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Assistant Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Luminit

Optical Engineer, Holography Lab

Torrance, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Collaborate with engineering teams to refine optical designs based on testing, characterization, and customer feedback. * Assist in transitioning prototype systems into pilot-line and production ...

Leidos

Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

You will contribute to optical system modeling and performance analysis, assist with design trades ... Working closely with senior engineers and cross-functional teams, you will help evaluate and mature ...

Leidos

Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

You will contribute to optical system modeling and performance analysis, assist with design trades ... Working closely with senior engineers and cross-functional teams, you will help evaluate and mature ...

Inversion

Staff Optical Engineer

Vista, 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 ...

Intuitive Machines LLC

Jr Optical Engineer

Greenbelt, MD · On-site

$82K - $91K/yr

Working under the guidance of senior engineers, this role will assist in alignment, integration, testing, data analysis, and reporting activities while supporting flight projects and optical system ...

Mesh Optical Technologies

Optical Test Engineer

Gardena, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

OPTICAL TEST ENGINEER Mesh Optical Technologies was founded on the belief that optical photons will ... Compile and analyze data sets to identify trends in performance * Assist with validation activities ...

Mesh Optical Technologies

Optical Test Engineer

Gardena, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

OPTICAL TEST ENGINEER Mesh Optical Technologies was founded on the belief that optical photons will ... Compile and analyze data sets to identify trends in performance * Assist with validation activities ...

Alcon

Sr. Optical Engineer

Belmont, CA · On-site

$156K - $202K/yr

Alcon is looking to hire a Senior Optical Engineer team member. This role is part of Alcon ... You will assist in simulations, validate prototypes, and optimize optical components. This role is ...

Microsoft

Principal Optical Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

We are looking for a Principal Optical Engineer to join the System Design team. #SCHIE #azurehwjobs ... for AI platforms * Assist data center operation team on troubleshooting and remediation ...

Wilcox Industries

Senior Optical Engineer

Portsmouth, NH · On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

The Senior Optical Engineer (OE) serves as the company's technical authority for optical systems ... growth. * Assist with failure analysis and develop solutions for optical / laser issues.

Wilcox Industries

Senior Optical Engineer

Newington, NH · On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

The Senior Optical Engineer (OE) serves as the company's technical authority for optical systems ... growth. * Assist with failure analysis and develop solutions for optical / laser issues.

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$130K - $168K/yr

Provide optical subject matter expertise to program managers and manufacturing staff. * Assist in ... Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or closely related field * 10+ years of experience in ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$130K - $168K/yr

Provide optical subject matter expertise to program managers and manufacturing staff. * Assist in ... Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or closely related field * 10+ years of experience in ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$130K - $168K/yr

Provide optical subject matter expertise to program managers and manufacturing staff. * Assist in ... Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or closely related field * 10+ years of experience in ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$164K - $213K/yr

Provide optical subject matter expertise to program managers and manufacturing staff. * Assist in ... Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or closely related field * 10+ years of experience in ...

QinetiQ

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

$130K - $168K/yr

Provide optical subject matter expertise to program managers and manufacturing staff. * Assist in ... Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or closely related field * 10+ years of experience in ...

QinetiQ

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

$130K - $168K/yr

Provide optical subject matter expertise to program managers and manufacturing staff. * Assist in ... Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or closely related field * 10+ years of experience in ...

Marvell

Staff Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$151K - $196K/yr

Knowledge of optical communications from system to component level * Capable programmer with ... These tools must not be used to record, assist with, or enhance responses in any way. Our ...

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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, Holography Lab

Optical Engineer, Holography Lab

Luminit

Torrance, CA • On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Role Overview

Luminit is seeking an early-career Optical Engineer to support hands-on holographic recording and optical-bench work across our aerospace, automotive, and display programs. 

Working under senior optical engineers, this person runs day-to-day recording, optical-table alignment, sample preparation, and characterization within Luminit’s established recording process. We are looking for a strong optics foundation and genuine bench instinct; someone intelligent and observant who can apply judgment as each new product presents its own recording challenge. 

Holographic recording experience is not required; it is trained. Optical-bench literacy and a track record of careful, resourceful lab work are essential. 

Key Responsibilities

Optical Bench & Recording

  • Set up, align, and operate optical benches and recording systems under engineer direction 

  • Perform holographic recording, sample preparation, and handling  

  • Characterize optical and holographic samples (efficiency, uniformity, basic optical metrology) and record results carefully 

Lab Execution & Improvement

  • Follow and help refine recording and test procedures; flag anomalies and propose improvements 

  • Maintain disciplined, traceable lab records and contribute to process documentation 

  • Troubleshoot setups and contribute to incremental process improvement

Prototype Development & Validation

  • Support prototype design, assembly, testing, and validation activities for holographic optical systems.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to refine optical designs based on testing, characterization, and customer feedback.
  • Assist in transitioning prototype systems into pilot-line and production-ready manufacturing processes.
  • Document experimental results, process learnings, and performance improvements to support future product development.

Cross-Functional Engineering Collaboration

  • Work closely with senior optical engineers and the process and metrology team 

  • Support build and characterization activities tied to program milestones

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Optics, Optical Engineering, or a closely related field 

  • Hands-on optical-bench or laser-lab experience (coursework, research, or an optics/laser technical program), including operating and aligning optical tables 

  • Demonstrated lab judgment; evidence of troubleshooting, calibration, or process-improvement initiative in a lab setting 

  • Careful, methodical approach to measurement and record-keeping 

  • 0–2 years of experience; recent graduates with strong optics-lab experience are encouraged to apply 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with lasers, interferometry, optical alignment, or optical metrology 

  • Exposure to holography, diffractive optics, or photopolymer materials 

  • Cleanroom, thin-film, coating, or fabrication-process experience 

  • MATLAB or Python for data handling 

Work Environment & Logistics

  • On-site role based in Torrance, CA 

  • Customer and technical-partner interaction as required by active programs 

Export Control Eligibility

This position may involve access to information or technology subject to U.S. export control regulations (ITAR or EAR). Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under applicable U.S. export control regulations.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive compensation package
  • Comprehensive benefits
  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge automotive and display technologies

Company Description

Luminit develops advanced optical technologies used across automotive, aerospace, defense, and industrial applications. Employees work on cutting-edge holographic and photonic systems in a collaborative, technically driven environment with opportunities to contribute directly to next-generation mobility and display technologies.