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Assistant Optical Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA (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 ...

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, LLC.

Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA

$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

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 ...

Teradyne

Optical Systems Engineer

North Reading, MA · On-site

$111K - $178K/yr

... of prototype systems * Assist with system modeling and performance analysis using optical ... Execute engineering experiments, including data collection, analysis, and documentation of results

Teradyne

Optical Systems Engineer

Reading, MA · On-site

$111K - $178K/yr

... of prototype systems * Assist with system modeling and performance analysis using optical ... Execute engineering experiments, including data collection, analysis, and documentation of results

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Assistant Optical Engineer information

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How much do assistant optical engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant optical engineer in Boston, MA is $18.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.73 and $19.86 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in Boston, MA? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Boston, MA are:
Assistant Optical Engineer jobs near you

Optical Engineer

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Boston, MA

$130K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 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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