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Director Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aeva, Inc.

Optical Engineer

Mountain View, CA

$152K - $197K/yr

Direct specification development for detailed drawings of optical components * Generate and document new IP What you have: * Bachelors or Masters in optical engineering, physics, or related field ...

Applied Energetics

Senior Optical Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$124K - $161K/yr

Guided by our vision, "Directed Energy, Anywhere", we build compact, high-performance systems that ... Why This Role Matters We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Optical Engineer to play a key role in ...

Applied Energetics, Inc

Senior Optical Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$110K - $143K/yr

Guided by our vision, " Directed Energy, Anywhere ", we build compact, high-performance systems ... Why This Role Matters We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Optical Engineer to play a key role in ...

Applied Energetics, Inc

Senior Optical Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$115K - $165K/yr

Guided by our vision, " Directed Energy, Anywhere ", we build compact, high-performance systems ... Why This Role Matters We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Optical Engineer to play a key role in ...

Aeva, Inc.

Optical Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$132K - $179K/yr

Direct specification development for detailed drawings of optical components * Generate and document new IP What you have: * Bachelors or Masters in optical engineering, physics, or related field ...

Aeva, Inc.

Optical Engineer

Mountain View, CA

$132K - $179K/yr

Direct specification development for detailed drawings of optical components * Generate and document new IP What you have: * Bachelors or Masters in optical engineering, physics, or related field ...

Attalon, Inc.

Optical Engineer

Warren, NJ · On-site

$65K - $126K/yr

From high-energy directed laser systems to satellite optics and hypersonic thermal protection ... This engineer will play a wide range of support roles, helping assemble and align lasers, splice ...

Trialon Corporation

Optical Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI

$122K - $158K/yr

... direct placements. Trialon provides people throughout North America in many technical fields ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering (in optics/physics) or Engineering/Mathematics background or ...

Trialon Corporation

Optical Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

... direct placements. Trialon provides people throughout North America in many technical fields ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering (in optics/physics) or Engineering/Mathematics background or ...

Apple

Display Module Optical Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$151K - $196K/yr

Apple is seeking a highly motivated Display Module Optical Engineer with a strong passion for next ... Direct mass-production experience is highly beneficial.

Wilcox Industries

Senior Optical Engineer

Portsmouth, NH · On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

The Senior Optical Engineer (OE) serves as the company's technical authority for optical systems ... Responsible for annual reviews of direct reports, as well as goal setting with direct reports for ...

Wilcox Industries

Senior Optical Engineer

Newington, NH · On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

The Senior Optical Engineer (OE) serves as the company's technical authority for optical systems ... Responsible for annual reviews of direct reports, as well as goal setting with direct reports for ...

Apple

Display Module Optical Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$181K - $318K/yr

Direct mass-production experience is highly beneficial. Minimum Qualifications Bachelors Degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field ...

Fibertek

Optical Communication Engineer

Herndon, VA

$132K - $171K/yr

Job duties: As an optical communications engineer, you will be responsible for designing and ... You will use your direct hands-on experience to support the build, alignment, and performance ...

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Director Optical Engineer information

See salary details

$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do director optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for director optical engineer in the United States is $143,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectDirector Optical EngineerOptical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's/PhD in optics, physics, or engineering; extensive experienceBachelor's or Master's in optics, physics, or engineering
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles in R&D, product development, managing teamsDesign, testing, and development of optical systems
Industry UsageStrategic oversight, project management, cross-department coordinationHands-on technical work, prototype development, testing

The main difference is that a Director Optical Engineer focuses on strategic leadership, team management, and project oversight, while an Optical Engineer is primarily involved in technical design and development tasks. The director role requires more experience and leadership skills, whereas the optical engineer role emphasizes technical expertise and hands-on work.

More about Director Optical Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Optical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Director 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 Director Optical Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Optical Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Director Optical Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Director Optical Engineer jobs are:
Director Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Optical Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.
Optical Engineer

Optical Engineer

Aeva, Inc.

Mountain View, CA

$152K - $197K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

About us:
Aeva’s mission is to bring the next wave of perception to a broad range of applications from automated driving to industrial robotics, consumer electronics, consumer health, security, and beyond. Aeva is transforming autonomy with its groundbreaking sensing and perception technology that integrates all key LiDAR components onto a silicon photonics chip in a compact module. Aeva 4D LiDAR sensors uniquely detect instant velocity in addition to 3D position, allowing autonomous devices like vehicles and robots to make more intelligent and safe decisions. 
 
Role Overview:
Aeva is looking to bring on an Optical Engineer to join our dynamic, fast-paced, and highly innovative environment. The position will contribute to the design, development, and testing of complex optical sub-components and systems used within Aeva’s LiDAR coherent sensing system.
What you'll be doing:
  • Design and analyze optical systems, including developing optical architectures , evaluating tolerances, manufacturability, light budgets and other trade-offs.
  • Perform sequential and non-sequential simulations of optical systems.
  • Direct specification development for detailed drawings of optical components
  • Generate and document new IP
What you have:
  • Bachelors or Masters in optical engineering, physics, or related field.
  • 3+ years experience maturing optical systems designs from proof of concept to production
  • Ability to model and script in ZEMAX, Code V, Fred, or similar
  • Experience in tolerance analysis, stray-light and scattering analysis
  • Experience with precision optical, micro-optic and/or fiber optic components
  • Hands-on laboratory skills in setting up, testing, validating, and troubleshooting optical, fiber optic and opto-mechanical subsystems
  • Knowledge of limitations and fabrication of optics (molded, polished, diamond turned) as well as micro structures
What's in it for you:
  • Be part of a fast paced and dynamic team
  • Very competitive compensation and meaningful stock grants
  • Exceptional benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and more
  • Unlimited PTO: We care about results, not punching timecards
Salary pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, certifications, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. These ranges are subject to change in the future.
 
Depending on the position offered, equity, bonus, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, pre-tax commuter and health care/dependent care accounts, 401k plan, life and disability benefits, flexible time off, paid parental leave, and 11 paid holidays annually.
AEVA logo

About AEVA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Manufacturing and manufacturing

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Palo Alto, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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