detector-selection specifications and tradeoffs. Examine component fabrication and STOP analysis.

Optomechanical Systems Engineering


Utilize the basic concepts and terminology of optical engineering required for the development of optomechanical components. Read conventional and ISO-10110 drawings used for the fabrication of lenses. Develop an alignment plan with an emphasis on critical tolerances, alignment mechanisms, and "go-no go" decisions for adjusting tilt, decenter, despace, and defocus. Quantify the ability of a structural design to maintain alignment using efficient architectures and lightweight materials. Utilize the results of STOP (structural-thermal-optical) analysis for the structural deflection and distortion of optical components under static loads. Estimate the effects of vibration environments on the alignment of optomechanical systems; select COTS components for vibration isolation. Predict the effects of conductive, convective, and radiative thermal environments on the performance of optical systems; select materials and off-the-shelf hardware to manage the effects of heat loads and temperature changes. Compare kinematic and semi-kinematic mounts and the limitations of COTS hardware.

Geometrical and Physical Optics

Introduction to the principles and use of optical components and systems. This course surveys geometrical optics covering plane surfaces, prisms, spherical surfaces, lenses, and mirrors for use in optical systems. Special topics include optical instruments, like telescopes, microscopes, beam projectors, cameras and optical measuring benches. The classes will provide a mix of lectures and hands-on laboratory experiments for those that are interested in entering fields where optics are used. Learn about the principles and use of optical components and physical optics systems. Gain knowledge about diffraction grating, polarizers, interference filters and other similar components for use in optical systems. Special topics include optical instruments like spectroscopes, polariscopes, interferometers and related optical measuring systems. Offers a balanced mix of lectures and hands-on laboratory experiments.

Individuals hired to teach these courses must understand that all such agreements with the University are made on a course-by-course basis and that the Instructor will be made no guarantee of continual involvement with the University in any capacity.

Qualifications

Basic

* Advanced degree from an accredited institution

Additional

* Current knowledge of and demonstrated proficiency in subject area

* Must be committed to the highest level of academic standards and integrity

* Highly effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to convey conceptual and complex ideas and information

* Highly effective interpersonal skills

* Proficiency in (or willingness to learn) the use of instructional technology and online teaching tools

* Current participation in professional associations

* Comfort in dealing with international professionals and students

Preferred

* Experience designing/revising curriculum and measuring student performance

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Document requirements

* Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

Reference requirements

* 3 required (contact information only) Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Advanced degree from an accredited institution

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

Apply link:

About UC Irvine

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC anti-discrimination policy.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Job location
Irvine, CA and online