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Adaptive Optics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leonardo Electronics US, Inc.

$110 - $165/hr

Experience with interferometric systems, adaptive optics, phase-locking, or phase noise modeling is directly applicable in lieu of direct CBC experience. * Interact closely with customers to ...

Peraton

Optical Communications Systems Engineer

Aurora, CO · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

... adaptive optics, wavefront correction). * Providing technical guidance on deploying optical SATCOM systems, including optical ground terminals, wavefront correction, acquisition, tracking, and ...

Aetherflux

Optical Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

Familiarity with adaptive optics. * Experience with alignment stability analysis for deployable or launch-survivable optical assemblies. * Experience with environmental validation of space-based ...

Diffraqtion

Optical Engineer I

Somerville, MA · On-site

$140K - $182K/yr

Familiarity with diffractive optics, spatial light modulators, adaptive optics, or interferometry. * Experience coupling into and testing photonic integrated circuits. * Familiarity with optical ...

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How much do adaptive optics jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for adaptive optics in the United States is $19.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is adaptive optics?

Adaptive optics are systems used to improve the performance of optical devices by correcting distortions in real-time. They are most commonly used in astronomy to compensate for the blurring effects of the Earth's atmosphere, allowing telescopes to capture sharper images of celestial objects. Adaptive optics systems use sensors to detect wavefront distortions and employ deformable mirrors or other devices to adjust the optical path and counteract these distortions. This technology is also used in other fields like vision science and laser communications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in adaptive optics engineering, and why are they important?

To excel in Adaptive Optics engineering, you need a solid background in physics, optics, and mathematics, often supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), wavefront sensors, and control systems is typically required, along with experience in laboratory instrumentation. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial for developing and maintaining complex optical systems that improve imaging performance in fields like astronomy and vision science.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in adaptive optics, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in adaptive optics often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise system alignment, mitigating the effects of rapidly changing atmospheric conditions, and integrating complex hardware and software solutions. These challenges require strong problem-solving skills and close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including optical engineers, astronomers, and software developers. Staying current with technological advancements and participating in regular system calibrations can help address these issues, ensuring optimal performance and reliability of adaptive optics systems.

What is the difference between Adaptive Optics vs Optical Engineer?

AspectAdaptive OpticsOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in optics, physics, or engineering; specialized training in adaptive systemsRequires a degree in optics, physics, or engineering; may include certifications in optical design
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, observatories, aerospace, military applicationsManufacturing, research, product development, telecommunications
Industry UsagePrimarily in astronomy, aerospace, military, and scientific researchBroad industry use including tech, healthcare, manufacturing, and defense

Adaptive Optics specialists focus on developing and implementing systems that correct optical distortions in real-time, often in scientific and aerospace settings. Optical Engineers design and develop optical components and systems across various industries. While both roles require a strong foundation in optics, Adaptive Optics professionals specialize in real-time correction systems, whereas Optical Engineers work on a broader range of optical devices and systems.

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Adaptive Optics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Adaptive Optics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 22% Full Time, 73% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 32% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 67% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,499 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Pointing/Acquisition/Tracking and Controls Engineer-Technical Staff

MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Lexington, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

The Optical and Quantum Communication Group develops impactful quantum and classical technologies and system prototypes for use in a wide range of challenging applications in terrestrial, space and underwater environments.  Primary areas of research include the development of novel entangled-photon source technologies and quantum memory systems; novel quantum link architectures; sensitive single-photon receivers; novel modulation and coding approaches; multi-format laser-comm modems; robust and compact free-space optical beam directors; and precision beam pointing, link acquisition and tracking systems. The group is leveraging these technologies for use in prototype systems that are deployed in the field to inform next-generation quantum and classical optical system capabilities.  Examples of near-term field tests include terabit-per-second direct-to-Earth small-satellite constellations, near-Earth wideband relay laser communication terminal hardware for space and ground terminal use, and next-generation beam-director prototypes that are inherently scalable to deep-space optical comm systems, and quantum state transfer across a regional quantum network testbed. 

Position Description

The Optical/Quantum Communications Technology Group seeks a full time Technical Staff member to contribute to the design, analysis, development, testing and integration of optical communications systems to support its lasercom prototype systems development in challenging channels such as atmospheric or undersea.  In particular, an understanding of atmospheric effects, turbulence, and experience with adaptive optics or tracking technologies is highly desired, along with a strong controls and system analysis background.  The staff member will work closely with a team of engineers to develop complex prototype optical communications hardware, with a focus on developing the pointing, acquisition and tracking systems for both space and ground terminals.  The staff member will work closely with the rest of the engineering team, in particular with optical, mechanical, and software disciplines to implement the required technologies to achieve the appropriate performance in fielded demonstrations.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Aero/Astro, Optical, or a Masters and 5 years of experience. 
  • Demonstrated experience with controls systems, particularly with a focus on adaptive optics or tracking,
  • Demonstrated experience with systems analysis and modeling, particularly with understanding and analyzing atmospheric turbulence effects
  • Experience with integration and test as well as troubleshooting complex problems
  • Experience with MATLAB or other analysis tools relevant for systems analysis
  • Experience with free space optical communications hardware
  • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
  • Willingness to work in a team environment

Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $145,200-$170,000

Experienced Hiring Range: $145,200-$220,000

 

Disclaimer: MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides a typical hiring range as a good faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. The final salary offered to a selected candidate will depend on various factors, including—but not limited to—the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate’s experience, skills and education/training, internal equity considerations and applicable legal requirements. This range reflects base salary only and does not include additional forms of compensation or benefits.

At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include: 

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
  • MIT-funded pension
  • Matching 401K
  • Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
  • Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
  • Mentorship programs
  • A range of work-life balance options
  • ... and much more!  

Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks.

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.

Requisition ID: 42644 

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