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Assistant Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Marvell

Senior Staff Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$151K - $196K/yr

Optical communication is ubiquitous in these networks worldwide, both in long and short reaches ... These tools must not be used to record, assist with, or enhance responses in any way. Our ...

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

Teradyne

Optical Systems Engineer

North Reading, MA

$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

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

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 ...

Xcimer Energy

Adaptive Optics Engineer

Denver, CO

$120K - $180K/yr

... * Assist in characterizing and understanding the optical environment to set requirements for an adaptive optics system. * Leverage and improve wave-optics propagation code to model the laser systems.

Xcimer Energy

Adaptive Optics Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

... * Assist in characterizing and understanding the optical environment to set requirements for an adaptive optics system. * Leverage and improve wave-optics propagation code to model the laser systems.

Xcimer Energy

Adaptive Optics Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

... * Assist in characterizing and understanding the optical environment to set requirements for an adaptive optics system. * Leverage and improve wave-optics propagation code to model the laser systems.

BAE Systems

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Merrimack, NH · On-site

$130K - $221K/yr

BAE Systems is currently looking for a talented Senior Principal Optical Engineer to join our EO/IR ... assist with integration of assemblies into systems. 6. Customer presentations and informal ...

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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
Staff Optical Engineer

Staff Optical Engineer

Marvell Technology, Inc.

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$151K - $196K/yr

Full-time

Life, Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

About Marvell
Marvell's semiconductor solutions are the essential building blocks of the data infrastructure that connects our world. Across enterprise, cloud and AI, and carrier architectures, our innovative technology is enabling new possibilities.
At Marvell, you can affect the arc of individual lives, lift the trajectory of entire industries, and fuel the transformative potential of tomorrow. For those looking to make their mark on purposeful and enduring innovation, above and beyond fleeting trends, Marvell is a place to thrive, learn, and lead.
Your Team, Your Impact
Today's bandwidth-intensive online lifestyle - from streaming video to generative AI - requires high-performance networks with uncompromised quality.
Optical communication is ubiquitous in these networks worldwide, both in long and short reaches. With its DSP, broadband amplifiers, photonic ICs and optical transceivers products Marvell technology is enabling this exponential growth of data movement through optical interconnects.
What You Can Expect
Join a world-class team specializing in the design and validation of optical transceivers, where you'll contribute to the development of high-performance calibration techniques, advanced test methodologies, and robust infrastructure for cutting-edge optical communication modules. Your work will support products throughout their lifecycle-from initial R&D through to high-volume manufacturing-ensuring exceptional quality and performance at every stage.
In this role, you will:
  • Be part of a development team responsible for all aspects of bring-up, calibration, optimization, troubleshooting, and Design Verification Testing (DVT) for Marvell's optical transceivers.
  • Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Photonic Integrated Circuits (PIC), analog IC, coherent DSP, broadband analog IC, firmware, and system engineering.
  • Develop and maintain Python-based automation scripts to streamline validation workflows and improve correlation processes.
  • Perform data analysis to enhance product performance, refine test and calibration methodologies, and support mass-production readiness.
  • Build, maintain, and enhance testbeds consisting of optical test equipment such as high-resolution OSA, VOA, EDFA, and WSS.

What We're Looking For
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related fields and 3-5 years of related professional experience OR Master's degree and/or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related fields with 2-3 years of experience.
  • Knowledge of optical communications from system to component level
  • Capable programmer with experience in Python. Experience with automating instrument control.
  • Ability to validate hardware and debug electronic hardware.
  • Background in digital signal processing preferred.

Expected Base Pay Range (USD)
113,920 - 170,600, $ per annum
The successful candidate's starting base pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, qualifications, work location and market conditions. The expected base pay range for this role may be modified based on market conditions.
Additional Compensation and Benefit Elements
Marvell is committed to providing exceptional, comprehensive benefits that support our employees at every stage - from internship to retirement and through life's most important moments. Our offerings are built around four key pillars: financial well-being, family support, mental and physical health, and recognition. Highlights include an employee stock purchase plan with a 2-year look back, family support programs to help balance work and home life, robust mental health resources to prioritize emotional well-being, and a recognition and service awards to celebrate contributions and milestones. We look forward to sharing more with you during the interview process.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.
Any applicant who requires a reasonable accommodation during the selection process should contact Marvell HR Helpdesk at TAOps@marvell.com.
Interview Integrity
To support fair and authentic hiring practices, candidates are not permitted to use AI tools (such as transcription apps, real-time answer generators like ChatGPT or Copilot, or automated note-taking bots) during interviews.
These tools must not be used to record, assist with, or enhance responses in any way. Our interviews are designed to evaluate your individual experience, thought process, and communication skills in real time. Use of AI tools without prior instruction from the interviewer will result in disqualification from the hiring process.
This position may require access to technology and/or software subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As such, applicants must be eligible to access export-controlled information as defined under applicable law. Marvell may be required to obtain export licensing approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce and/or the U.S. Department of State. Except for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), all applicants may be subject to an export license review process prior to employment.
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