ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Principal Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coherent

Principal Optical Transceiver Engineer

Fremont, CA

$164K - $201K/yr

Work closely with firmware engineer, optical engineer, mechanical and process engineer to come up a product per customer requirements. Primary Duties & Responsibilities * Participate standard and MSA ...

Arete

Optical Systems Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

Principal investigator for DoD research and development projects. * Submits technical proposals for ... Optical Engineer, Location: Longmont, CO - 80503

Arete Associates

Optical Systems Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$100K - $177K/yr

As an Optical Systems Engineer , you will assist in designing and building solid-state ... Principal investigator for DoD research and development projects. * Submits technical proposals for ...

BAE Systems

Eng Prin - Optical

Merrimack, NH · On-site

$118K - $200K/yr

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

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrincipal Optical Engineer JobsEntry Level Principal Optical Engineer Jobs

Entry Level Principal Optical Engineer information

See salary details

$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.
Principal Optical Transceiver Engineer

Principal Optical Transceiver Engineer

II-VI Incorporated

Fremont, CA

$164K - $201K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

You will be part of a multi-disciplinary engineering team working on optical transceiver hardware/electrical from conception to manufacturing. Lead the transceiver link simulation. Work closely with firmware engineer, optical engineer, mechanical and process engineer to come up a product per customer requirements.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

  • Participate standard and MSA meeting and present for the company
  • Lead the link simulation for optical transceiver.
  • Conduct electrical and optical measurements of optical transceiver. Create optical transceiver specification compliance reports.  
  • Create the firmware requirement document.
  • Conduct RF simulation of the high-speed signal communication link.

Education & Experience

  •  B.S. EE degree with 7-year experience or M.S. EE degree with 5-year experience required 
  • (M.S. preferred, Ph.D.  a plus)

Skills

  • Strong fiber and digital communication and DSP system theory and simulation
  • Strong analog circuit design skills required
  • Strong background of circuit theory, linear system theory, feedback, ICs, and high-speed RF fundamentals required
  • Strong laboratory measurement skills required
  • Strong communication and presentation skill required
  • Experience with electronics CAD tools and electronic system modelling
  • Expertise in RF design using modeling tools such as CST or HFSS a plus
  • Strong background of optical transceiver design is a plus

Working Conditions

  • This position is onsite
  • May require occasional off-site meetings or travel
  • Regular use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary
  • Interaction with team members and external contacts is a regular part of the job
  • May require occasional overtime and flexibility in work hours to accommodate the executive's needs

Physical Requirements

  • Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer or conducting meetings.
  • Use of hands and fingers for operating computers and lab equipment.
  • Occasional lifting of objects or materials up to 20 pounds for administrative or lab tasks.
  • Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
  • Mobility within the office/lab environment to attend meetings or interact with colleagues.

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

 

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.


 To conform to U.S. Government export regulations (ITAR), applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8. U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State."

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.


 

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.

Apply