What Does an Optical Imaging Engineer Do?
An optical imaging engineer designs and develops advanced imaging systems that use light to capture visual data with high precision. This role plays a critical part in creating technologies like medical imaging devices, high-resolution cameras, microscopes, telescopes, and vision-based sensors. These systems are often used in industries such as healthcare, aerospace, robotics, and semiconductor manufacturing.
Working at the intersection of optics, electronics, and software, optical imaging engineers apply physics and engineering principles to optimize image quality, sensor performance, and system integration. They collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to prototype and validate designs, ensuring accuracy, stability, and efficiency in optical performance.
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Optical Imaging Engineer Core Responsibilities
- Design, model, and optimize optical systems for imaging applications
- Collaborate with hardware and electrical engineering teams to integrate lenses, sensors, and illumination components
- Perform system-level analysis, simulation, and tolerancing using optical design software (e.g., Zemax, Code V)
- Conduct laboratory experiments to validate prototypes and verify image quality performance
- Develop test setups to evaluate resolution, signal-to-noise ratio, contrast, and optical distortion
- Document system requirements, design parameters, and testing protocols
- Evaluate new sensor and lens technologies for integration into product designs
- Support transfer from prototype to manufacturing by working with quality and production teams
- Troubleshoot optical issues and propose design modifications to meet product specifications
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in optical design software (Zemax, Code V, LightTools, etc.)
- Experience with CCD/CMOS sensors and image signal processing
- Knowledge of radiometry, photometry, and geometric/physical optics
- Familiarity with lens design, aberration correction, and optical alignment
- Ability to conduct lab measurements using interferometers, collimators, and test benches
- Hands-on experience with imaging system calibration and characterization
Soft skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent technical communication and documentation ability
- Attention to detail and accuracy in experimental setup
- Collaborative mindset for working in multidisciplinary teams
- Ability to adapt and troubleshoot during iterative development cycles
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering, physics, electrical engineering, or a related field required
- A master’s or Ph.D. in optics, imaging science, or biomedical engineering is often requested
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with infrared (IR), UV, or multispectral imaging systems
- Familiarity with optical metrology or wavefront sensing
- Experience developing medical or aerospace-grade optical products
- Background in image processing algorithms or embedded systems
- Published research or patents related to optical imaging systems
National Average Salary
Optical imaging engineer salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an Optical Imaging Engineer is:
$92,988
Sample Job Description Templates for Optical Imaging Engineers
Entry-Level Optical Imaging Engineer
Position Overview
We are seeking an entry-level optical imaging engineer to support the design, development, and testing of imaging systems for our next-generation optical products. This is an ideal opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career engineer passionate about lens design, light-based imaging, and real-world applications in fields like healthcare, aerospace, and automation.
Under the mentorship of senior engineers, you’ll assist with optical simulations, prototyping, and testing activities that contribute to system performance and image quality.
Responsibilities
- Support the modeling and simulation of optical systems using software such as Zemax or Code V
- Assist with assembly, alignment, and calibration of lens and imaging components
- Conduct lab-based testing and measurement of optical system performance
- Analyze test data and prepare reports to document findings
- Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers during prototype development
- Maintain records of test procedures, system configurations, and design iterations
- Research imaging components and contribute to technology evaluations
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of geometric optics, image formation, and basic radiometry
- Familiarity with optical simulation tools (e.g., Zemax, LightTools, MATLAB)
- Understanding of CCD/CMOS sensors and image capture fundamentals
- Hands-on lab experience with optical components, test benches, or alignment procedures
Soft skills
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
- Clear communication and technical documentation abilities
- Self-motivated and curious with a willingness to learn
- Ability to take direction and work in a team environment
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering, physics, electrical engineering, or a closely related field
Certifications
- None required
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or undergraduate research experience in imaging or optics
- Exposure to machine vision, microscopy, or camera hardware
- Experience with data analysis tools such as Python or MATLAB
Mid-Level Optical Imaging Engineer
Position Overview
We are hiring a mid-level optical imaging engineer to design and optimize complex imaging systems that meet critical performance and application requirements. You will work cross-functionally with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to develop camera systems, embedded optical sensors, and precision imaging assemblies.
The ideal candidate will have experience with simulation software, imaging hardware integration, and iterative prototyping in a collaborative development environment.
Responsibilities
- Design and simulate optical systems for visible, IR, or multispectral imaging
- Define specifications for lenses, sensors, and illumination components
- Assemble and align optical subsystems and validate imaging performance
- Conduct image quality evaluations and optimize resolution, contrast, and uniformity
- Document design rationale, tolerances, and tradeoff decisions
- Support image signal processing and sensor calibration workflows
- Collaborate on root-cause analysis and performance improvement initiatives
- Contribute to transfer of designs from prototype to production
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in Zemax, Code V, or similar optical design software
- Experience with CCD/CMOS sensor systems and lens integration
- Familiarity with modulation transfer function (MTF), distortion, and aberration analysis
- Hands-on experience building and aligning imaging prototypes
- Ability to interpret electrical and mechanical design constraints
Soft skills
- Effective cross-functional communication and teamwork
- Strong organizational and technical writing skills
- Problem-solving mindset with attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple projects or development phases
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering, physics, or electrical engineering required
- A master’s degree is commonly requested for advanced prototyping roles
Certifications
- None required
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with image processing software or algorithm tuning
- Background in imaging system development for medical, aerospace, or robotics applications
- Familiarity with ISO standards for optical quality or device validation
Senior Optical Imaging Engineer
Position Overview
We are looking for a senior optical imaging engineer to lead the design, optimization, and validation of high-performance optical imaging systems for commercial and mission-critical applications. In this role, you’ll define system requirements, mentor junior engineers, and serve as a key contributor in cross-functional product development teams.
This position is suited for a seasoned engineer with deep expertise in optical modeling, hardware integration, and end-to-end system performance optimization.
Responsibilities
- Lead optical system architecture and design for imaging platforms
- Develop models and tolerance analyses to ensure system robustness
- Specify optical components, materials, and coatings
- Design and execute image quality validation and reliability testing
- Review and approve test data, documentation, and change control plans
- Collaborate with hardware, firmware, and QA teams for full system integration
- Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers
- Contribute to IP development, design reviews, and customer communications
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced proficiency in Zemax, Code V, LightTools, or equivalent
- Strong command of imaging physics, signal-to-noise optimization, and aberration correction
- Experience in multi-element lens system design and system tolerancing
- Familiarity with illumination design and optical metrology
- Understanding of full product development lifecycle from concept to manufacturing
Soft skills
- Technical leadership and decision-making under uncertainty
- Excellent documentation and presentation skills
- Ability to communicate across engineering and executive teams
- Strong mentoring and team-building capabilities
Education
- Master’s degree in optical engineering, physics, or related field required
- Ph.D. preferred for research-intensive or highly customized system development
Certifications
- None required
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in developing ISO 13485 or FDA-regulated optical systems
- Background in infrared or near-infrared (NIR) imaging systems
- History of patents, publications, or standards development in optics
Principal Optical Imaging Engineer
Position Overview
We are seeking a principal optical imaging engineer to drive innovation, strategy, and execution across advanced optical system development programs. This senior technical role involves full ownership of complex imaging architectures, oversight of system-level performance, and technical leadership across cross-disciplinary engineering teams.
You will set the vision for future imaging technologies, identify new capabilities, and guide the product roadmap for high-performance optical systems.
Responsibilities
- Architect cutting-edge optical imaging systems and define system-level specifications
- Drive technical vision and roadmap for optical engineering teams
- Lead multi-phase optical development programs, from R&D to product launch
- Perform advanced optical modeling, simulation, and tradeoff analysis
- Interface with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment of component capabilities
- Review project plans, timelines, and resource needs with program management
- Serve as subject matter expert for internal and external reviews
- Champion innovation through IP creation, technology scouting, and collaboration with research institutions
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in complex lens systems, sensor integration, and imaging algorithms
- High proficiency in optical design, tolerancing, and optical performance modeling
- Track record of delivering commercial or mission-critical imaging products
- Experience in end-to-end system verification and product qualification
Soft skills
- Executive-level communication and stakeholder engagement
- Strategic thinking with the ability to shape long-term product direction
- Leadership in mentoring, coaching, and technical development of teams
- Ability to manage ambiguity and drive consensus across disciplines
Education
- Ph.D. in optical engineering, physics, or related field preferred
- Master’s degree required
Certifications
- None required
Preferred Qualifications
- Proven track record in medical imaging, aerospace, or defense optics
- Experience securing patents and contributing to standards bodies
- Previous experience as a technical lead on multi-million dollar R&D initiatives
Staff Optical Systems Engineer
Position Overview
We are hiring a staff optical systems engineer to support and lead complex system-level development of imaging hardware and integrated optics. You’ll bridge disciplines—bringing together optical, mechanical, and electrical engineering to develop systems that meet performance, cost, and manufacturability goals.
As a senior individual contributor, you will support multiple programs, resolve technical risks, and uphold the highest standards in imaging performance.
Responsibilities
- Provide subject matter expertise in optical system design and integration
- Review designs and test plans for lens, sensor, and imaging assemblies
- Conduct detailed simulations and tolerancing for optical performance
- Work with quality and manufacturing teams to ensure product reliability
- Guide root-cause analysis of performance deviations or design failures
- Write and maintain system specifications and performance documentation
- Mentor cross-functional engineers on imaging principles and best practices
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced skills in imaging optics, illumination, and electro-optical integration
- Familiarity with imaging metrics (e.g., MTF, SNR, uniformity) and test equipment
- Ability to collaborate on complex BOMs and sourcing decisions
- Strong understanding of design for manufacturability (DFM) in optical systems
Soft skills
- High-level collaboration across disciplines and departments
- Clear, structured communication of technical tradeoffs and decisions
- Ability to prioritize and deliver under tight deadlines
- Self-starter with leadership capability, even in non-managerial role
Education
- Master’s degree in optical engineering, physics, or a related field required
Certifications
- None required
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working across multiple industries (e.g., consumer electronics, defense, biotech)
- Familiarity with environmental testing or ruggedization of optical components
- Previous involvement in lifecycle or obsolescence planning for optical hardware