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Director Of Optical Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

$141K - $182K/yr

... optical engineering principles to real-world, cutting-edge technologies. Duties and Responsibilities * Design and development of optical setups for LiDAR experiments, including beam shaping ...

Staff Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

Lead technical reviews, provide constructive feedback, and foster growth of optical engineering competencies across the organization. * Act as a technical representative during customer engagements ...

Staff Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

Lead technical reviews, provide constructive feedback, and foster growth of optical engineering competencies across the organization. * Act as a technical representative during customer engagements ...

Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or related field. * 2+ years of experience in optical design, analysis, and testing. * Proficiency in optical design and simulation ...

Optical Engineer III

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$140K - $181K/yr

We invite you to join the Optical Engineering group to serve as an Optical Engineer III . You will be reporting administratively to the Group Supervisor of the Group. The 364C Optical Engineering ...

Staff Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

Lead technical reviews, provide constructive feedback, and foster growth of optical engineering competencies across the organization. * Act as a technical representative during customer engagements ...

Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or related field. * 2+ years of experience in optical design, analysis, and testing. * Proficiency in optical design and simulation ...

Lead, Optical Engineering

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$127K - $164K/yr

Lead, Optical Engineering Job Code: 40948 Job Location: Fort Wayne, IN Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every ... This role involves development of optical systems;specifying, selecting and qualifying active and ...

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or related field. * 2+ years of experience in optical design, analysis, and testing. * Proficiency in optical design and simulation ...

$150 - $200/hr

Mission The Head of Optical Systems will be responsible for leading a multidisciplinary team of ... Own the career development of direct-reporting engineers and scientists through structured ...

Optical Engineer III

Campus, IL · On-site

$125K - $162K/yr

We invite you to join the Optical Engineering group to serve as an Optical Engineer III . You will be reporting administratively to the Group Supervisor of the Group. The 364C Optical Engineering ...

Staff Optical Engineer

Budd Lake, NJ · On-site

$115K - $172K/yr

Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field * Foundational knowledge of optical principles including geometrical optics, physical ...

Showing results 41-60

Director Of Optical Engineering information

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How much do director of optical engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for director of optical engineering in the United States is $51.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.57 and $83.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of optical engineering do?

A Director of Optical Engineering leads teams responsible for designing, developing, and testing optical systems and components, such as lenses, lasers, fiber optics, and imaging devices. They oversee project planning, resource allocation, and ensure that technical solutions meet both performance and budget requirements. This role often involves collaborating with other engineering disciplines, guiding research initiatives, and setting the strategic direction for optical technology development within an organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of optical engineering?

To thrive as a Director of Optical Engineering, you need a deep understanding of optical physics, engineering principles, and advanced degrees in optical or electrical engineering. Familiarity with optical design software (like Zemax or Code V), project management tools, and relevant industry certifications is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills set outstanding candidates apart, enabling them to guide multidisciplinary teams and manage complex projects. These skills and qualifications are crucial for driving innovation, ensuring product quality, and meeting organizational goals in a highly technical field.

How does a director of optical engineering typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during product development?

A Director of Optical Engineering works closely with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, as well as product managers and manufacturing specialists. They lead the optical design strategy, provide technical guidance, and ensure alignment of optical components with overall product goals. Regular meetings, design reviews, and collaborative problem-solving are essential to address technical challenges, optimize performance, and keep projects on schedule. This collaborative environment enables the integration of optical systems into complex products and fosters innovation across departments.

What is the difference between Director Of Optical Engineering vs Optical Engineer?

AspectDirector Of Optical EngineeringOptical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Optical Engineering or related field; often requires leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles overseeing teams and projects in R&D or manufacturingDesign, develop, and test optical systems and components
Industry UsageUsed in companies developing advanced optical products, telecommunications, defense

The main difference is that the Director Of Optical Engineering focuses on leadership, strategy, and overseeing teams, while the Optical Engineer is primarily involved in hands-on design and development of optical systems. Both roles require relevant technical credentials, but the director position emphasizes management and project oversight.

What cities are hiring for Director Of Optical Engineering jobs?

Cities with the most Director Of Optical Engineering job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Director Of Optical Engineering jobs?

For Director Of Optical Engineering jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Director Of Optical Engineering job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,998 per year, or $51.9 per hour.

Senior Manager - TeraWave Optical Engineering

Seattle, WA • On-site

Blue Origin
Space Research Administration • 1 - 5K employees

$183K - $257K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Blue Origin rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 92 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Application close date:

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.

The Emerging Systems business unit at Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to revolutionize space-based connectivity anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of thousands of optically interconnected satellitestoprovideenterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.

As Senior Manager of Optical Engineering, you will lead a team of optical and opto-mechanical engineers responsible for designing the telescope and optical assemblies at the heart of the TeraWave OISL payload.The team you leadwill own theopticaldesign from concept throughfirst build andensure a smooth transition to high-volume production. This role demands technicalexpertisein precision optical systems combined with the leadership skills to drive a focused, high-performing team.

Special Mentions

  • Location: Seattle, WA area

  • Relocationassistanceavailable for qualified candidates

  • Travel expectations: Up to 15% for supplier visits, integration activities, and internal reviews

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Lead and manage a team of optical and opto-mechanical engineers through the full design lifecycle, from concept through EVT and DVT

  • Own the technical direction for telescope assemblies and optical light path design for the TeraWave OISL payload

  • Drive detailed opto-mechanical design and STOP (Structural-Thermal-Optical Performance) analysisprocessesto meet performance requirements across the mission environment

  • Lead the NPI process, ensuring designs are well-documented, producible at high volume, and ready for a successful handoff to the production team

  • Manage personnel including hiring, workload planning, performance reviews, and career development

  • Partner with systems, mechanical, thermal, and manufacturing engineering teams to ensure alignment across the program

  • Support sustaining engineeringbyproviding design documentation and lessons learned to the production team

  • Identifyand manage technical risks, drive design trades, and make clear recommendations to program leadership

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field

  • 7+ years of experience in optical system design, with hands-onexpertisein telescope or beam director architectures

  • 3+ years of experience leading engineering teams or serving as a technical lead on optical hardware programs

  • Experience with opto-mechanical design and STOP analysis for space or high-reliability environments

  • Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline

  • Experience with 10cm-class telescope design for space or airborne platforms

  • Background in lasercom, OISL, or free-space optical communication systems

  • Experience with NPI processes and design-for-manufacturability in a high-volume optical manufacturing environment

  • Experience carrying optical hardware through environmental qualification (thermal-vac, vibration, shock)

Why Blue Origin:At Blue Origin, we are driven by our company motto, GradatimFerociter, meaning "Step by Step,Ferociously." We believe in methodical innovation to achieve our vision of enabling millions of people to live and work in space for the benefit of Earth. As a Senior Manager of Optical Engineering, you will play a crucial role in developing the precision optical technologies that makeTeraWave'srevolutionary space-based communications network possible.You'llwork with world-class teams on challenging problems, have access tostate-of-the-artfacilities, and contribute to missions that will shape the future of space exploration andutilization.


Base Pay Range for:

WA applicants is $183,807.00 - $257,328.75

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Don't meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S.as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

  • Required for all positions: Blue's Standard Background Check

  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation

  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.

  • Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

  • Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.

  • Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)

  • Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

  • Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on "Know Your Rights," please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin's Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us atEEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.


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About Blue Origin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Blue Origin is a private aerospace manufacturing and suborbital spaceflight services company based in Kent, Washington, USA. Established in 2000 by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the company operates in the cutting-edge aerospace industry aiming to build a future where millions of people can live and work in space. They develop a variety of technologies, with a focus on reusable rocket systems which significantly reduce the cost of space travel. Blue Origin's core mission is to make this vision come to life by incrementally building on its successes with an ultimate vision of dramatic cost reduction and increased reliance on reusable spacecraft.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Kent, WA, US

Year founded

2000