Principal Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Job Overview

At Alcon we are looking for a Principal Opto‑Mechanical Engineer to lead the design, validation, and optimization of optical components and systems for eye care medical devices. The role is based at our R&D location in Lake Forest, CA, and focuses on improving product quality, processes, packaging, and materials to help deliver outstanding outcomes.

• Oversee multiple optical engineering projects, leading teams in the design, validation, and optimization of optical components and systems.
• Conduct advanced research on light behaviour, material properties, and optical performance.
• Ensure designs meet high‑precision and regulatory requirements.
• Apply deep expertise in optical modelling and make system‑architecture decisions.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally to develop cutting‑edge optical solutions.
• Adhere to GxP regulations, following SOPs and maintaining documentation.
• Apply in‑depth knowledge of Opto‑Mechanical Engineering in ophthalmic diagnostic & visualization instrumentation as an SME across disciplines.
• Perform opto‑mechanical design including lens barrel and housing design, bonding and mounting techniques, and analyses such as thermal, environmental, shock & vibration, system integration, and stability tolerance study.
• Develop design, research, development, and process upscaling for new medical device products.
• Investigate and evaluate existing technology and develop new methodology, materials, machines or processes as needed 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 them within complex sub‑systems.
• 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 documentation and design control through PECN, ECN, ECP in PLM platforms;
  Windchill preferred.
• Develop assembling and alignment fixtures for prototype fabrication and create associated manufacturing processes.
• Support concurrent engineering activities, design control, and transition to manufacturing.
• Act as the technical lead for feasibility studies and new product development, ensuring compliance with 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.
• Work effectively with cross‑functional teams including Optics, Mechanical, Electrical, Software, QA, Industrial Design, and Manufacturing functions.
• Act as a team player with strong accountability and perseverance to lead projects to completion.
• Contribute to ideations, patent portfolio, and corporate strategy development.

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience (High School +13 yrs; Associate +9 yrs; M.S. +2 yrs; Ph.D. +0 yrs).
• Fluent in reading, writing, understanding, and communicating in English.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in opto‑mechanical engineering of medical devices or highly regulated products.
• Extensive experience in the design and development of imaging systems such as microscopes, eyepieces, telescopes, zoom lenses, and ophthalmic diagnostic & visualization devices.
• Proficiency with CREO (Pro‑E), Solid Works, or equivalent CAD; CREO preferred.
• Experience with PLM or Windchill environment.
• Proficient in opto‑mechanical system design, optical alignment technology, tolerance analysis, material selection, design for athermalization, bonding, and assembly processes.
• Experience with FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS) and familiarity with MATLAB, Lab View.
• Knowledge of optical design tools such as ZEMAX and CodeV, and integration with optical/mechanical design.
• In‑depth ophthalmic domain knowledge (Cataract, Vit‑Ret, Refractive Surgery, or Diagnostics).
• Solid understanding of design controls per 21
  
  CFR
  820 or ISO
  13485.
• Proficient in Failure Mode Effects Analysis and risk management for medical devices.
• Experienc…