Principal Opto-Mechanical Engineer

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.

What You'll Bring to Alcon:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +13 yrs; Assoc.+9 yrs; M.S.+2 yrs; PhD+0 yrs)
• The ability to fluently read, write, understand, and communicate in English
• 5 Years of Relevant Experience
• Relocation assistance: Yes
• Sponsorship available: No

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Extensive relevant experience in Opto-mechanical engineering of medical devices or similar highly regulated products.
• 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 system 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 athermalization, bonding and assembly processes.
• Experienced with FEA tool such as ANSYS, and familiar with MATLAB, LabView.
• Knowledge of optical design tool such as ZEMAX, Code V, and familiar with optical/mechanical design integrating process.
• In-depth ophthalmic domain knowledge (Cataract, Vit-Ret, Refractive Surgery, or Diagnostics).
• Solid understanding of Design Controls according to 21 CFR 820 or ISO 13485.
• Proficient in Failure Mode Effects Analysis and Risk Management application to medical devices.
• Experienced 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 familiarity with 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 sub-systems, or OEM.

How You Can Thrive at Alcon:

Join Alcon’s mission to provide outstanding, innovative products and solutions to improve sight, improve lives, and grow your career! Alcon provides robust benefits package including health, life, retirement, flexible time off, and much more!

Alcon’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.

The 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.

Pay Range $130,900.00 - $169,400.00 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 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

At Alcon, we are committed to helping people see better. We believe patients should have access to quality eye care regardless of their economic circumstances; however, barriers to good eye health exist for patients in both developed and emerging markets. Alcon develops and manufactures innovative devices to serve the full life cycle of eye care needs. Its surgical group is one of the largest makers of equipment used for cataract removal and laser vision correction. Its consumer products include the well‑known Opti‑Free line of contact lens solutions and related products. Alcon, which was founded in 1945, sells its products in 180 countries worldwide.