ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Aerospace Optics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NSS

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 ...

NSS

Senior Electronic Assembler

Herndon, VA · On-site

$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 ...

Heico

Entry Level Aerospace Technician

Tempe, AZ · On-site

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 ...

Heico

Experienced Aerospace Technician

Tempe, AZ

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 ...

HEICO

Entry Level Aerospace Technician

Tempe, AZ · On-site

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 ...

HEICO

Experienced Aerospace Technician

Tempe, AZ · On-site

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 ...

IonQ

Optical Bench Alignment Technician

Broomfield, CO

$68K - $82K/yr

Proven experience in optical assembly or optical instrument manufacturing, preferably in aerospace, photonics, medical devices, or precision equipment * Strong experience with precision alignment ...

HEICO

Experienced Aerospace Technician

Tempe, AZ · On-site

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 ...

HEICO

Entry Level Aerospace Technician

Tempe, AZ · On-site

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 ...

IonQ

Optical Bench Alignment Technician

Broomfield, CO · On-site

Proven experience in optical assembly or optical instrument manufacturing, preferably in aerospace, photonics, medical devices, or precision equipment * Strong experience with precision alignment ...

Intellectt INC

Fiber Optics Technicians

Arden, NC · On-site

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

Intellectt INC

Fiber Optics Technicians

Arden, NC · On-site

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

Sydor Optics Inc.

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 ...

Sydor Optics Inc.

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 ...

Ametek

Optics Manufacturing Engineer

Middlefield, CT · On-site

$125K - $161K/yr

Are you ready to collaborate with leading experts in optical engineering and contribute to the next ... Materials include glass, fused silica, Zerodur, and sapphire, used in semiconductors and aerospace ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAerospace Optics Jobs

Aerospace Optics information

See salary details

$44K

$90.2K

$146K

How much do aerospace optics jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 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 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.

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 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 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.
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:
What job categories do people searching Aerospace Optics jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Aerospace Optics jobs are:
Aerospace Optics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerospace Optics job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,170 per year, or $43.4 per hour.
Aerospace Project Manager - 031QE

Aerospace Project Manager - 031QE

Quartus Engineering

San Diego, CA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

About Quartus
Quartus Engineering Incorporated (www.quartus.com) is a leading provider of engineering services and integrated hardware solutions for a wide range of clients and industries. We employ advanced computer-aided engineering tools in the areas of optics, structural, thermal, and coupled analyses. We couple our engineering analysis capabilities with design, prototype, integration and test capabilities to create solutions for our clients that are of extraordinary value.
About Aerospace Project Management Department
Development of custom optical systems for aerospace applications is a core business area for Quartus. Our work includes spaceborne, airborne, and ground-based systems for imaging, spectrography, lasercom, LiDAR, energy transfer, and other applications. Typical development processes start with mission objectives definition, progresses through all stages of design and analysis, and concludes with hardware build and test. Our clients are very diverse - from well-established large government organizations such as NASA to agile "new space" start-ups. We pride ourselves on our ability to find common language with diverse groups of people and to develop new advanced technical systems while meeting the budget and schedule that each particular program can sustain. Our team includes optical, opto-mechanical, mechanical, electrical, and software engineers working in a highly collaborative environment where communication and team ethics are key.
What will you do?
As a Technical Project Manager in our San Diego office, you will lead small to mid-sizedengineering projects and may support larger programs as a deputy to a Program Manager. You will serve as the primary point of contact between Quartus and our clients, managing expectations while planning and executing projects from start to finish. Responsibilities include overseeing scope, schedule, and budget; delegating tasks and ensuring quality; mentoring junior team members; and applying strong technical expertise to drive complex, challenging work. Success in this role requires excellent communication, leadership, and time management skills in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. This is a dynamic position in which time management of yourself and your project team members is critical for success.
Essential Job Functions:
Project Execution
  • Responsible for all phases of project(s) from conception through completion, including:
    • Proposal/project planning
    • Managing project performance to ensure quality, business, and financial objectives are met
  • Participate with engineering to establish engineering technical approach that aligns with project budget and schedule, typically including generation and maintenance of requirements verification/validation strategy and risk mitigation planning
  • Planning project staffing
  • Track labor, material, and expense costs against developed cost estimate baselines
  • Manage bill of material suppliers and subcontractors based on project needs to mitigate impact of cost and schedule constraints
  • Responsible for handling issues or nonconformances as they occur and reacting quickly towards resolution
  • Communicate with client and manage their expectations
  • Organize and lead internal and external weekly project status meetings
  • May be a key technical contributor on project work. For example, perform engineering tasks such as design, analysis, hardware build and test, etc.

Staff Leadership
  • Deliver project performance feedback - both directly to engineers and to their respective managers
  • Foster a collaborative and transparent work environment, encouraging effective communication and knowledge sharing across project teams and departments
  • May be expected to mentor Project Administrators

Sales
  • Work with program managers, engineering, and sales to write effective proposals, which includes defining scope, estimating costs, generating a schedule, and defining technical content for a variety of contract vehicles

Training and Continuous Improvement
  • Process improvement:
    • Champion a culture of continuous improvement by evaluating and enhancing program management methodologies, tools, and processes
Location
Position is based in San Diego with a hybrid schedule.*
*The hybrid work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs including but not limited to training, performance, or other operational requirements. Any physical location change may impact future employment.
What are we looking for?
Required:
  • BS in engineering field - Aerospace, Mechanical, Optical, Electrical or similar discipline
  • 6+ years of experience in one or more of the following areas: Aerospace Optical Systems (preferred), Opto-Mechanical, Aerospace, Mechanical, Optical, Electrical or similar
  • Experience managing a team of interdisciplinary engineers on technical development programs
  • Including scope, budget and schedule management
  • Strong aptitude for customer interaction and communication
  • Demonstrated understanding of engineering fundamentals
  • Demonstrates a positive attitude and willingness to learn
  • Must be a US Person (US Citizen or US Permanent Resident)

Preferred:
  • Experience with proposal development (lead or assisting)

Compensation and Benefits
Project Manager pay range: $104,190 - 160,000*
*This range represents base pay. In addition, you may be eligible for additional benefits and compensation.
Referral eligibility: Tier 2
Quartus is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to employing a diverse workforce, including, but not limited to, minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. Quartus provides comprehensive benefits including competitive salary, discretionary performance-based bonus, employee stock ownership plan, medical, dental, vision, and 401k plan with company match.

Apply