Principal Opto-Mechanical Engineer II

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.

• 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

• 10 years of relevant experience preferred
• Proficiency in CREO (Pro‑E), Solid Works, 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 &…