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Entry Level Principal Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

OmniVision Technologies

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$120K - $200K/yr

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

BAE Systems

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Austin, TX · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

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

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 to join our EO/IR Capability Group . This group comprises a team of expert Optical, Electro-Optical, Opto-mechanical ...

BAE Systems

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Merrimack, NH · On-site

$130K - $221K/yr

The Senior Principal Optical Engineer will develop and mature advanced EO system concepts. This will include the design, analysis, and measurement of optical subsystems. Responsibilities include the ...

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 ...

Lockheed Martin

Electro-Optical Engineer

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

Coordinate with principal engineers, stakeholders, and customers to align specifications. * Plan, develop, integrate, and validate optical, infrared, and laser systems on fighter aircraft. * Prepare ...

Lockheed Martin

Electro-Optical Engineer

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

Coordinate with principal engineers, stakeholders, and customers to align specifications. * Plan, develop, integrate, and validate optical, infrared, and laser systems on fighter aircraft. * Prepare ...

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Entry Level Principal Optical Engineer information

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do entry level principal optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level 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 Entry Level Principal Optical Engineer vs Optical Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Principal Optical EngineerOptical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; some certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, product development, design teams in tech and optics companiesDesign, testing, and development in similar settings, often with less leadership responsibility
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in high-tech, aerospace, defense, and optics manufacturing companiesCommon in tech, manufacturing, and research organizations

The Entry Level Principal Optical Engineer typically has more advanced responsibilities, including project leadership and strategic planning, compared to a standard Optical Engineer. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, the principal role often involves more experience and a focus on innovation and mentorship. The main difference lies in the level of responsibility and scope of work within the organization.

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Principal Optical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level 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:
What states have the most Entry Level Principal Optical Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Principal Optical Engineer jobs include:
Entry Level Principal Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Principal Optical Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.
Optical Engineer

Optical Engineer

OMNIVISION

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Description
Overview:
The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance.
Responsibilities:
  • Design Metasurface for light manipulation
  • Troubleshoot optical issue and provide solution

Requirements:
  • Experience of Metasurface structure design or similar
  • Experience of diffractive optical device design or similar.
  • Proficient in FDTD simulation, and optimization.
  • Knowledge of Wave, Fourier and Geometrical optics.
  • Good Image/Data analysis skill, by like Matlab, or Python, Excel etc.
  • Good communication skills, good at team work.
  • Graduate degree and above in the area of optics, physics, EE or related

Annual base salary for this role in California, US is expected to be between $120,600 - $200,200.
Actual pay will be determined on a number of factors such as relevant skills and experience, and
the pay of employees in the similar role.
EOE/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disability

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