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Director Optical Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Optical Engineer III

Redmond, WA ยท On-site

$51 - $55/hr

Optical Engineer III Location: Redmond, WA (Onsite) Duration: Contract - 12 months Pay Range: $51 ... Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material ...

Optical Transport Engineer (IXC)

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$146K - $190K/yr

Optical Transport Engineer (IXC) Resources will be required to work on client's site in Melbourne ... Support scheduled planned maintenance events (Moves, Adds, Changes) and direct Harris field ...

Senior Electro-Optical Payload Engineer

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$122K - $159K/yr

Direct experience with spaceborne optical remote sensing systems, including design, integration, and performance characterization. * Direct experience in focal plane array design and engineering ...

In this role, you will manage a group of optical and mechanical engineers whose role is to validate ... Direct experience in complex system integration, especially in Validation and Verification

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Showing results 1-20

Director Optical Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$94.5K

$163.4K

$191.8K

How much do director optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for director optical engineer in Seattle, WA is $163,433.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $146,800.00 and $190,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are optical engineers in high demand?

Optical engineers are in high demand due to advancements in telecommunications, imaging systems, and laser technologies. They often require strong skills in optics, physics, and related software tools, and employment opportunities are growing in industries such as aerospace, defense, and consumer electronics.

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What job categories do people searching Director Optical Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Director Optical Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Infographic showing various Director Optical Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $163,433 per year, or $78.6 per hour.

Optical Engineer III

BC Forward

Redmond, WA โ€ข On-site

$51 - $55/hr

Other

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Optical Engineer III Location: Redmond, WA (Onsite) Duration: Contract - 12 months Pay Range: $51 - $55 (W2) Job ID: 406820 About BCforward BCforward is a leading global IT consulting and workforce solutions firm providing services and support to Fortune 500 and government clients. Founded in 1998, BCforward has grown with our customers needs into a full-service business solutions provider. With delivery centers and offices across North America and India, we take pride in building long-term relationships and delivering excellence through innovation, collaboration, and integrity. Job Description We are seeking an Optical Engineer III to join our team. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in imaging and photonic system design and a proven ability to deliver validated prototypes and define system specifications for AR/VR applications. Responsibilities: Work with a small team of optical scientists to develop imaging systems for AR and VR applications. Model and prototype critical technologies to drive system performance and validation. Research and develop emerging concepts in imaging and optical systems in support of near-eye displays (NEDs). Support evaluation and characterization of optical components and system integrations. Collaborate with cross-functional research teams to explore concepts and drive optical system development. Drive supplier selection, interaction, and management to deliver prototypes for concept demonstrations. Establish specifications for display and imaging systems to ensure successful product outcomes. Required Skills & Qualifications: Experience in applied research and/or product development of optical or photonic systems. Hands-on experience with one or more optics domains: illumination, radiometry/photometry, stray light analysis, physical optics, or imaging. Laboratory experience setting up optical systems and familiarity with fabrication methods for optics and microstructures (molded, polished, diamond turned). Proficiency with optical design tools such as FRED, ASAP, LightTools, or Zemax. Ability to manage projects independently from start to finish with minimal direction. Strong collaboration and communication skills in cross-functional environments. Experience in radiometric calibration, signal-to-noise measurement, and imaging system modeling. Experience defining system performance and component specifications, including optical scatter measurement and modeling. Preferred Skills: Background in integrated optics, structured light, depth sensing, polarization optics, or optical system design for NEDs. Experience driving supplier development and prototype delivery. Candidate Screening Questions (add responses to resume): Have you designed, fabricated, and validated a PIC-based device? What were the key components used in that device? What was your input strategy for the signal and how were the losses? What tools did you use to design? What was the design expectation for SNR versus measured? Where was the gap coming from? Education/Experience: Advanced degree in Optical Sciences, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience. Why BCforward? At BCforward, we believe in advancing lives and careers. When you join our team, you gain access to: Competitive compensation and benefits. Opportunities for growth with global clients. A supportive, inclusive culture that values innovation and people. Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and projects. About Our Commitment BCforward is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. Fair Chance Notice Pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, qualified applicants will be considered for assignment with arrest and conviction records. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, manage stress, work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness, meet client expectations and requirements, and safeguard business operations and company reputation. Submission Notes All submitted candidates must meet every listed must-have skill. These requirements are non-negotiable. Use the screening questions and ensure candidate responses are reflected on resumes. Role is onsite in Redmond, WA. Interested? Apply Now! If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, please apply with your most recent resume.