Remote Optical Engineer Jobs
Remote Optical Engineer jobs are open across the U.S. at remote-first firms and distributed engineering teams building photonics, defense optics, and imaging systems. Employers hiring remotely right now include ASML, Intuitive Machines, and Arcfield. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 12+ Remote Optical Engineer jobs
If you’re looking for a special place to build or grow your career, you’ve found it. Whether you’re an experienced professional, a recent college graduate or somewhere in between, IDEX is a place where you can apply your existing skills and learn new ones in an environment where you can make an impact.
With interesting opportunities in engineering, marketing, sales, supply chain, operations, HR, finance, and more across more than 40 diverse businesses around the globe, chances are, we have something special for you.
The Optical Engineer will report directly to the Enterprise Solutions Manager and will have direct reporting responsibility for customer facing commercial roles within the Enterprise Solution team and other product related roles.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Optical Engineer for Semicon Metrology and Inspection is a highly skilled and market-focused professional. The ideal candidate will possess a strong engineering background in optical design, combined with a keen understanding of customer needs and requirements within the semiconductor metrology and inspection market. This role requires a thought leader who can partner with our customers on their most significant and complex challenges and, in turn, propose effective solutions. These solutions will require optical design and tolerance analysis using Zemax OpticStudio or similar software to meet customer specifications while maintaining manufacturability. This role will develop and lead solutions from concept to prototype through collaboration with internal and external key stakeholders, gaining alignment on specifications, testing protocols, and manufacturing methods throughout the process.
Key accountabilities and responsibilities for the Optical Engineer, Semicon Metrology and Inspection Applications include but are not limited to:
Lead in-person customer meetings on customer needs and IDEX solutions. Work with the sales team to provide technical expertise and develop sales strategies.- Proficient in commercial tools for quantifying and qualifying customer opportunities for fit to Material Science Solutions.
- Skilled in Sequential and Non-Sequential optical modeling using Zemax OpticStudio or equivalent software.
- Strong understanding of optical design principles, geometrical optics and aberration theory, and optical metrology techniques and methods.
- Ability to model and optimize 3D optical systems.
- Good understanding of integrated optical systems involving the integration of light sources, imaging optics, precision mechanics, image processing, and other key sub-systems and technologies.
- Ability to generate optical components specifications and drawings based on higher-level specifications and models.
- Provide accurate and detailed requirements documentation for procurement and fabrication of optical components.
- Ability to generate lens requirements, coating requirements, and optical system requirements from customer interactions and documents.
- Interface with opto-mechanical and CAD designers to define tooling, optical mounting, and human interface requirements based on predicted worst-case optical tolerances.
- Design feasibility experiments for opto-mechanical sub-systems, at times using simulation tools in support of R&D prototypes and production processes.
- Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and trade shows.
- Work with cross-functional teams, including product managers, engineers, supply chain, and QA, to align the right solution for a customer and/or a market.
- Conduct troubleshooting on IDEX solutions for customer complaints and returns.
- Identify baseline product and solution value for the market, competitors, and key suppliers who can support IDEX.
Requirements & Experience:
- A Bachelor of Science degree in an optics-related Engineering discipline and 2 years of relevant experience, OR a Master’s degree in a directly related field with 2 years of relevant experience.
- 2+ years experience in lens design and optical tolerance analysis, including sensitivity and Monte Carlo analysis and compilation and interpretation of results to inform manufacturing specifications and processes.
- Strong grasp of spherical and aspheric optical components fabrication techniques and relevant specifications.
- Understanding of precision alignment & metrology techniques.
- Writing technical reports in both a detailed written format and a concise pictorial oral presentation format.
- Working knowledge of optical test and evaluation equipment and procedures.
- Direct experience in the specification and testing of optical-based integrated systems.
- Experience with one or more optical design software packages, such as Zemax
- Excellent verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
- Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Ability to travel as needed to meet with customers, partners, and attend industry events <25%.
Desired Skills:
- Experience with stray light and thermal analysis in optical modeling
- Experience with programming (C++, Python, MATLAB, or other) and native optical design programming languages, including development of scripts and API tools to streamline design, tolerancing, and analysis.
Characteristics:
- Attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
- Creative thinker with the ability to develop innovative solutions.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing requirements and technologies.
- Self-motivated and proactive in identifying and addressing issues.
- Strong focus on customer satisfaction and delivering value.
- Strong analytical skills to interpret market data, customer feedback, and product performance metrics.
- Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with engineering, sales, marketing, and other cross-functional teams.
- Low Ego. Lives the IDEX Values of Trust, Team, and Excellence.
Are you ready to join a different kind of company where our people, our culture, and our commitments are centered around providing trusted solutions that improve lives around the world?
Total Rewards
The compensation range for this position is $127,200.00 - $190,800.00, depending on experience. This position may be eligible for performance based bonus plan.Benefits Package
Our comprehensive U.S. benefit offerings include: Health benefits, 401(k) retirement savings program with company match, PTO, and more. More information on our benefits and rewards can be found on our career page: https://www.idexcorp.com/careers/our-benefits-and-rewards/
IDEX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IDEX gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other consideration or protected category made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.
Attention Applicants: If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please let us know. Likewise, if you are limited in the ability to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, we will determine an alternate way for you to apply. Please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at lfcareers@idexcorp.com for assistance with an accommodation. These contact tools may be used only by individuals with a disability for accommodation requests. Do not inquire as to the status of an application.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.‌
Artificial intelligence is not used to screen, assess or select applicants.If you’re looking for a special place to build or grow your career, you’ve found it. Whether you’re an experienced professional, a recent college graduate or somewhere in between, IDEX is a place where you can apply your existing skills and learn new ones in an environment where you can make an impact.
With interesting opportunities in engineering, marketing, sales, supply chain, operations, HR, finance, and more across more than 40 diverse businesses around the globe, chances are, we have something special for you.
The Optical Engineer will report directly to the Enterprise Solutions Manager and will have direct reporting responsibility for customer facing commercial roles within the Enterprise Solution team and other product related roles.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Optical Engineer for Semicon Metrology and Inspection is a highly skilled and market-focused professional. The ideal candidate will possess a strong engineering background in optical design, combined with a keen understanding of customer needs and requirements within the semiconductor metrology and inspection market. This role requires a thought leader who can partner with our customers on their most significant and complex challenges and, in turn, propose effective solutions. These solutions will require optical design and tolerance analysis using Zemax OpticStudio or similar software to meet customer specifications while maintaining manufacturability. This role will develop and lead solutions from concept to prototype through collaboration with internal and external key stakeholders, gaining alignment on specifications, testing protocols, and manufacturing methods throughout the process.
Key accountabilities and responsibilities for the Optical Engineer, Semicon Metrology and Inspection Applications include but are not limited to:
Lead in-person customer meetings on customer needs and IDEX solutions. Work with the sales team to provide technical expertise and develop sales strategies.- Proficient in commercial tools for quantifying and qualifying customer opportunities for fit to Material Science Solutions.
- Skilled in Sequential and Non-Sequential optical modeling using Zemax OpticStudio or equivalent software.
- Strong understanding of optical design principles, geometrical optics and aberration theory, and optical metrology techniques and methods.
- Ability to model and optimize 3D optical systems.
- Good understanding of integrated optical systems involving the integration of light sources, imaging optics, precision mechanics, image processing, and other key sub-systems and technologies.
- Ability to generate optical components specifications and drawings based on higher-level specifications and models.
- Provide accurate and detailed requirements documentation for procurement and fabrication of optical components.
- Ability to generate lens requirements, coating requirements, and optical system requirements from customer interactions and documents.
- Interface with opto-mechanical and CAD designers to define tooling, optical mounting, and human interface requirements based on predicted worst-case optical tolerances.
- Design feasibility experiments for opto-mechanical sub-systems, at times using simulation tools in support of R&D prototypes and production processes.
- Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and trade shows.
- Work with cross-functional teams, including product managers, engineers, supply chain, and QA, to align the right solution for a customer and/or a market.
- Conduct troubleshooting on IDEX solutions for customer complaints and returns.
- Identify baseline product and solution value for the market, competitors, and key suppliers who can support IDEX.
Requirements & Experience:
- A Bachelor of Science degree in an optics-related Engineering discipline and 2 years of relevant experience, OR a Master’s degree in a directly related field with 2 years of relevant experience.
- 2+ years experience in lens design and optical tolerance analysis, including sensitivity and Monte Carlo analysis and compilation and interpretation of results to inform manufacturing specifications and processes.
- Strong grasp of spherical and aspheric optical components fabrication techniques and relevant specifications.
- Understanding of precision alignment & metrology techniques.
- Writing technical reports in both a detailed written format and a concise pictorial oral presentation format.
- Working knowledge of optical test and evaluation equipment and procedures.
- Direct experience in the specification and testing of optical-based integrated systems.
- Experience with one or more optical design software packages, such as Zemax
- Excellent verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
- Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Ability to travel as needed to meet with customers, partners, and attend industry events <25%.
Desired Skills:
- Experience with stray light and thermal analysis in optical modeling
- Experience with programming (C++, Python, MATLAB, or other) and native optical design programming languages, including development of scripts and API tools to streamline design, tolerancing, and analysis.
Characteristics:
- Attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
- Creative thinker with the ability to develop innovative solutions.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing requirements and technologies.
- Self-motivated and proactive in identifying and addressing issues.
- Strong focus on customer satisfaction and delivering value.
- Strong analytical skills to interpret market data, customer feedback, and product performance metrics.
- Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with engineering, sales, marketing, and other cross-functional teams.
- Low Ego. Lives the IDEX Values of Trust, Team, and Excellence.
Are you ready to join a different kind of company where our people, our culture, and our commitments are centered around providing trusted solutions that improve lives around the world?
Total Rewards
The compensation range for this position is $127,200.00 - $190,800.00, depending on experience. This position may be eligible for performance based bonus plan.Benefits Package
Our comprehensive U.S. benefit offerings include: Health benefits, 401(k) retirement savings program with company match, PTO, and more. More information on our benefits and rewards can be found on our career page: https://www.idexcorp.com/careers/our-benefits-and-rewards/
IDEX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IDEX gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other consideration or protected category made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.
Attention Applicants: If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please let us know. Likewise, if you are limited in the ability to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, we will determine an alternate way for you to apply. Please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at lfcareers@idexcorp.com for assistance with an accommodation. These contact tools may be used only by individuals with a disability for accommodation requests. Do not inquire as to the status of an application.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.‌
Artificial intelligence is not used to screen, assess or select applicants.See All 12 Remote Optical Engineer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Remote Optical Engineer JobsRemote Optical Engineer Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in remote optical engineer jobs.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in optical engineering, physics, or electrical engineering
- Proficiency in optical design software such as Zemax OpticStudio or CODE V
- Experience with optical system tolerancing and fabrication drawing generation
- Hands-on lab experience with interferometers, MTF benches, or laser measurement systems
- Familiarity with optical coatings, materials selection, and manufacturing processes
- Ability to obtain or hold an active U.S. security clearance for defense-sector roles
Tips for Your Remote Optical Engineer Job Search
Show simulation work in a portfolio
Remote optical engineer hiring managers can't see you at a bench, so your Zemax, CODE V, or LightTools output has to do the talking. Document a real design problem, your tolerancing approach, and your results in a shareable format before you apply.
Apply early to remote roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists remote optical engineer openings from across the U.S. in one place, so you can find roles matched to your discipline and apply directly without filtering through listings aimed at on-site candidates.
Signal async communication skills explicitly
Remote optical teams run design reviews, tolerancing sign-offs, and supplier conversations in writing. Mention in your cover letter and resume that you've led or participated in async technical reviews, and give a specific example of a decision you documented and resolved without a live meeting.
Target distributed teams in photonics and defense
Remote optical engineer openings concentrate at photonics startups, defense subcontractors, and medical imaging firms that have built distributed engineering models. Search for companies with labs in multiple states or countries, since they're structurally set up to manage remote optical design work.
Remote Optical Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a remote optical engineer job?
Target companies with distributed engineering teams: defense contractors, photonics startups, medical device firms, and semiconductor companies that have moved design and analysis work off-site. Remote optical engineer roles screen hard for self-direction and written technical communication, since design reviews and tolerancing discussions happen asynchronously. A portfolio showing optical simulation work in Zemax, CODE V, or similar tools gives you a concrete edge over candidates who list skills without evidence.
Which companies hire remote optical engineers?
Companies hiring remote optical engineers right now include ASML, Intuitive Machines, and Arcfield, based on current remote listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Remote-first defense, photonics, and medical imaging firms make up the largest share, alongside distributed product teams at hardware and semiconductor companies that handle optical design work outside a central lab.
Can you get a remote optical engineer job with no experience?
Yes, but remote entry-level optical engineer roles are harder to land because employers expect you to troubleshoot independently without a senior engineer at the next bench. Smaller photonics companies and startups are most likely to hire entry-level remotely. A simulation project in Zemax or a documented optics lab course, a GitHub or portfolio link showing your design process, and strong async written communication help open those doors.
Do you need a degree for remote optical engineer jobs?
Usually, but the weight of a degree varies. Most remote optical engineer postings ask for a bachelor's or master's in optical engineering, physics, or electrical engineering, particularly for roles involving system-level design or defense contracts. That said, remote employers also weigh demonstrated simulation proficiency, published or documented project work, and hands-on optics experience, especially for contract and startup roles where output matters more than credentials.
See All 12 Remote Optical Engineer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Remote Optical Engineer Jobs