Please be aware that LightMachinery does not request or require any sort of payment as part of our hiring process, and job offers are not extended without a formal interview process.
Optical Design Engineer
We're looking for a skilled and motivated Optical Design Engineer to join our engineering team. In this role, you'll work on the design and analysis of complex optical systems - from concept through to production - collaborating closely with our manufacturing, laser, and engineering teams to turn great ideas into real products.
What You'll Do
- Design and optimize optical systems using Zemax OpticStudio, driven and automated through a Matlab interface
- Write and maintain sophisticated Matlab code for optical analysis, system modelling, parametric optimization, and design automation
- Use the Zemax–Matlab interface (via the ZOS-API or equivalent) to build automated design and analysis workflows
- Produce tolerance analyses, sensitivity studies, and performance predictions — largely through scripted, repeatable workflows rather than manual GUI interaction
- Generate detailed optical engineering drawings and specifications
- Work with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are producible and meet performance requirements
- Support optical testing and characterization, comparing measured results against design predictions
- Contribute to proposals, technical reports, and customer-facing documentation
What You Bring
- A degree in Physics, Engineering Physics, Optical Engineering, or a related field (B.Sc. minimum; M.Sc. or Ph.D. is an asset)
- Deep, practical proficiency in Matlab — this is your primary engineering tool, not a secondary one
- Strong working knowledge of Zemax OpticStudio, with experience driving it programmatically rather than purely through the GUI
- Experience - or the clear ability - to build and maintain a Matlab–Zemax interface for automated optical design workflows
- A solid grounding in physical and geometric optics
- Attention to detail and a methodical approach to problem-solving
- Good communication skills and the ability to work well in a collaborative, small-team environment
Nice to Have
- Experience with laser optics, etalons, or precision optical components
- Familiarity with optical fabrication and metrology
- Experience with interferometry or wavefront analysis
- Knowledge of Python or other programming languages
Why LightMachinery?
- Work on genuinely interesting and challenging optical problems
- Collaborative, low-bureaucracy environment where your work has visible impact
- Base salary range $65K to $115K, depending on experience.
- This posting is for a newly created position
- We will not be using AI to screen or otherwise process applications
- Located in the Ottawa area - a great place to live and work
Optician (Glass Machinist)
Are you ready to master the art of transforming raw glass and crystal into extraordinary precision components? We're seeking a talented individual to join our specialized optical manufacturing team in Nepean, Ontario.
In this hands-on role, you'll become part of an elite group of craftspeople who create custom optical components for cutting-edge technology. Working alongside experienced opticians, machinists, engineers, and scientists, you'll learn to shape materials to incredibly precise specifications - sometimes finer than a human hair!
What Makes This Role Unique:
- Master sophisticated techniques in precision glass crafting
- Work on diverse, challenging projects - no two days are the same
- Use advanced testing equipment and technology
- Be part of a collaborative team pushing the boundaries of optical engineering
- Full-time, permanent position with opportunity for growth
The Ideal Candidate:
- Brings either a Manufacturing Engineering Technician diploma or hands-on precision manufacturing experience
- Has a sharp mind for applied mathematics
- Communicates clearly and effectively
- Shows genuine enthusiasm for precision work
- Possesses meticulous attention to detail
- Most importantly - brings a positive attitude and great sense of humor to our tight-knit team
This isn't just about making components - it's about crafting precision pieces that could end up in anything from advanced scientific instruments to next-generation technology. If you're fascinated by the intersection of craftsmanship and innovation, we want to hear from you!
(Note: This position involves custom precision optics manufacturing, not eyewear production)
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person
Here are some links to some other sites that might be of interest to optics and laser job seekers.
- Photonics jobs - Photonics jobs.com
- Work in Optics - A job board from the OSA
LightMachinery welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
