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Full Time Optical Research Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IonQ

Senior Optical Research Engineer

Bothell, WA · On-site +1

$114K - $150K/yr

As an Senior Optical Research Engineer, you'll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its journey to build the world's best quantum computers to solve the world's most ...

IonQ

Senior Optical Research Engineer

Bothell, WA · On-site

$114K - $150K/yr

As an Senior Optical Research Engineer, you'll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its journey to build the world's best quantum computers to solve the world's most ...

Quantinuum

Optical R&D Manager - 818

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$180K - $225K/yr

We are seeking an Optical R&D Manager in our Broomfield, CO Location. All applicants for placement ... Personnel Manager for a team of engineers and scientists whose charter is to conceptualize and ...

Caltech

Research Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

As a Research Engineer in the LIGO Laboratory, you will have the opportunity to apply your skills ... Support the development, characterization and deployment of LIGO core optics components, such as ...

SSAB

Research Engineer

Montpelier, IA · On-site

Experience in using lab equipment such as polishing machine, optical microscope and SEM/EDS ... Position is full time, exempt * Position works an eight (8) hour day shift, Monday through Friday ...

Ford Motor Company

Research Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$115K - $165K/yr

Contribute by using optical, spectroscopic, and electrochemical methods to interrogate materials ... Master's degree in materials science, engineering, physics, or related fields * 3 years of ...

SSAB

Research Engineer

Montpelier, IA · On-site

Perform inclusion analyses using optical microscope and SEM/EDS to help develop optimal practices ... Position is full time, exempt * Position works an eight (8) hour day shift, Monday through Friday

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Full Time Optical Research Engineer information

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How much do full time optical research engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time optical research engineer in the United States is $143,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Full Time Optical Research Engineer vs Optical Systems Engineer?

AspectFull Time Optical Research EngineerOptical Systems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, academic institutionsDesign, develop, and test optical systems in industry settings
Industry UsagePrimarily in research-focused roles, innovation projectsProduct development, system integration, manufacturing

Full Time Optical Research Engineers focus on advancing optical technologies through research and experimentation, often working in labs or academic settings. Optical Systems Engineers apply optical principles to develop practical systems and products in industry. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in their primary focus and work environment.

What cities are hiring for Full Time Optical Research Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Full Time Optical Research Engineer job openings:

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

The most popular types of Optical Research Engineer jobs are:

Full Time Optical Research Engineer jobs near you

Senior Optical Research Engineer

IonQ

Bothell, WA • On-site, Remote

$114K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Location: This role is based at our Bothell, WA office, with the option to work a few days a week remotely.
Travel: Up to 25%, domestic
Job ID: 1608

The Role: 

We are looking for a Senior Optical Research Engineer to join our Quantum Networking Group. As an Senior Optical Research Engineer, you'll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its journey to build the world's best quantum computers to solve the world's most complex problems. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, performing, and analyzing quantum networking experiments to help inform the development of new and novel quantum networking applications. The ideal candidate is well versed in both the theory and experimental aspects of quantum networking, and is comfortable leading projects from first principles to experimental validation.

Responsibilities:

  • Design, simulate and test new and novel quantum networking applications.
  • Implement automated quantum tomography protocols to characterize the fidelity of networked quantum states.
  • Collaborate with the systems engineering team to translate quantum networking protocols and interconnects from the R&D stage to product.
  • Execute rigorous experimental validation of quantum networking protocols, including quantum communication, transduction and linking of different qubit modalities.
  • Derive system level requirements from experimental results, communicate and work with product and engineering teams to realize performance in real world systems.
  • Develop quantum networking metrologies, including overall network performance as well as individual optical components.

Requirements:

  •  5+ years of professional experience in Optical Engineering, Photonics, or Applied Physics with a focus on precision optical systems.
  • Master's degree in Optical Sciences, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
  • Proficiency in data analysis (e.g., Python) and instrument control (e.g., LabView, Simulink).
  • Hands-on experience with ultra-stable interferometry, fiber optics, and precision alignment of free-space optical systems.
  • Willingness to lead and own complex quantum networking projects from start to finish, starting with initial concept design up to handing off to engineering/product teams.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex electro-optical systems in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong theoretical background in quantum optics and quantum information.

Preferred Qualifications:

  •  Ph.D. in Physics or Optical Engineering with a thesis focused on Quantum Optics or Quantum Information Science.
  • Proficiency in optical design software (e.g., Zemax, Code V, or Lumerical).
  • Experience with quantum transduction or frequency conversion.
  • Familiarity with FPGA-based time-tagging and coincidence counting electronics.
  • Knowledge of laser frequency stabilization techniques and non-linear optics (e.g., SPDC, frequency conversion).
  • PIC experience

The approximate base salary range for this position is $114,750 - $150,237. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity, and a range of benefit options found on our career site.

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