Vision Science - Optical Engineer

At Alcon, we are driven by the meaningful work we do to help people see brilliantly. We innovate boldly, champion progress, and act with speed as the global leader in eye care. Here, you’ll be recognized for your commitment and contributions and see your career like never before. Together, we go above and beyond to make an impact in the lives of our patients and customers.

We foster an inclusive culture and are looking for diverse, talented people to join Alcon. As a Vision Science - Optical Engineer,  you will collaborate with design engineers, metrology engineers, chemistry and process scientists, and clinicians, to deliver state-of-the-art opto-mechanical, mechanical and optical designs supporting new product development for ophthalmic medical device products. Designs, models, analyzes, and tests optical, electro-optical, and opto-mechanical systems and components, including sensors, lasers, fiber-optics, and telecommunications products. Conducts research and development into phases of physical optics and geometric optics, lasers, laser characteristics, laser maintenance, and broadband optical sources. Applies research of complex optical systems to achieve desired optical outcomes. Develops component specifications, tolerances, simulations and tests procedures for electro-optical systems and components. Uses design-to-cost models, six sigma methodology, and other methods to assure and verify optical design requirements are met.

In this role, a typical day will include :

Advancement of ophthalmic technology (e.g., refractive and diffractive optics, presbyopia correction technology, predictive optical modelling).

Deliver ophthalmic designs and ancillary deliverables using state-of-the-art optical and mechanical design systems and methods

Delivers data analyses, image processing or simulation-based summaries of clinical and bench lens data, leveraging vision science insights to inform lens design targets, clinical targets, and engineering tolerances.

Effective collaboration with Project Leads, functional managers, cross-franchise SMEs, clinicians and MTO to support R&D targets and project milestones

Collaborates with peers, internal customers and 3rd party suppliers to define design specifications and tolerances

Ability to advance innovative designs from research through product launch

Internal interaction requires interpretation of complex information; external interaction mainly requires exchange of factual information. Audience may be outside own area and unfamiliar with the technology

Applies engineering principles to the research and development of medical device / science / technology and / or provide engineering expertise to support development projects

Requires awareness of the workings of the business beyond own team and some familiarity with the external environment as it affects own part of the organization

Experience :

Optical design : Expert level (Zemax, preferred)

Optical simulation : Lumerical & Speos preferred

Programming : MATLAB (preferred) or Python

CAD (CREO preferred)

Experience with diffractive optics preferred

Experience with optical metrology and fabrications systems

Experience with ophthalmic technology and visual optics preferred

Excellent communication and collaboration skills

This position can be offered at the Engineer to Principal Engineer level, based on the candidate’s experience and qualifications.

What You’ll Bring to Alcon :

Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent year of directly related experience (or high school +13 yrs; Assoc. +9 yrs; B.S.+5yrs M.S.+2yrs; PhD+0yrs)

The ability to fluently read, write, understand and communicate in English

2+ yrs of relevant experience

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 robust benefits package including health, life, retirement, flexible time off, and much more!

Travel Requirements : 5-10%

Relocation assistance : Yes

Sponsorship available : Yes