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Contract Principal Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Monarch Quantum

Optical Engineer Level 4

San Diego, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Principal Optical Engineer. As we scale, you will be instrumental in building our foundation from the ground up. This is a dynamic, hands-on role for a ...

Monarch Quantum

Optical Engineer Level 5

San Diego, CA · On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Senior Principal Optical Engineer. As we scale, you will be instrumental in building our foundation from the ground up. This is a dynamic, hands-on role ...

Monarch Quantum

Optical Engineer Level 5

San Diego, CA · On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Senior Principal Optical Engineer. As we scale, you will be instrumental in building our foundation from the ground up. This is a dynamic, hands-on role ...

BAE Systems

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Merrimack, NH · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

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

Monarch Quantum

Optical Engineer Level 4

San Diego, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Principal Optical Engineer. As we scale, you will be instrumental in building our foundation from the ground up. This is a dynamic, hands-on role for a ...

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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:
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Contract Principal Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Principal Optical Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 94% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Principal Optical Systems Engineer

Arycs Technologies, Inc.

Los Gatos, CA • On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description


About Arycs technology
At Arycs Technology, we believe AI infrastructure must scale within realistic power and integration limits. Our systems are engineered for deployment in real networks — not theoretical environments. We prioritize architectural efficiency over hardware multiplication, enabling capacity growth through technology innovation rather than system complexity. Performance and energy efficiency are not trade-offs; they are co-designed outcomes.
Headquartered in Los Gatos, California, with operations in Cleveland, Ohio and Maynard, Massachusetts, Arycs Technologies operates at the intersection of silicon photonics, coherent DSP, and scalable semiconductor manufacturing.
Our geographic presence supports both technology innovation and commercial execution, positioning Arycs Technologies as a key contributor to the advancement and broader adoption of coherent optical technologies.
 

About the Role

As Principal Optical Systems Engineer, you will perform optical system characterization and optimization, leading to product qualification, validation, and field deployment. The position will investigate and develop techniques used in product calibration and control to enhance the overall product performance and reliability of our coherent pluggable transceivers and optical engines.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in coherent optical system analysis and possess the ability to lead customer product trials and troubleshoot complex coherent system issues. The position will collaborate cross-functionally with hardware, firmware, and software design teams to drive innovation and ensure product excellence.

The Principal Optical Systems Engineer role may, from time to time, need to provide direction to others to accommodate a group effort to efficiently complete the functions above.

Key Responsibilities

System Test & Validation:

  • Lead system-level testing of coherent pluggable transceivers and optical engines.
  • Develop and execute test plans for optical performance, OSNR/ROSNR analysis, and fiber impairments.
  • Perform stress testing, stability & repeatability analysis, and firmware validation.
  • Automate test scripts using Python to optimize testing efficiency.

Customer Trials & Field Support:

  • Plan, execute, and document customer product trials.
  • Analyze customer requirements and oversee trial execution in lab and field environments.
  • Prepare final trial reports and present findings to internal and external stakeholders.

Escalation & Troubleshooting:

  • Lead complex customer escalations, working with cross-functional teams to debug and resolve network issues.
  • Develop technical documentation, including technical notes for internal and customer use.

Product Development:

  • Contribute to the development of coherent pluggable technology, reviewing PRD, SRD, and design phases.

Required Skills & Experience

  • 10+ years of experience in optical system testing, validation, and troubleshooting.
  • Expertise in coherent optical transceivers and fiber transmission impairments.
  • Proficiency with pluggable transceivers and industry standards (OIF/MSA).
  • Hands-on experience with optical test equipment: OSA, power meters, OTDR, CD/PMD analyzers, traffic testers.
  • Python scripting experience for test automation and data analysis.
  • Proven track record of leading customer trials, product escalations, and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to present technical findings to customers and stakeholders.

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