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Aerospace Optics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Electronic Assembler

Herndon, VA

$17.75 - $22.50/hr

Senior Electronic Assembler (Aerospace, Optics, Laser, NASA, Satellite) Use your electrical skills to design and build electro-optical systems to push boundaries for NASA and DoD. Fibertek is looking ...

Senior Electronic Assembler

Herndon, VA

$17.75 - $22.50/hr

Senior Electronic Assembler (Aerospace, Optics, Laser, NASA, Satellite) Use your electrical skills to design and build electro-optical systems to push boundaries for NASA and DoD. Fibertek is looking ...

Previous experience in Aerospace preferred although not required. We are searching for someone with ... optical devices. HEICO Corporation is a New York Stock Exchange listed company (NYSE: HEI and HEI.A ...

Previous experience in Aerospace preferred although not required. We are searching for someone with ... optical devices. HEICO Corporation is a New York Stock Exchange listed company (NYSE: HEI and HEI.A ...

Previous experience in Aerospace preferred although not required. We are searching for someone with ... optical devices. HEICO Corporation is a New York Stock Exchange listed company (NYSE: HEI and HEI.A ...

Previous experience in Aerospace preferred although not required. We are searching for someone with ... optical devices. HEICO Corporation is a New York Stock Exchange listed company (NYSE: HEI and HEI.A ...

Previous experience in Aerospace preferred although not required. We are searching for someone with ... optical devices. HEICO Corporation is a New York Stock Exchange listed company (NYSE: HEI and HEI.A ...

Previous experience in Aerospace preferred although not required. We are searching for someone with ... optical devices. HEICO Corporation is a New York Stock Exchange listed company (NYSE: HEI and HEI.A ...

Fiber Optics Technicians Location: Arden, North Carolina (onsite) Duration: Minimum 2 years Start ... satellite, aerospace, or telecommunications manufacturing preferred. • Quality inspection ...

Fiber Optics Technicians Location: Arden, North Carolina (onsite) Duration: Minimum 2 years ... satellite, aerospace, or telecommunications manufacturing preferred. • Quality inspection ...

Optical Technician

Rochester, NY · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Sydor Optics, Inc. is a Rochester-based leader in flat-surfaced precision optics with over 60 years ... aerospace, semiconductor, medical, entertainment, and more. At Sydor, your work matters. You'll ...

Optical Technician

Rochester, NY · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Sydor Optics, Inc. is a Rochester-based leader in flat-surfaced precision optics with over 60 years ... aerospace, semiconductor, medical, entertainment, and more. At Sydor, your work matters. You'll ...

Machinist

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$20 - $32/hr

Experience in aerospace, optics, or other high-precision manufacturing environments Anistar PAYS YOU for referrals!!!!! If you know any qualified job seekers looking for work, we want to talk with ...

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Aerospace Optics information

See salary details

$44K

$90.2K

$146K

How much do aerospace optics jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace optics in the United States is $90,170.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Aerospace Optics Engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as an Aerospace Optics Engineer, you need a solid background in optical engineering, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), CAD tools, and experience with cleanroom environments and quality standards like ISO are essential. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills distinguish top performers in this field. These competencies are crucial for developing precise optical systems that meet stringent aerospace requirements for safety, reliability, and performance.

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

Professionals in Aerospace Optics often encounter challenges such as maintaining precision under extreme environmental conditions, integrating optical systems with rapidly evolving avionics, and managing strict regulatory requirements. Addressing these issues typically involves rigorous testing, continuous collaboration with multidisciplinary teams (such as engineers and quality assurance specialists), and staying updated with the latest advancements in optical materials and sensor technologies. Proactive communication and adaptability are key to successfully navigating these challenges and ensuring the reliability of aerospace optical components.

What are aerospace optics?

Aerospace optics refers to the design, development, and application of optical systems and components used in aerospace environments, such as satellites, aircraft, and spacecraft. These systems include lenses, mirrors, sensors, and imaging devices that enable functions like navigation, communication, surveillance, and scientific observation. The field requires specialized knowledge to ensure optical components can withstand extreme temperatures, vibrations, and radiation present in aerospace settings. Aerospace optics professionals work to optimize performance and reliability for missions ranging from Earth observation to deep space exploration.

What is the difference between Aerospace Optics vs Optical Engineer?

AspectAerospace OpticsOptical Engineer
CredentialsDegree in optics, physics, or engineering; certifications in optical designDegree in optical engineering, physics, or related field; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, aerospace manufacturing, satellite and spacecraft developmentResearch labs, manufacturing, telecommunications, defense, and aerospace sectors
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace applications like satellite optics, missile guidance, and space telescopesBroadly in industries including aerospace, defense, telecommunications, and consumer electronics

While both Aerospace Optics and Optical Engineers work with optical systems, Aerospace Optics specialists focus specifically on designing and developing optical components for aerospace applications such as satellites and spacecraft. Optical Engineers have a broader scope, working across various industries that require optical system design, testing, and implementation. The roles often overlap in skills and credentials but differ mainly in application focus and industry specialization.

More about Aerospace Optics jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Aerospace Optics jobs? The most popular types of Aerospace Optics jobs are:
What states have the most Aerospace Optics jobs? States with the most job openings for Aerospace Optics jobs include:
Infographic showing various Aerospace Optics job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,170 per year, or $43.4 per hour.

Optics Manufacturing Engineer - 755

Quantinuum

Broomfield, CO • On-site

$164K - $205K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled and driven Optics Manufacturing Engineer to join our team in Broomfield, CO. This role focuses on developing and scaling manufacturing processes for advanced laser and beam delivery systems, ensuring high optical performance, alignment stability, and manufacturability. You will work cross-functionally with optical, mechanical, and systems engineers to transition complex photonics hardware from development into production while solving challenging precision engineering problems with creativity and rigor.
All applicants for placement in safety-sensitive positions will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug test.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Serve as the manufacturing engineering interface between scientists, optical/laser design engineers, supply chain, and technicians to develop robust, scalable manufacturing processes for laser and beam delivery subsystems.
  • Establish manufacturing requirements and partner with supply chain to identify, qualify, and manage vendors for precision optics, coatings, and photonics components.
  • Lead troubleshooting of manufacturing and integration issues, including root cause and corrective action analysis with a focus on optical alignment, contamination control, and system stability.
  • Develop, maintain, and improve work instructions, production documentation, inspection plans, and operator training materials specific to optical handling and laser safety.
  • Design and optimize production layouts, clean workspaces, and assembly flows to support contamination-sensitive optical builds and scalable production.
  • Design and optimize production layouts, clean workspaces, and assembly flows to support contamination-sensitive optical builds and scalable production.
  • Review designs for cost, test, reliability, and manufacturability opportunities and lead producibility improvement projects.
  • Design and implement tooling, jigs, and fixtures to improve production quality, repeatability, and throughput
  • Support production ramp and technology transfer from R&D to manufacturing, including process validation, yield improvement, and cycle time reduction.
  • Research and evaluate new and existing processes, operations, and support systems for adaptation and/or improvements needed to manufacture the quantum computer.

YOU MUST HAVE:
  • Bachelor's degree minimum
  • Minimum 5+ years' experience in manufacturing engineering role supporting complex hardware systems (e.g., laser systems, aerospace, optics, cryogenic, photonics, electronics)
  • Minimum 3+ years CAD Experience, including the ability to develop solid models for tooling and fixtures.
  • Due to Contractual requirements, must be a U.S. Person defined as, U.S. citizen permanent resident or green card holder, workers granted asylum or refugee status
  • Due to national security requirements imposed by the U.S. Government, candidates for this position must not be a People's Republic of China national or Russian national unless the candidate is also a U.S. citizen.

WE VALUE:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Chemical Engineering or related field
  • Experience with laser systems, optical assemblies, or beamline/photonics systems
  • Familiarity with metrology tools and performance metrics
  • Hands-on approach to problem solving with a willingness to engage directly in development labs and production environments.
  • Experience in R&D or prototype-to-production transition environments
  • Working knowledge of GD&T and precision inspection techniques
  • Familiarity with lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.
  • Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills
  • Excellent organization and technical documentation skills
  • Self-motivated, with ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment

$164,000 - $205,000 a year
Compensation & Benefits:
Incentive Eligible - Range posted is inclusive of bonus target
The pay range for this role is $164,000 - $205,000 annually. Actual compensation within this range may vary based on the candidate's skills, educational background, professional experience, and unique qualifications for the role.
Quantinuum is the world leader in quantum computing. The company's quantum systems deliver the highest performance across all industry benchmarks. Quantinuum's over 650 employees, including 400+ scientists and engineers, across the US, UK, Germany, and Japan, are driving the quantum computing revolution.
By uniting best-in-class software with high-fidelity hardware, our integrated full-stack approach is accelerating the path to practical quantum computing and scaling its impact across multiple industries.
By joining Quantinuum, you'll be at the forefront of this transformative revolution, shaping the future of quantum computing, pushing the limits of technology, and making the impossible possible.
What's in it for you?
A competitive salary and innovative, game-changing work
Flexible work schedule
Employer subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) match for student loan repayment benefit
Equity, 401k retirement savings plan + 12 Paid holidays and generous vacation + sick time
Paid parental leave
Employee discounts
Quantinuum is an equal opportunity employer. You will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, or veteran status. Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.