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Assistant Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Optical Engineer

Boston, MA

$130K - $170K/yr

Optical Engineer The Hardware Engineering Group at QuEra Computing is seeking strong candidates for ... products. * Assist with troubleshooting technical issues at company headquarters and, as needed ...

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Optical Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Optical Engineer The Hardware Engineering Group at QuEra Computing is seeking strong candidates for ... products. * Assist with troubleshooting technical issues at company headquarters and, as needed ...

Atom Computing

Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the ... Develop alignment procedures for optical designs * Assist in hands-on assembly and precision ...

Atom Computing

Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the ... Develop alignment procedures for optical designs * Assist in hands-on assembly and precision ...

BHT

Optical Engineer

Southfield, MI

$118K - $153K/yr

Analyze off-tool parts, perform root cause analysis, and assist in certification of lamps ... Review all engineering designs that interact with the optical subsystems of company products.

Atom Computing

Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO

$120K - $145K/yr

Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the ... Develop alignment procedures for optical designs * Assist in hands-on assembly and precision ...

Optikos

Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

You will join a diverse engineering team and develop new, cutting-edge products for our customers ... * Assist in the design, modeling, and analysis of optical systems using software such as Zemax ...

BHT

Optical Engineer

Southfield, MI · On-site

$118K - $153K/yr

FMVSS 108, ECE, CCC, and SAE standards. • Assist in design of manufacturing tools, fixtures and ... S. in Engineering or Applied Physics. • 4+ yrs. Illumination Optical Design (non-imaging ...

Optikos Corporation

Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

You will join a diverse engineering team and develop new, cutting-edge products for our customers ... * Assist in the design, modeling, and analysis of optical systems using software such as Zemax ...

Optikos Corporation

Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

You will join a diverse engineering team and develop new, cutting-edge products for our customers ... * Assist in the design, modeling, and analysis of optical systems using software such as Zemax ...

Trialon Corporation

Optical Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI

$122K - $158K/yr

Company Description Founded in 1982, Trialon Corporation was established to assist companies with ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering (in optics/physics) or Engineering/Mathematics background or ...

AURA

Senior Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$134K - $169K/yr

Identify and manage technical risks related to optical systems. * Assist in translating science requirements into technical optical specifications. * Work closely with Mechanical Engineering to ...

Trialon Corporation

Optical Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

Company Description Founded in 1982, Trialon Corporation was established to assist companies with ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering (in optics/physics) or Engineering/Mathematics background or ...

L3HHCM20

Sr Assoc, Optical Engineer

Tulsa, OK

$96K - $125K/yr

Job Title: Sr Assoc, Optical Engineer Job Code: 38130 Job Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma (Aeromet ... Interacts with device, hardware and software design teams to assist in overall development of ...

Inversion

Staff Optical Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$161K - $221K/yr

What You'll Do: As a Staff Optical Engineer at Inversion, you will own major elements of the ... * Assist in planning and execution of optical quality measurement tests and related validation ...

Onto

Staff Optical Engineer

Budd Lake, NJ · On-site

$115K - $172K/yr

The Staff Optical Engineer will contribute to system development, testing, and continuous ... throughput. * Assist with prototyping activities and laboratory testing of optical systems ...

Onto

Staff Optical Engineer

Budd Lake, NJ · On-site

$115K - $172K/yr

The Staff Optical Engineer will contribute to system development, testing, and continuous ... throughput. * Assist with prototyping activities and laboratory testing of optical systems ...

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Assistant Optical Engineer information

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How much do assistant optical engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant optical engineer in the United States is $16.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Assistant Optical Engineer vs Optical Engineer?

AspectAssistant Optical EngineerOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in optics, physics, or related field; some experienceBachelor's or master's degree; more experience and specialized knowledge
Work EnvironmentAssists in design, testing, and research in labs or R&D teamsLeads projects, designs optical systems, and supervises testing
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in research labs, manufacturing, and tech companiesUsed in advanced R&D, product development, and engineering teams

The main difference between an Assistant Optical Engineer and an Optical Engineer lies in experience and responsibility. Assistant Optical Engineers support and assist in optical design and testing, often with less experience, while Optical Engineers take on more complex projects and leadership roles. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but Optical Engineers typically have more hands-on experience and specialized skills.

Are optical engineers in high demand?

Optical engineers are in high demand due to their expertise in designing and developing optical systems for industries such as telecommunications, healthcare, and defense. The field requires strong technical skills, knowledge of optics and photonics, and often a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering or physics. Job growth is driven by advancements in laser technology, imaging systems, and optical communications.

Does NASA hire optical engineers?

Yes, NASA hires optical engineers to work on projects involving space telescopes, imaging systems, and laser communications. These roles typically require expertise in optics, photonics, and related engineering skills, often with security clearances and advanced degrees. Optical engineers at NASA contribute to designing, testing, and maintaining optical instruments for space exploration and research.

What do optical engineers make?

Optical engineers typically earn salaries that vary based on experience, education, and location, with median annual wages often ranging from $70,000 to $120,000. They design, develop, and test optical systems and components, using tools like CAD software and optical testing equipment, and often require a bachelor's or higher degree in optics, physics, or engineering.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain senior roles in software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or working in high-paying industries.
What cities are hiring for Assistant Optical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Optical Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Assistant Optical Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Optical Engineer jobs include:
Assistant Optical Engineer jobs near you
Optical Engineer

Optical Engineer

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Boston, MA

$130K - $170K/yr

Other

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Optical Engineer

The Hardware Engineering Group at QuEra Computing is seeking strong candidates for an Optical Engineer to serve as an individual contributor to the company's mission of building state-of-the-art, manufacturable, and deployable neutral atom quantum computers. The Hardware Engineering Group plays a crucial role in accelerating the company's technology leadership and translating the company's scientific breakthroughs into products delivered to customers. To accomplish this mission, we are looking to hire a candidate with an undergraduate or graduate-level education in optics, optical engineering, or applied physics, paired with hands-on experience designing, building, and testing optical systems. The ideal candidate will combine a solid fundamental understanding of optics with strong laboratory skills and a desire to grow as an engineer within an enterprise engineering environment.

Key Job Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with senior engineers and physicists to design, build, and test optical sub-systems, modules, and components supporting QuEra's neutral atom computers through the full development lifecycle (R&D, productization, maintenance, and beyond).
  • Execute hands-on laboratory work-assembly, alignment, cleaning, and characterization of optical systems-and contribute to engineering documentation, design reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Coordinate with the R&D/science team to support cutting-edge R&D and help translate scientific advances into the next generation of products.
  • Assist with troubleshooting technical issues at company headquarters and, as needed, support off-site installations at customer locations (in coordination with the local support team).

Qualifications

  • B.S. in optics, optical engineering, applied physics, or a closely related field (M.S. preferred).
  • 2-5 years work experience designing, building, or testing optical and opto-mechanical systems in a non-academic (industry, national lab, FFRDC or similar) environment with enterprise engineering practices.
  • Strong system-level design skills including Zemax simulation skills and CAD design skills (e.g. Inventor, Solidworks)
  • Working knowledge in several of the areas of
    • Free-space optics
    • Fiber optics
    • Modulators
    • Electro-optics
    • Lasers
    • Optical system characterization and testing
  • Strong hands-on laboratory skills (e.g. assembly, alignment, cleaning, testing)
  • Experience contributing to the design of scientific instruments and apparatuses, or to bringing optical systems from concept to production.
  • Excellent attention to detail, communication, and documentation skills

We consistently monitor external market data and update base salary ranges accordingly.  We determine base compensation decisions on several factors, including as geographic placement, role-specific knowledge, skills, and/or experience.  In addition to our base salary offerings ($130,000-$170,000), we also provide equity grants for all new hires.

QuEra is committed to cultivating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We highly value diversity in our current and future employees and do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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