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Aerospace Optics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Ametek

Optics Manufacturing Engineer

Middlefield, CT

$90K/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 ...

Ametek

Optics Manufacturing Engineer

Middlefield, CT

$90K/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 ...

Naval Air Systems Command

AEROSPACE ENGINEER

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$46K - $132K/yr

This position is for an Aerospace Engineer within the Fleet Readiness Center Southwest, located at ... optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. OR B) Combination of education and ...

Leonardo DRS

Senior Buyer - Optics

Melbourne, FL · Hybrid

Remote supporting Melbourne FL Schedule: 9/80 The Electro Optical Infrared Systems (EOIS) line of ... aerospace and defense industry. * Strong working knowledge of FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and other U.S.

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Aerospace Optics information

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$44K

$90.2K

$146K

How much do aerospace optics jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,170 per year, or $43.4 per hour.

GNC Sensors Engineer (Aerospace Engineer, Associate)

Redwire Space

Marlborough, MA • On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

New

Job description

Where dreams and reality collide and the output is, out of this world. At Redwire Space, we are a team of dreamers and doers. Where the impossible becomes possible, and every day is an opportunity to learn and get one step closer to knowing the unknown. Join us on our mission to expand humanity's presence in space.
Our team in Marlborough, MA has been actively accelerating humanity's expansion into space for multiple decades. During that time, our innovative team has been designing and manufacturing mission-critical, high reliability optical sensors for satellites providing guidance, navigation, situational awareness, and control capabilities. With many more exciting projects on the horizon, our team could use your curiosity, passion, talent and experience to help us Build Above.
Summary
Redwire Defense Technologies has an opportunity for a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Sensors Engineer to join the Optics and Algorithms team at our Marlborough, MA facility. The GNC Sensors Engineer is a multifaceted role in the engineering team working to support design, analysis, and support of GNC subsystems on various space programs including star trackers, sun sensors, and terrain relative navigation. This role includes working at the interface of electronics, software, and optics to develop high performing algorithms that are used satellite and spacecraft navigation. In this role, you will directly interface with customers to present and defend our GNC solutions and their performance in meeting the mission requirements.
Responsibilities
  • Perform analysis to support early design phase concept development including sensor selection, predicted performance assessment
  • Work closely with senior subject-matter expert for sun sensors to gain deep technical knowledge and progressively take on ownership of the subsystem.
  • Perform sensor modeling, characterization, and performance analysis, including noise modeling, error propagation, and environmental sensitivity.
  • Support sensor selection and trade studies, evaluating performance, cost, SWaP, and integration constraints.
  • Analyze flight or test data to evaluate system performance, identify anomalies, and recommend improvements.
  • Work with crossfunctional teams to integrate sensors and algorithms into broader GNC subsystems.
  • Collaborate with hardware, systems, and software engineers to ensure endtoend system reliability and robust sensor behavior in operational environments.
  • Document designs, analyses, and test results in clear technical reports, presentations, and customerfacing materials.
Ideal Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in physics, aerospace engineering, applied mathematics, or related field and 0-4 years of experience, or a Master's degree with 0-2 years of experience.
  • Coursework, internships, or industry experience in Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC), estimation, sensor fusion, or robotics perception
  • Strong foundation in linear algebra, probability, estimation theory, and dynamic
  • Handson experience with star trackers, sun sensors, IMUs, cameras, LiDAR, or other navigationgrade sensors
  • Experience developing or analyzing Kalman filters, nonlinear estimators, or navigation algorithms
  • Exposure to simulation environments (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, Pythonbased simulation frameworks, C++ simulation tools)
Desired Skills
  • Proficiency in Python, C++, or MATLAB for algorithm development and data analysis
  • Ability to model sensor behavior, including noise characteristics, biases, and error propagation
  • Understanding of coordinate frames, attitude representations, and reference frames used in aerospace and robotics
  • Familiarity with electronic circuits (analog and digital)
  • Strong debugging skills across software, algorithms, and sensor interfaces
  • Clear technical communication skills for writing reports, documenting algorithms, and explaining results
  • Curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to learn new sensing technologies and GNC techniques
Salary Range $85,000/yr - $115,000/yr
Grow with us as we innovate the next generation capabilities for a new era of space exploration! We offer a highly competitive benefits package along with a commitment to our core values of Integrity, Innovation, Impact, Inclusion, and Excellence.
Redwire is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Redwire is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
All offers of employment at Redwire are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check and your ability to provide proof of eligibility to work in the US. Note that some positions will also require US citizenship or ability to obtain a security clearance due to requirements of a classified program.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR Click Here

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