ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Contract Principal Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Principal Optical Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$151K - $236K/yr

Principal Optical Engineer The Hardware Engineering Group at QuEra Computing is seeking strong candidates for a Principal Optical Engineer to serve as a senior individual contributor to the company ...

Microsoft

Principal Optical Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

We are looking for a Principal Optical Engineer to join the System Design team. #SCHIE #azurehwjobs Responsibilities Generally, this Principal Optical Engineer role will act as a subject matter ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

Position Overview QinetiQ US is seeking an experienced Principal Optical Engineer with strong laboratory and prototype integration experience to support system integration on multiple defense ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

$130K - $168K/yr

QinetiQ US is seeking an experienced Principal Optical Engineer with strong laboratory and prototype integration experience to support system integration on multiple defense-oriented programs through ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

Position Overview QinetiQ US is seeking an experienced Principal Optical Engineer with strong laboratory and prototype integration experience to support system integration on multiple defense ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

Position Overview QinetiQ US is seeking an experienced Principal Optical Engineer with strong laboratory and prototype integration experience to support system integration on multiple defense ...

QinetiQ

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

Position Overview QinetiQ US is seeking an experienced Principal Optical Engineer with strong laboratory and prototype integration experience to support system integration on multiple defense ...

QinetiQ

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

Position Overview QinetiQ US is seeking an experienced Principal Optical Engineer with strong laboratory and prototype integration experience to support system integration on multiple defense ...

QinetiQ

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

Position Overview QinetiQ US is seeking an experienced Principal Optical Engineer with strong laboratory and prototype integration experience to support system integration on multiple defense ...

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Principal Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$175K - $195K/yr

To manufacture these products, Systems Irvine is seeking individuals like you to join our team as Principal Optical Engineer. In this position, you will provide technical leadership in the design and ...

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

OmniVision Technologies

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Principal Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$175K - $195K/yr

To manufacture these products, Systems Irvine is seeking individuals like you to join our team as Principal Optical Engineer. In this position, you will provide technical leadership in the design and ...

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$120K - $200K/yr

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsContract Principal Optical Engineer Jobs

Contract Principal Optical Engineer information

See salary details

$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do contract principal optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract principal optical engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Contract Principal Optical Engineer vs Contract Optical Engineer?

AspectContract Principal Optical EngineerContract Optical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (BSc, MSc, PhD) in optics or related fields, with extensive experienceRequires relevant degrees and experience, but generally less senior
Work EnvironmentLeads projects, oversees teams, and collaborates with clients in R&D or manufacturing settingsSupports optical design, testing, and implementation under supervision
Industry UsageCommonly employed in aerospace, defense, and high-tech manufacturingUsed across similar industries for technical support and design tasks

The Contract Principal Optical Engineer typically holds a senior role with leadership responsibilities, requiring advanced credentials and extensive experience. In contrast, the Contract Optical Engineer focuses on technical execution and support. Both roles are vital in optical projects but differ mainly in scope and seniority.

What is a Contract Principal Optical Engineer?

A Contract Principal Optical Engineer is a highly experienced optical engineering professional hired on a temporary or project-specific basis to lead the design, development, and testing of optical systems and components. Their responsibilities often include overseeing complex optical projects, providing technical leadership, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring that optical solutions meet performance and quality standards. They typically have expertise in areas such as lens design, laser systems, imaging, and photonics. Contract roles allow companies to leverage specialized knowledge for short-term needs without long-term employment commitments.

What are the typical project phases a Contract Principal Optical Engineer is involved in, and how does collaboration with cross-disciplinary teams impact project outcomes?

As a Contract Principal Optical Engineer, you are typically involved throughout the entire project lifecycle—from initial concept and requirements gathering, through design, prototyping, and testing, to final validation. You’ll frequently collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineers, as well as program managers, to ensure optical systems integrate seamlessly with other subsystems. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as your expertise will directly influence design trade-offs, project timelines, and ultimately the performance of the end product. Working contractually often means quickly adapting to new teams and project scopes, so strong interpersonal and project management skills are especially valuable.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Principal Optical Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Principal Optical Engineer, you need deep expertise in optical design, physics, and engineering, typically supported by an advanced degree in optics or a related field and significant industry experience. Familiarity with optical simulation software (such as Zemax or Code V), CAD tools, and relevant industry standards is essential, along with certifications like Certified Optical Engineer where applicable. Strong problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills help you manage complex projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills are crucial for delivering innovative optical solutions, ensuring technical accuracy, and leading projects to successful completion in a competitive market.
More about Contract Principal Optical Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Principal Optical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Contract Principal Optical Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Optical Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Principal Optical Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Principal Optical Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Principal Optical Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Principal Optical Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Principal Optical Engineer jobs are:
Contract Principal Optical Engineer jobs near you
Principal Optical Engineer

Principal Optical Engineer

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Boston, MA

$151K - $236K/yr

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Principal Optical Engineer

The Hardware Engineering Group at QuEra Computing is seeking strong candidates for a Principal Optical Engineer to serve as a senior 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 graduate-level education in optics, optical engineering, or applied physics with industry experience in an enterprise engineering environment. The ideal candidate will combine a deep, fundamental understanding of several areas of optics, design, and engineering. Although candidates with a Ph.D. in physics may be considered, applicants should ensure they have sufficient professional experience beyond academia in an enterprise engineering environment to establish themselves independently as a Principal-level engineer.

Key Job Responsibilities
  • Optical module design and development
  • Work with physicists to understand requirements and architect optical systems, sub-systems, modules, and components to support QuEra's neutral atom computers through the full development lifecycle (R&D, productization, maintenance, and beyond).
  • Technically lead an interdisciplinary team of engineers (optical, electronic, mechanical, etc.) through the product development process to take an optical module from early phase concept through to implementation and production.
  • Advance state-of-the-art engineering practices at QuEra through independent research, problem-solving, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Coordinate closely with the R&D/science team to enable cutting-edge R&D and translate scientific advances into the next generation of products.
  • Troubleshoot technical issues at company headquarters and off-site installations at customer locations (in coordination with local support team).
Qualifications

Required:

  • Master's degree in optics, optical engineering, applied physics, or a closely related field.
  • 10-15 years non-academic work experience.  Experience at an enterprise scale as well as startup preferred.
  • Deep experience and knowledge of 
    • Free-space optics
    • Lens design
    • Fiber optics
    • Lasers
    • Optical system characterization and testing
    • Opto-mechanics
  • Experience bringing complex optical systems from concept to production
  • Expertise with using Mechanical CAD software (e.g. Inventor, Solidworks), Product Data Management (PDM) software, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software
  • Expertise with Optical simulation software (e.g. Zemax)

Preferred:

  • Experience with quantum computing, especially neutral atom
  • Professional work experience in commercial product development and off-site product deployment at customer premises.

#LI-DA1

The approximate base salary range for this position is $151,200 - $236,250.

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, 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.

Apply