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Entry Level Principal Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ayar Labs

Sr. Engineer, Free-Space Optics

San Jose, CA · On-site

$190K - $240K/yr

We are seeking an Optical Engineer to lead optical test, characterization, and modeling for free ... Principals only. We are not accepting resumes from recruiters for this position. Remuneration for ...

Boeing

Entry Level Systems Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

The Boeing Laser and Electro-Optical Systems (LEOS), is looking for highly skilled and adaptable Entry Level Systems Engineers to provide Systems Engineering support on a multi-disciplinary team ...

Boeing

Entry Level Systems Engineer

Albuquerque, NM

The Boeing Laser and Electro-Optical Systems (LEOS), is looking for highly skilled and adaptable Entry Level Systems Engineers to provide Systems Engineering support on a multi-disciplinary team ...

Acuity, Inc.

Illumination Engineer Senior

Wheat Ridge, CO · On-site

$111K - $152K/yr

Job Summary The Illumination Engineer is a core contributor to the Nexus team, Acuity Brands ... Open to considering candidates at the following skill levels: * Entry Level: Contributes to optical ...

Acuity Brands

Illumination Engineer Senior

Wheat Ridge, CO · On-site

$111K - $152K/yr

Job Summary The Illumination Engineer is a core contributor to the Nexus team, Acuity Brands ... Open to considering candidates at the following skill levels: * Entry Level: Contributes to optical ...

Vision Center

Be Seen First

FT Optical Lens Laboratory Finishing/Assembly Service Position

Columbia, SC · On-site

$13/hr

Full-time, entry level, optical lens laboratory position with growth potential available in ... on experience Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster. Please do not ...

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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 Sep 8, 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:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Principal Optical Engineer jobs?

For Entry Level Principal Optical Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Entry Level Principal Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Principal 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 $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Principal Optical Design Engineer - $10K Sign-On Bonus-Broomfield,Colorado

BAE Systems

Broomfield, CO

$118K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

BAE Systems rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 50 rated military and defense

Job description

Job Description
The Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the technical talent and organizational leadership that enables the successful delivery of high-impact discriminating technologies for our customers' missions. Our collaborative, cross-functional teams are committed to innovation, integrity, continual learning and strong execution.
What You'll Do:
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, align, integrate, and test state-of-the-art optical systems for science, defense, intelligence, and commercial customers.
  • Work hands-on with optical hardware, performing analytical work, and driving technology development.
  • Procure and validate cutting-edge optical components to support system development.
  • Lead or participate in optical sub-system development, integration, and alignment, working closely with engineers from various disciplines.
  • Participate in design reviews, presenting findings, and providing input to ensure successful project outcomes.
  • Contribute to proposal development, responding to RFIs, and authoring white papers to support advanced program development.
  • Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
  • Perform other duties as necessary.
On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site three or more days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required.
Working Conditions:
  • Work is performed in an office, laboratory, production floor, or cleanroom, outdoors or remote research environment.
  • May occasionally work in production work centers where use of protective equipment and gear is required.
  • May access other facilities in various weather conditions.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills
  • BS degree in Engineering or a related technical field, plus 6 or more years of related experience.
  • Each higher-level degree, i.e., Master's Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
  • 3 years or more of experience working with optical hardware for space-based or airborne instruments in an industrial setting.
  • Solid knowledge and proven experience in optical design, including UV through IR reflective and refractive designs.
  • Knowledge of optical fabrication technology to support procurement of optics from 3 mm to meter class.
  • Solid knowledge and proven experience in optical performance analysis (tolerancing, STOP, etc).
  • Excellent communication skills, as well as interpersonal skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.
  • Experience with Matlab and optical design/analysis tools.
  • Ability to work at all Colorado campuses (Boulder, Broomfield and Westminster) for extended periods of time.
#LI-GJ1
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
  • A Master's degree or PhD in Optical Engineering or a related technical field.
  • Proven experience with optical alignment and test.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $118095 - $200762
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.
Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

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About BAE Systems

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At BAE Systems, we provide some of the world's most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions. We employ a skilled workforce of more than 93,000 in around 40 countries. Working with customers and local partners, we develop, engineer, manufacture, and support products and systems to deliver military capability, protect national security and people, and keep critical information and infrastructure secure.

Industry

National security and international affairs and it services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

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