Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Company: Alcon Research
Location: Lake Forest
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

At Alcon, we are driven by the meaningful work we do to help people see brilliantly. We innovate boldly, champion progress, and act with speed as the global leader in eye care. Here, you’ll be recognized for your commitment and contributions and see your career like never before. Together, we go above and beyond to make an impact in the lives of our patients and customers. We foster an inclusive culture and are looking for diverse, talented people to join Alcon. As an Opto-Mechanical Engineer supporting Surgical Instrumentation Research & Development, you will be trusted to support engineering teams with research, data analysis, and system design related to opto-mechanical engineering. In this role, a typical day will include: Applying 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, Material Science, Precision Machining, Imaging, Illumination, Microscope and Optical Systems Design. Performing 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. Conducting design, research, development, and process upscaling for new medical device products. Investigating and evaluating existing technology and designs new methodology, materials, machines, or processes as needed for Ophthalmic medical device development. Designing, assembling, alignment, measurement, testing, analysis, and troubleshooting of diagnostics and visualization devices. Understanding operation principles for optomechanical and electromechanical actuators and sensors and integrating these within complex sub-systems. Generating detailed parts fabrication drawings including GD&T and tolerance analysis. Supporting medical device development activities such as prototyping, testing, pilot builds, V&V, risk assessment, and ramp-up to production release. Supporting all aspects of documentation and design control through Public Electronic Communications Network (PECN), Engineering Change Notice (ECN), Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) platform (Windchill). Developing assembling and alignment fixtures for prototype fabrication and creating associated manufacturing assembling (MAP) and manufacturing testing processes (MTP). Supporting concurrent engineering activities, design control and transition to manufacturing. Working effectively with cross-functional development teams including Optics, Mechanical, Electrical, Software, QA, Industrial Design and Manufacturing functions. This position can be offered at a higher level (Sr. Engineer) and compensation range, depending on the candidate’s experience and qualifications . WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO ALCON: Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school 8 yrs; Assoc.4 yrs) The ability to fluently read, write, understand and communicate in English Domain knowledge in Optics, Opto-mechanics, precision manufacturing techniques, imaging, illumination and visualization. Industry standard tools and methods for optical, mechanical and optomechanical engineering are essential. Optical and Optomechanical metrology and testing practices. Vendor and supplier management for optical components, complex sub-systems, or OEM. Team player/collaboration aptitude with strong sense of accountability and perseverance to drive projects through to completion. Proficiency in CREO (Pro-E), SolidWorks, or Equivalent CAD skills (CREO preferred) in PLM or Windchill environment. Strong background with design and development of Imaging systems such as Microscope, Eyepiece, telescope, zoom lens as well as ophthalmic related Diagnostic & Visualization devices. Proficiency in opto-mechanical system design, optical alignment technology, tolerance analysis, material selection, design for thermalization, bonding and assembly processes. Knowledge on optical design tools such as ZEMAX and familiar with optical/mechanical design integrating process. In-depth ophthalmic domain knowledge (Cataract, Vit-Ret, Refractive Surgery, or Diagnostics). Proficient in Failure Mode Effects Analysis and Risk Management application to medical devices. HOW YOU CAN THRIVE AT ALCON: Join Alcon’s mission to provide top-tier, innovative products and solutions to enhance sight & enhance lives. Grow your career in a highly collaborative and diverse environment. Alcon provides robust benefits package including health, life, retirement, paid time off, and much more! Alcon Careers See your impact at alcon.com.careers 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 $70,500.00 - $117,500.00 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.

Keywords: Alcon Research, National City , Opto-Mechanical Engineer, Engineering , Lake Forest, California