{"id":3528957,"url":"https://alion.io/job/alcon-principal-opto-mechanical-engineer-2","title":"Principal Opto-Mechanical Engineer","company":{"id":5809,"name":"Alcon","domain":"alcon.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/alcon","size_band":"1001-5000","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Workday","truth_index":{"grade":"A","score":89,"open_postings":54,"ghost_share":0.056,"stale_share":0.278,"repost_share":0.056,"time_to_fill_p50_days":29,"computed_at":"2026-11-04T06:34:25Z"}},"role":"Industrial Engineering","role_family":"Industrial Engineering","seniority":"lead","employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Lake Forest, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":{"min":130900,"max":169400,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":169400},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":5,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"Design Controls","optional":false},{"name":"GD&T","optional":false},{"name":"Verification & Validation","optional":false},{"name":"21 CFR Part 820","optional":true},{"name":"ANSYS","optional":true},{"name":"ISO 13485","optional":true},{"name":"MATLAB","optional":true},{"name":"SolidWorks","optional":true}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-10-30T15:20:42Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-10-30","last_verified_at":"2026-11-04T16:19:34Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":5,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":5},"description":"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?\nThis 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.\nThe Principal Opto-Mechanical Engineer 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.\nIn this role, a typical day will include:\nOversee multiple optical engineering projects, leading teams in the design, validation, and optimization of optical components and systems\nConduct advanced research on light behavior, material properties, and optical performance\nEnsure designs meet high-precision and regulatory requirements\nApply deep expertise in optical modeling and decision-making on system architectures\nCollaborate cross-functionally to develop cutting-edge optical solutions\nAdhere to GxP regulations by strictly following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), maintaining accurate and complete documentation, ensuring rigorous quality control, and completing all required training\nCommit to continuous improvement and contribute to the overall compliance of the organization\nApply in-depth knowledge of Opto-Mechanical Engineering in Ophthalmic related Diagnostic & Visualization surgical instrumentation domain as SME across a range of engineering disciplines including, Mechanical Design, Opto-mechanics, Optics, Fiber Optics, Material Science, Precision Machining, Imaging, Illumination, Microscope and Optical Systems Design.\nPerform Opto-mechanical design including lens barrel and lens housing design, lens bonding and mounting techniques, and opto-mechanical analysis including thermal, environmental, shock & vibration, system integration and stability tolerance study.\nConduct design, research, development, and process upscaling for new medical device products.\nInvestigate and evaluate existing technology and designs new methodology, materials, machines, or processes as needed for Ophthalmic medical device development. Design, assembly, alignment, measurement, testing, analysis, and troubleshooting of diagnostics and visualization devices.\nUnderstand operation principles for optomechanical and electromechanical actuators and sensors and integrate these within complex sub-systems.\nGenerate detailed parts fabrication drawings including GD&T and tolerance analysis.\nSupport medical device development activities such as prototyping, testing, pilot builds, V&V, risk assessment, and ramp-up to production release.\nSupport all aspects of documentation and design control through PECN, ECN, ECP in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) platform (Windchill preferred).\nDevelop assembling and alignment fixtures for prototype fabrication and create associated manufacturing assembling (MAP) and manufacturing testing processes (MTP).\nSupport concurrent engineering activities, design control and transition to manufacturing.\nTechnical lead for feasibility study and new product development ensuring that design activities are conducted following Alcon SOPs.\nDerive product design requirements based on top-level commercial input.\nIdentify technical, project schedule, and commercial viability risks.\nRun cross-functional design trade-off and technical reviews to drive design decisions.\nWork effectively with cross-functional development teams including Optics, Mechanical, Electrical, Software, QA, Industrial Design and Manufacturing functions.\nTeam player/collaboration aptitude with strong sense of accountability and perseverance to lead and drive projects through to completion.\nMake contributions to ideations, patent portfolio and the corporation strategy development.\nWhat You'll Bring to Alcon:\nBachelor’s Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +13 yrs; Assoc.+9 yrs; M.S.+2 yrs; PhD+0 yrs) \nThe ability to fluently read, write, understand, and communicate in English\n5 Years of Relevant Experience\nRelocation assistance: Yes\nSponsorship available: No\nPREFERRED EXPERIENCE:\nExtensive relevant experience in Opto-mechanical engineering of medical devices or similar highly regulated products.\nProficiency in CREO (Pro-E), SolidWorks, or Equivalent CAD skills (CREO preferred) in PLM or Windchill environment.\nStrong background with design and development of Imaging system such as Microscope, Eyepiece, telescope, zoom lens as well as ophthalmic related Diagnostic & Visualization devices.\nProficiency in opto-mechanical system design, optical alignment technology, tolerance analysis, material selection, design for athermalization, bonding and assembly processes.\nExperienced with FEA tool such as ANSYS, and familiar with MATLAB, LabView.\nKnowledge of optical design tool such as ZEMAX, Code V, and familiar with optical/mechanical design integrating process.\nIn-depth ophthalmic domain knowledge (Cataract, Vit-Ret, Refractive Surgery, or Diagnostics).\nSolid understanding of Design Controls according to 21 CFR 820 or ISO 13485.\nProficient in Failure Mode Effects Analysis and Risk Management application to medical devices.\nExperienced with Motion Control and manufacturing automation is a Plus.\nIndustry standard tools and methods for optical, mechanical and optomechanical engineering are essential.\nDomain knowledge in Optics, Opto-mechanics, Fiber Optics, Imaging, Illumination and Visualization.\nOptical and Optomechanical metrology and testing practices.\nBroad knowledge of precision manufacturing techniques and familiarity with assembly of micro-optical and miniature optomechanical components.\nUnderstanding of architecture design, requirements and risk management, medical device V&V, reusable, and single-use consumable medical devices.\nBiomedical product or medical device development experience.\nVendor and supplier management for optical components, complex sub-systems, or OEM.\nHow You Can Thrive at Alcon:\nJoin Alcon’s mission to provide outstanding, innovative products and solutions to improve sight, improve lives, and grow your career!\nAlcon provides robust benefits package including health, life, retirement, flexible time off, and much more!\nAlcon Careers\nSee your impact at alcon.com/careers\nATTENTION: Current Alcon Employee/Contingent Worker\nIf you are currently an active employee/contingent worker at Alcon, please click the appropriate link below to apply on the Internal Career site.\nFind Jobs for Employees\nFind Jobs for Contingent Worker\nCompensation and Benefits\nAlcon’s Total Rewards programs are designed to align incentives with business objectives, support our values, and deliver long-term value. Our compensation approach includes a combination of fixed and variable pay, with short-term and long-term incentive opportunities for eligible roles. Our benefits offerings are designed to support associates and their families across key life events, including programs that promote health and well-being, provide financial security, and support retirement planning.\nThe salary range posted represents the anticipated hiring range for this role. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience, skills, location, and internal equity, and may fall outside the posted range.\nPay Range\n$130,900.00 - $169,400.00Pay Frequency\nAnnualAlcon 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. 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