Alcon
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 in our R&D location in Lake Forest, CA 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.
Typical Day
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 SOPs, maintaining accurate documentation, ensuring rigorous quality control, and completing all required training
Commit to continuous improvement and contribute to the overall compliance of the organization
Apply in‑depth knowledge of Opto‑Mechanical Engineering in ophthalmic diagnostic & visualization surgical instrumentation as SME across disciplines such as Mechanical Design, Opto‑mechanics, Optics, Fiber Optics, Material Science, Precision Machining, Imaging, Illumination, Microscope and Optical Systems Design
Perform opto‑mechanical design—including lens barrel and housing, bonding and mounting techniques, and analyses of thermal, environmental, shock & vibration, system integration and stability tolerance
Conduct design, research, development, and process upscaling for new medical device products
Investigate and evaluate existing technology and develop new methodologies, materials, machines, or processes for ophthalmic medical device development
Design, assemble, align, measure, test, analyze, and troubleshoot diagnostics and visualization devices
Understand operation principles for optomechanical and electromechanical actuators and sensors and integrate these within complex subsystems
Generate detailed parts fabrication drawings, including GD&T and tolerance analysis
Support medical device development activities such as prototyping, testing, pilot builds, V&V, risk assessment, and ramp‑up to production release
Support all aspects of documentation and design control through PECN, ECN, ECP in PLM (Windchill preferred)
Develop assembly and alignment fixtures for prototype fabrication and create associated manufacturing processes (MAP) and testing processes (MTP)
Support concurrent engineering activities, design control and transition to manufacturing
Technical lead for feasibility study and new product development ensuring all design activities follow Alcon SOPs
Derive product design requirements based on top‑level commercial input
Identify technical, project schedule, and commercial viability risks
Run cross‑functional design trade‑offs and technical reviews to drive decisions
Work effectively with Optics, Mechanical, Electrical, Software, QA, Industrial Design and Manufacturing teams
Team player with strong accountability and perseverance to drive projects through to completion
Make contributions to ideation, patent portfolio, and corporate strategy development
Experiences and Skill Sets
10 years of relevant experience preferred
Proficiency in CREO (Pro‑E), SolidWorks, or equivalent CAD (CREO preferred) in a PLM or Windchill environment
Strong background in designing imaging systems such as microscopes, eyepieces, telescopes, zoom lenses, and ophthalmic diagnostic & visualization devices
Proficiency in opto‑mechanical system design, alignment technology, tolerance analysis, material selection, athermalization, bonding and assembly processes
Experience with FEA tools such as ANSYS and familiarity with MATLAB, LabVIEW
Knowledge of optical design tools such as ZEMAX, Code V and integrating optical/mechanical design processes
In‑depth ophthalmic domain knowledge (cataract, vit‑ret, refractive surgery, diagnostics)
Solid understanding of Design Controls per 21 CFR 820 or ISO 13485
Proficiency in FMEA and risk management for medical devices
Experience with motion control and manufacturing automation is a plus
Industry‑standard tools and methods for optical, mechanical and optomechanical engineering are essential
Domain knowledge in optics, opto‑mechanics, fiber optics, imaging, illumination and visualization
Optical and optomechanical metrology and testing practices
Broad knowledge of precision manufacturing techniques and assembly of micro‑optical and miniature optomechanical components
Understanding of architecture design, requirements, and risk management, medical device V&V, reusable and single‑use consumable medical devices
Biomedical product or medical device development experience
Vendor and supplier management for optical components, complex subsystems or OEM
What You'll Bring to Alcon
Bachelor's Degree or equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school + 13 yrs; Associate + 9 yrs; M.S. + 2 yrs; PhD + 0 yrs)
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 and lives, and grow your career
Alcon provides a robust benefits package including health, life, retirement, flexible time off, and more
Travel requirements: 0‑5 %
Relocation assistance: Yes
Sponsorship available: No
Pay Range
$104,000.00 – $156,000.00
Pay Frequency
Annual
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.
See your impact at
alcon.com/careers
#J-18808-Ljbffr
This role in our R&D location in Lake Forest, CA 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.
Typical Day
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 SOPs, maintaining accurate documentation, ensuring rigorous quality control, and completing all required training
Commit to continuous improvement and contribute to the overall compliance of the organization
Apply in‑depth knowledge of Opto‑Mechanical Engineering in ophthalmic diagnostic & visualization surgical instrumentation as SME across disciplines such as Mechanical Design, Opto‑mechanics, Optics, Fiber Optics, Material Science, Precision Machining, Imaging, Illumination, Microscope and Optical Systems Design
Perform opto‑mechanical design—including lens barrel and housing, bonding and mounting techniques, and analyses of thermal, environmental, shock & vibration, system integration and stability tolerance
Conduct design, research, development, and process upscaling for new medical device products
Investigate and evaluate existing technology and develop new methodologies, materials, machines, or processes for ophthalmic medical device development
Design, assemble, align, measure, test, analyze, and troubleshoot diagnostics and visualization devices
Understand operation principles for optomechanical and electromechanical actuators and sensors and integrate these within complex subsystems
Generate detailed parts fabrication drawings, including GD&T and tolerance analysis
Support medical device development activities such as prototyping, testing, pilot builds, V&V, risk assessment, and ramp‑up to production release
Support all aspects of documentation and design control through PECN, ECN, ECP in PLM (Windchill preferred)
Develop assembly and alignment fixtures for prototype fabrication and create associated manufacturing processes (MAP) and testing processes (MTP)
Support concurrent engineering activities, design control and transition to manufacturing
Technical lead for feasibility study and new product development ensuring all design activities follow Alcon SOPs
Derive product design requirements based on top‑level commercial input
Identify technical, project schedule, and commercial viability risks
Run cross‑functional design trade‑offs and technical reviews to drive decisions
Work effectively with Optics, Mechanical, Electrical, Software, QA, Industrial Design and Manufacturing teams
Team player with strong accountability and perseverance to drive projects through to completion
Make contributions to ideation, patent portfolio, and corporate strategy development
Experiences and Skill Sets
10 years of relevant experience preferred
Proficiency in CREO (Pro‑E), SolidWorks, or equivalent CAD (CREO preferred) in a PLM or Windchill environment
Strong background in designing imaging systems such as microscopes, eyepieces, telescopes, zoom lenses, and ophthalmic diagnostic & visualization devices
Proficiency in opto‑mechanical system design, alignment technology, tolerance analysis, material selection, athermalization, bonding and assembly processes
Experience with FEA tools such as ANSYS and familiarity with MATLAB, LabVIEW
Knowledge of optical design tools such as ZEMAX, Code V and integrating optical/mechanical design processes
In‑depth ophthalmic domain knowledge (cataract, vit‑ret, refractive surgery, diagnostics)
Solid understanding of Design Controls per 21 CFR 820 or ISO 13485
Proficiency in FMEA and risk management for medical devices
Experience with motion control and manufacturing automation is a plus
Industry‑standard tools and methods for optical, mechanical and optomechanical engineering are essential
Domain knowledge in optics, opto‑mechanics, fiber optics, imaging, illumination and visualization
Optical and optomechanical metrology and testing practices
Broad knowledge of precision manufacturing techniques and assembly of micro‑optical and miniature optomechanical components
Understanding of architecture design, requirements, and risk management, medical device V&V, reusable and single‑use consumable medical devices
Biomedical product or medical device development experience
Vendor and supplier management for optical components, complex subsystems or OEM
What You'll Bring to Alcon
Bachelor's Degree or equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school + 13 yrs; Associate + 9 yrs; M.S. + 2 yrs; PhD + 0 yrs)
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 and lives, and grow your career
Alcon provides a robust benefits package including health, life, retirement, flexible time off, and more
Travel requirements: 0‑5 %
Relocation assistance: Yes
Sponsorship available: No
Pay Range
$104,000.00 – $156,000.00
Pay Frequency
Annual
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.
See your impact at
alcon.com/careers
#J-18808-Ljbffr