ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Electro Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

nLIGHT

Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO

$170K - $210K/yr

Electro-Optical (EO) Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. are the engine of execution. As a Senior EO Engineer, you are expected to serve as a technical authority and execution leader, not only ...

nLIGHT

Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

Electro-Optical (EO) Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. are the engine of execution. As a Senior EO Engineer, you are expected to serve as a technical authority and execution leader, not only ...

nLIGHT

Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO

$170K - $210K/yr

Electro-Optical (EO) Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. are the engine of execution. As a Senior EO Engineer, you are expected to serve as a technical authority and execution leader, not only ...

nLIGHT

Staff / Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Electro-Optical (EO) Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. are the engine of execution. We expect EO Engineers to not only problem-solve and align systems during a system integration but also to ...

nLIGHT

Staff / Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO

$150K - $190K/yr

Electro-Optical (EO) Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. are the engine of execution. We expect EO Engineers to not only problem-solve and align systems during a system integration but also to ...

nLIGHT

Staff / Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Electro-Optical (EO) Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. are the engine of execution. We expect EO Engineers to not only problem-solve and align systems during a system integration but also to ...

Ravee Optics

Senior Optical Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) imaging systems * Precision optical instrumentation * Optical ... Systems engineering for aerospace or defense applications * Experience with environmental ...

Wilcox Industries

Senior Optical Engineer

Newington, NH · On-site

$133K - $172K/yr

Wilcox develops innovative, world class electro-mechanical combat systems for today's warfighters ... The Senior Optical Engineer is a pivotal part of the Wilcox engineering team and is responsible for ...

Ravee Optics Inc

Senior Optical Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) imaging systems * Precision optical instrumentation * Optical ... Systems engineering for aerospace or defense applications * Experience with environmental ...

nLIGHT

Manager, Electro-Optical Engineering

Longmont, CO · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Summary As an Electro-Optical (EO) Engineering Manager at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, you would be ... This role requires an experienced engineer who can guide and develop teams across all levels of ...

Ravee Optics Inc

Senior Optical Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site

$110 - $160/hr

Electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) imaging systems * Precision optical instrumentation * Optical ... Systems engineering for aerospace or defense applications * Experience with environmental ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsHealthcare JobsOptical JobsOptical Manufacturing Technician JobsElectro Optical Engineer Jobs

Electro Optical Engineer information

See salary details

$36K

$89.9K

$137K

How much do electro optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for electro optical engineer in the United States is $89,897.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,000.00 and $104,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an electro optical engineer do?

An Electro Optical Engineer designs, develops, and tests optical and photonic systems that integrate electronics and optical components. They work on technologies such as lasers, cameras, sensors, and imaging systems used in applications like defense, aerospace, and telecommunications. Their responsibilities include optical modeling, system integration, and performance analysis to optimize optical functionality.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an electro optical engineer?

To thrive as an Electro Optical Engineer, you need a solid background in optics, electronics, and physics, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering, physics, or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), laboratory test equipment, and proficiency in CAD tools or simulation platforms is highly valued, and certifications in optical engineering can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help distinguish candidates in this field. These qualifications ensure that engineers can design, analyze, and integrate advanced electro-optical systems while collaborating efficiently within multidisciplinary teams.

What are some typical projects or responsibilities I can expect as an electro optical engineer?

As an Electro Optical Engineer, you may work on designing, developing, and testing components such as lenses, sensors, lasers, or imaging systems for applications in industries like defense, aerospace, medical devices, or telecommunications. Your daily responsibilities might include performing optical simulations, assembling prototype hardware, conducting lab measurements, troubleshooting system performance, and collaborating with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers. Projects often involve both hands-on experimentation and documentation as well as participation in project meetings or reviews. This variety provides opportunities to develop technical expertise, expand your system-level understanding, and broaden your impact across multiple product development phases.

More about Electro Optical Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Electro Optical Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Electro Optical Engineer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Electro Optical Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Electro Optical Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Electro Optical Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Electro Optical Engineer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Electro Optical Engineer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Electro Optical Engineer jobs are:

Electro Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Electro 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, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,897 per year, or $43.2 per hour.

Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

nLIGHT

Longmont, CO

$170K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Location: Longmont, CO (onsite)
Experience: 10+ years of electro-optical experience
Minimum Education: Master’s Degree in Engineering, Science or related field. PhD is preferred.
Compensation: $170,000-$210,000 depending on experience.   

Who We Are
nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is one of the nation’s leading developers of Directed Energy systems, which is a top modernization priority of the Department of Defense.  Our High Energy Laser (HEL) systems, Adaptive Optical (AO) systems, and Acquisition / Pointing / Tracking (APT) solutions are designed to overcome the most difficult challenges facing the deployment of high energy laser solutions to the United States military and our allies.  Located in Longmont, Colorado, nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is a vertically integrated business that leverages internal capabilities – from semiconductor device through target identification – to develop systems that are both high-performance and cost-effective.  We continue to invest in capabilities, facilities and technology to bring leading edge HEL solutions to the warfighter. This is a great opportunity to work at a company that is on the leading edge of the HEL industry and provides a culture of excellence and commitment to delivering solutions to the warfighter and our country.  

Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).

Summary:
Electro-Optical (EO) Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. are the engine of execution. As a Senior EO Engineer, you are expected to serve as a technical authority and execution leader, not only problem-solving and aligning systems during system integration but leading the planning, coordination, and technical execution of complex, multi-disciplinary development and integration efforts.

Senior EO Engineers mentor and help technically guide other engineers and technicians, shaping best practices while learning and applying a broad set of multi-disciplinary tools and techniques ranging from opto-mechanical design and integration methods to software integration, controls, and advanced data analysis.

This role is designed for individuals who have progressed beyond disciplined bench execution and now routinely lead integrated product teams, own subsystem or system-level technical performance, influence programmatic decisions, and interface directly with internal stakeholders and external customers. If you want a career progression opportunity that leads from technical leadership to integrated product team lead and ultimately a technical program or system architect role, delivering complete EO systems to customers, then we are the right place for you.

All applicants must possess or be qualified to obtain a U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance. Preference will be given to candidates with an existing U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance.  Further information on requirements to obtain a security clearance is available at: https://www.dcsa.mil/mc/pv/mbi/gicp/.  Please review this information before applying.

Responsibilities:    
  • Lead design, development, integration, and test of High Energy Laser (HEL) Weapon Systems and/or HEL Beam Control Systems (BCS).
  • Serve as a system or subsystem technical lead, driving architecture, interfaces, requirements flow-down, and verification strategies.
  • Responsibilities include hardware integration and test, definition of test strategies, data processing, and preparation of formal performance, qualification, and acceptance test documentation.
  • Define, design, and approve complex test setups to evaluate key system performance parameters.
  • Coordinate and technically direct team members to execute complex integration activities across optics, mechanics, electronics, firmware, and software.
  • Provide on-site and remote technical leadership during field tests, including troubleshooting, data analysis, and real-time decision-making.
  • Identify technical risks and develop mitigation plans in coordination with program management.
Required Experience / Capability:     
  • Commitment to Excellence.  Attention to Detail.  Pride in Workmanship.    
  • Ability to work in a dynamic environment and maintain composure and strong working relationships under pressure.
  • Ability to independently plan, prioritize, and execute work with minimal oversight, meeting mid- to long-term program milestones.
  • Advanced problem-solving capability, with the ability to synthesize information from multiple technical disciplines to reach sound engineering decisions.
  • Installation, alignment, and integration of optics, electro-optics, and mechanics (COTS and custom). Demonstrated leadership in enforcing cleanliness, contamination control, and process discipline, including cleanroom environments.
  • Recognized expertise in working with laser and electro-optical systems, including safety, reliability, and performance optimization.
  • Exhibit expert-level troubleshooting skills to solve complex and constrained opto-mechanical alignment problems, particularly for ruggedized systems.
  • Author, review, and approve technical reports, test plans, procedures, and customer-facing documentation.
  • Integration of auto-alignment algorithms and methods, including algorithm selection and performance trade studies.
  • Lead integration efforts for real-time control of electro-optical and mechanical components using LabVIEW, MATLAB, firmware, and/or C/C++/C# (normally involving code re-use).
  • Experience with electro-optical systems including acquisition, pointing, and tracking, with demonstrated ownership of system-level performance metrics.
  • Strong working proficiency in MATLAB and/or C/C++/C#; ability to review, modify, and guide software development.
  • Experience in specification and evaluation of optical coating requirements, particularly for high power applications.
  • Experience with optical fiber splicing, polishing, repair/service, and fiber management.
  • Experience mentoring engineers and technicians and providing technical direction across disciplines.
Additional Desired Experience / Capability: 
  • Experience in rugged design for optical systems including kinematic, flexure mounting, and optical/structural adhesive mounting.
  • System-level understanding of electro-optical architecture and interface management.
  • Experience in optical system alignment and test methods, including tolerance analysis and alignment planning.
  • Experience in opto-mechanical assembly, including receiving and inspecting components, dry-assembly, and bonding.
  • Experience in thermal management systems and thermal performance trade-offs.
  • STOP analysis (structural, thermal, optical performance).
  • Experience in vibration test, analysis, and isolation methods, particularly jitter analysis for opto-mechanical systems.
  • Experience in finite element analysis (FEA) modeling of vibration and thermal effects.
  • Static structure, fatigue, random vibration, and modal analysis.
  • Experience in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis.
  • Advanced experience with MATLAB and LabVIEW.
  • Experience in Adaptive Optics (AO) Systems and/or High Energy Laser systems.
  • Exposure to MIL‑STD‑810 design, analysis, and/or qualification testing.
  • Experience with operation of machining, welding, or fabrication equipment.
Benefits Summary:  
  • 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year 
  • 11 paid Holidays 
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan 
  • Tuition Assistance Program 
  • Health (ACA Gold Plan), Vision and Dental Care paid by employer 100% for Employee and 75% for Dependents 
  • Paid Family Leave, Short and Long Term Disability paid by employer 100% 
  • Competitive 401k with company match and immediate vesting  
  
Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or age. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at HR@nlightdefense.com.  
 

Apply