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Contract Principal Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Sr. Principal Optical Design Engineer Full Time Tustin, CA, US 3 days ago Requisition ID: 1077 ... Lead Vendor/supplier sub-contract management including optics, mechanics, tooling fabrication, and ...

Senior Principal Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · Hybrid

$148K - $204K/yr

D in Optics, Optical Engineering, Opto-mechanical instrumentation. Advanced education qualifications would be a plus. Candidates with suitable hands-on experience with a BS degree will be considered ...

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Austin, TX · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

BAE Systems is currently looking for a talented Senior Principal Optical Engineer to join our EO/IR Capability Group . This group comprises a team of expert Optical, Electro-Optical, Opto-mechanical ...

Principal Optical Systems Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$175K - $195K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

To manufacture these products, Systems Irvine is seeking individuals like you to join our team as Principal Optical Systems Engineer.In this position, you will plan, conceptualize, design, test, and ...

Principal Optical Systems Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$175K - $195K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

To manufacture these products, Systems Irvine is seeking individuals like you to join our team as Principal Optical Systems Engineer. In this position, you will plan, conceptualize, design, test, and ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 19, 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 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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract principal optical engineer?

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.

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 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.

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:

Infographic showing various Contract Principal Optical Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Sr. Principal Optical Design Engineer

Atln

Tustin, CA • On-site

$117.64 - $211.83/hr

Other

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Sr. Principal Optical Design Engineer

Full Time Tustin, CA, US

3 days ago Requisition ID: 1077

Salary Range: $117,645.00 to $211,830.00 Annually

Optical Engineer

Job Details

The Optical Engineer's function is to plan, design, analyze, communicate, and execute the optical design for high performance optical assemblies, and to determine the following: (1) compliant preliminary and final optical designs, (2) optical sensitivity and tolerance analysis in coordination with mechanical and integration & test engineering, (3) document optical prescription and optical layout, (4) support fabrication, assembly, integration and test for 100% on-time delivery, (5) investigate, identify, and resolve engineering problems involved in the manufacturing of Coherent Aerospace and Defense products to provide a smooth transition into routine production.

Responsibilities

Very experienced professional with a full understanding in multiple areas of specialization (see list below); resolves a wide range of issues in creative ways. Understands the customers' business and has an intimate understanding of the customer's needs; can accurately anticipate customer needs. This job is an advanced level career position.

  • Resource for information about optical sensors and optical sensor technology, including the design and modeling of ultraviolet, visual and infrared waveband systems, optically passive athermal sensors, illuminations and projection systems using coherent and incoherent sources.
  • Expert technical knowledge of a wide application of principles, theories and concepts in the field of precision optical system and subsystem design.
  • Lead optical sensitivity and Monte Carlo tolerance analyses without guidance.
  • Expert understanding of Opto-Mechanical assemblies (Refractive vs Reflective, Visible vs MWIR, etc.)
  • Responsible to understand properties and application of optical materials: crystalline, glass, and polymer materials for refractive systems in the IR, SWIR, NIR, Visible, and UV portions of the spectrum.
  • Responsible to understand the applications and limitations with Anti-Reflective (AR), High-Reflective (HR), and filter optical coatings.
  • Proficient regarding optical component or system test and metrology instruments, techniques, and performance testing, e.g. Modulation Transfer Function (MTF), Transmitted Wavefront Error, Surface Figure, focal length, encircled or ensquared energy, transmission, relative illumination, veiling glare, etc.
  • Provide design input on optical alignment techniques and optical alignment tools and metrology (interferometers, spectrophotometers, autocollimators, theodolites, measuring/toolmaker microscope, lasers, etc.)
  • Lead trade studies and engineering analyses of optical alignment and tests for optical instruments.
  • Advocate for clean room protocols and processes and best practice associate with optical element cleaning, handling, and packaging.
  • Lead Vendor/supplier sub-contract management including optics, mechanics, tooling fabrication, and optical coatings.
  • Advanced understanding of optical component or system inspection per typical standards, e.g. MIL-PRF-13830B or ISO 10110, including cosmetic or functional Scratch-Dig, particle or residue contamination, reflectance, transmittance, index of refraction, surface roughness, BRDF, etc.
  • Familiar with materials and mounting methods for opto-mechanical systems; preparation and use of primers, one and two part adhesives, and elastomers.
  • Familiar with mechanical metrology instruments and techniques and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing Knowledge of optical and mechanical materials and fabrication processes.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering, optical physics, or a related discipline is required, along with an understanding of optical and mechanical manufacturing and test processes and the ability to apply engineering theories and concepts.
  • Minimum of 12 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 10 years experience with a Master’s degree, or 7 years with a PhD.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Ability to lead conceptual development, detailed analysis, conceptual and detailed computer aided (e.g. Zemax, CodeV) design of optical imaging systems.
  • Expert understanding of physical optics, optical aberration theory and optical system performance criteria.
  • Proficient leading formalized optical engineering content for design and technical reviews throughout the program life cycle (SRR, PDR, CDR, MRR, TRR, PSR, etc.)
  • Experience with problem analysis and resolution. Having wide-ranging experience, uses professional concepts and company objectives to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways. Supporting analysis through MATLAB or similar a plus.
  • Demonstrated ability to achieve results independently or working with others.
  • Ability to recommend and implement improvements.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Experience with networked PC based computer system (MS Office, spreadsheets, access, graphics, Email, MRP systems, and accounting software).

For California, the salary pay range for this role is $117,645.00-$211,830.00
Please note this range is provided as a general guideline. When determining an offer, Attalon takes into account multiple factors, including (but not limited to) the responsibilities of the position, your professional experience, education and training, specialized skills, and current market and business conditions.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Attalon, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Export Control Compliance

This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.

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