Senior Optical Engineer

In this role, a typical day will include:

• Driving cross-functional innovation with Optics, Ophthalmology, Chemistry, and Mechanical Engineering teams to solve complex IOL and vision-correction challenges, advancing Alcon's mission to help people see brilliantly.
• Leading end-to-end optical design and simulation using Zemax/Code V, developing proprietary optics optimized for human vision and defining rigorous optical metrology to ensure world-class performance.
• Owning critical IOL R&D programs, from conceptual research through execution, applying deep technical judgment and creativity to introduce new design methodologies, materials, or processes; success measured by technical maturity and clinical impact.
• Leveraging advanced computation and data-driven analysis (Python, MATLAB, ML/data libraries) to accelerate design decisions, improve performance robustness, and elevate engineering efficiency.
• Setting the technical bar and mentoring others, leading design reviews, influencing best practices, and ensuring compliance with ISO, FDA, and MDD standards—contributing to Alcon's culture of excellence, accountability, and patient-first innovation.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO ALCON:

• Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +10 yrs; Assoc.+6 yrs; M.S.+0 yrs)
• The ability to fluently read, write, understand and communicate in English
• 2 Years of Relevant Experience

PREFERRED:

• Proven ability to develop solutions for problems that require the regular use of creativity.
• Knowledge of ISO, FDA, MDD and regulations applicable to the design and development of medical device/science/technology.
• Understands applied practice, concepts and processes in a defined discipline or scientific/technical field.
• Provides specific advice in own area and recommends improvements to well established and clearly defined processes.
• Encounters problems that are varied but similar. Requires some fact-finding to define problem. Selects the best option from a set of defined procedures or based on precedence.
• Proficiency in Python and common ML/data libraries (e.g., NumPy, SciPy, scikit-learn, PyTorch/TensorFlow) or Matlab.
• Experience with optical design, optical engineering and optical software like Zemax or Code V are required.
• Candidates with an advanced degree in Optics, Optical Engineering, Physics or a related engineering field will be given preference.