Principal Optical Engineer

At Alcon, we're passionate about enhancing sight and helping people see brilliantly. With more than 25,000 associates, we innovate fearlessly, champion progress, and act swiftly to impact global eye health. We foster an inclusive culture, recognizing your contributions and offering opportunities to grow your career like never before. Together, we make a difference in the lives of our patients and customers. Are you ready to join us?

This role is part of Alcon's Engineering function, a team focused on improving  quality, processes, products, packaging and materials across our business to help deliver brilliant outcomes.

The Principal II, Optical Engineering (Science/Tech/Engineering Path), is primarily responsible for leading teams in designing, validating, and optimizing optical components and systems. You will conduct advanced research, ensure high-precision designs, and develop innovative optical solutions. This role will also be responsible for the analysis, design, development, and testing of optical systems and components that manipulate light. This ranges from simple devices like eyeglass lenses to complex ones such as imaging systems in microscopes, telescopes, lasers, and fiber optic communication systems. The responsibility extends to studying the properties of light, its interaction with various materials and human vision interpretation.

In this role, a typical day will include:

• Oversee multiple optical engineering projects, leading teams in the design, validation, and optimization of optical components and systems
• Conduct advanced research on light behavior, material properties, and optical performance
• Ensure designs meet high-precision and regulatory requirements
• Apply deep expertise in optical modeling and decision-making on system architectures
• Collaborate cross-functionally to develop cutting-edge optical solutions
• Adhere to GxP regulations by strictly following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), maintaining accurate and complete documentation, ensuring rigorous quality control, and completing all required training
• Commit to continuous improvement and contribute to the overall compliance of the organization
 

Experience:

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in optical measurement techniques and a hands-on approach to precision testing and data analysis.

• Perform detailed optical evaluations using techniques such as Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) measurement, wavefront analysis using aberrometers, and surface profiling with laser interferometry.

• Develop and execute test plans to assess the performance of optical components and complete optical systems.

• Set up and maintain optical test stations and measurement equipment.

• Conduct Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility (Gage R&R) studies to ensure measurement system reliability and consistency.

• Analyze test data, generate technical reports, and provide feedback to design and engineering teams.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support design validation, root cause analysis, and continuous product improvement.

• Assist in the development and implementation of metrology protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and best practices.

What You'll Bring to Alcon:

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

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

• 5 Years 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: 0-5%

• Relocation assistance: Yes

• Sponsorship available: No

Alcon Careers

See your impact at alcon.com/careers

#LI-DNI

ATTENTION: Current Alcon Employee/Contingent Worker

If you are currently an active employee/contingent worker at Alcon, please click the appropriate link below to apply on the Internal Career site.

Find Jobs for Employees

Find Jobs for Contingent Worker

Total Rewards

Alcon’s Total Rewards programs are designed to align to incentives with business goals, encourage the right values and behaviors, and deliver long-term value.  The first layer of our rewards program is compensation.  We offer a combination of fixed pay and variable pay, which includes short-term incentives, and long-term incentives for eligible population.  Our benefits program provides security for life events through life and disability insurance, supports savings for retirement, promotes good health and well-being and supports associates and their families during times of illness.  To learn more about Alcon’s Corporate Social Responsibility including our Total Rewards, click here

Pay Range

Pay Frequency

Alcon is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. Alcon takes pride in maintaining a diverse environment and our policies are not to discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Alcon is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to alcon.recruitment@alcon.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.