Principal Opto-Mechanical Engineer

At Alcon, we’re passionate about enhancing sight and helping people see brilliantly. With more than 25,000 associates, we innovate fearlessly, champion progress, and act swiftly to impact global eye health. We foster an inclusive culture, recognizing your contributions and offering opportunities to grow your career like never before. Together, we make a difference in the lives of our patients and customers. Are you ready to join us? This role in our R&D location in Lake Forest, CA is part of Alcon's Engineering function, a team focused on improving quality, processes, products, packaging and materials across our business to help deliver brilliant outcomes. The Principal Opto-Mechanical Engineer is primarily responsible for leading teams in designing, validating, and optimizing optical components and systems. You will conduct advanced research, ensure high-precision designs, and develop innovative optical solutions. In this role, a typical day will include: Oversee multiple optical engineering projects, leading teams in the design, validation, and optimization of optical components and systems Conduct advanced research on light behavior, material properties, and optical performance Ensure designs meet high-precision and regulatory requirements Apply deep expertise in optical modeling and decision-making on system architectures Collaborate cross-functionally to develop cutting-edge optical solutions Adhere to GxP regulations by strictly following standard operating procedures, maintaining accurate and complete documentation, ensuring rigorous quality control, and completing all required training Commit to continuous improvement and contribute to the overall compliance of the organization Apply in-depth knowledge of opto-mechanical engineering in ophthalmic diagnostics & visualization surgical instrumentation as SME across mechanical design, opto-mechanics, optics, fiber optics, material science, precision machining, imaging, illumination, microscope and optical systems design disciplines Perform opto-mechanical design including lens barrel and housing, lens bonding and mounting techniques, and conduct thermal, environmental, shock & vibration, system integration and stability tolerance analysis Conduct design, research, development, and process upscaling for new medical device products Investigate and evaluate existing technologies and design new methodologies, materials, machines or processes as needed for ophthalmic medical device development. Design, assemble, align, measure, test, analyze, and troubleshoot diagnostics and visualization devices Understand operation principles for optomechanical and electromechanical actuators and sensors and integrate within complex sub-systems Generate detailed parts fabrication drawings including GD&T and tolerance analysis Support medical device development activities such as prototyping, testing, pilot builds, V&V, risk assessment, and ramp-up to production release Support all aspects of documentation and design control through PECN, ECN, ECP in product lifecycle management platforms (Windchill preferred) Develop assembling and alignment fixtures for prototype fabrication and create associated manufacturing assembly and testing processes (MAP & MTP) Support concurrent engineering activities, design control and transition to manufacturing Technical lead for feasibility studies and new product development ensuring that design activities follow Alcon SOPs Derive product design requirements based on top-level commercial input Identify technical, project schedule, and commercial viability risks Run cross-functional design trade-offs and technical reviews to drive design decisions Work effectively with cross-functional teams including optics, mechanical, electrical, software, QA, industrial design and manufacturing functions Show team player and collaboration aptitude with strong accountability and perseverance to lead and drive projects through to completion Contribute to ideation, patent portfolio and corporate strategy development What You’ll Bring to Alcon: Minimum requirements: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent years of directly related experience (high school +13 yrs; Associate +9 yrs; M.S. +2 yrs; PhD +0 yrs) The ability to fluently read, write, understand, and communicate in English 5 Years of relevant experience Experiences and Skill Sets Extensive experience in opto-mechanical engineering of medical devices or similar highly regulated products Proficiency in CREO (Pro-E), SolidWorks, or equivalent CAD skills (CREO preferred) in PLM or Windchill environments Strong background in design and development of imaging systems such as microscopes, eyepieces, telescopes, zoom lenses, and ophthalmic diagnostic & visualization devices Proficiency in opto-mechanical system design, optical alignment technology, tolerance analysis, material selection, design for athermalization, bonding and assembly processes Experience with FEA tools such as ANSYS, and familiarity with MATLAB, LabView Knowledge of optical design tools such as ZEMAX, Code V, and familiarity with integrated optical/mechanical design processes In-depth ophthalmic domain knowledge (cataract, vit-ret, refractive surgery, or diagnostics) Solid understanding of design controls according to 21 CFR 820 or ISO 13485 Proficiency in Failure Mode Effects Analysis and Risk Management for medical devices Experience with motion control and manufacturing automation is a plus Industry standard tools and methods for optics, mechanical and optomechanical engineering are essential Domain knowledge in optics, opto-mechanics, fiber optics, imaging, illumination and visualization Optical and optomechanical metrology and testing practices Broad knowledge of precision manufacturing techniques and familiarity with assembly of micro-optical and miniature optomechanical components Understanding of architecture design, requirements and risk management, medical device V&V, reusable and single-use consumable medical devices Biomedical product or medical device development experience Vendor and supplier management for optical components, complex sub-systems, or OEM How You Can Thrive at Alcon: Join Alcon’s mission to provide outstanding, innovative products and solutions to improve sight, improve lives, and grow your career Alcon provides a robust benefits package including health, life, retirement, flexible time off, and more Travel requirements: 0-5% Relocation assistance: Yes Sponsorship available: No Pay Range $115,500.00 - $192,500.00 Pay Frequency Annual Equal Opportunity Employer Statement Alcon is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. Alcon takes pride in maintaining a diverse environment and our policies are not to discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Alcon is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to View email address on click.appcast.io and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. #J-18808-Ljbffr Alcon