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Full Time Optical Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Scale test infrastructure and methodologies from engineering samples to high-volume manufacturing ... MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optics, Physics, Semiconductor Engineering, or related field ...

Optical Metrology Engineer

Rochester, NY · On-site

$127K - $164K/yr

Develop, optimize, and document optical test procedures for production and engineering environments. * Analyze interferometric data, wavefront measurements, and MTF results to identify optical ...

Optical Test Specialist

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

You will work closely with engineering to improve overall test processes across the company ... In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives ...

Camera & Optical Engineer

Richardson, TX · On-site

$116K - $151K/yr

Position: Camera & Optical Engineer Location: Richardson, TX Type: Full-time | On-site ... test equipment • Document design processes, testing protocols, and technical findings for ...

Optical Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Your Job We are seeking an experienced Optical Engineer to support Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) test ... The role will own test concept development, test-fixture and setup design, test execution, data ...

Optical Engineer

Southfield, MI · On-site

$118K - $153K/yr

The role may be assigned primarily to Optical Development, Optical Test and Characterization, or a combination of both, based on program and organizational needs. The engineer works independently on ...

Senior Fiber Optics Test Engineer

Hickory, NC · On-site

$93K - $128K/yr

Lead optical and mechanical testing programs for new product development and qualification ... test equipment, or environmental chambers * Experience mentoring junior engineers or technical ...

Showing results 41-60

Full Time Optical Test Engineer information

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$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

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

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time optical test 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 does a full time optical test engineer do?

A Full Time Optical Test Engineer is responsible for designing, conducting, and analyzing tests on optical components and systems, such as lenses, lasers, and fiber optics. They ensure that products meet specific quality and performance standards by using specialized equipment and software to measure parameters like light transmission, wavelength, and optical alignment. Additionally, these engineers troubleshoot issues, document test results, and collaborate with other engineering teams to improve product designs. Their work is crucial in industries like telecommunications, manufacturing, and medical devices where precision optics are essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time optical test engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full Time Optical Test Engineer, you need a solid background in optical engineering, physics, or a related field, with experience in optical testing and analysis. Familiarity with optical test equipment (such as interferometers and spectrometers), data analysis software (like MATLAB or LabVIEW), and relevant industry standards is crucial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and address complex testing issues. These competencies ensure accurate testing, reliable product performance, and successful project outcomes in high-precision optical environments.

What are some common challenges faced by full time optical test engineers, and how can they be addressed in the workplace?

Full Time Optical Test Engineers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex optical systems, maintaining precise calibration of test equipment, and adapting to rapidly evolving technologies. These challenges can be addressed by staying current with industry advancements, participating in regular technical training, and collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams, including design and manufacturing engineers. Effective documentation and a methodical approach to problem-solving also help ensure accuracy and efficiency in testing processes.

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

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

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

The most popular types of Optical Test Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Full Time Optical Test Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Full Time Optical Test Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Full Time Optical Test Engineer jobs?

For Full Time Optical Test Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Full Time Optical Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.

Senior Director of Optical Test

San Jose, CA • On-site

Astera Labs
Semiconductor and Electronic Component Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees

$260K - $295K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Astera Labs (NASDAQ: ALAB) provides rack-scale AI infrastructure through purpose-built connectivity solutions. By collaborating with hyperscalers and ecosystem partners, Astera Labs enables organizations to unlock the full potential of modern AI. Astera Labs' Intelligent Connectivity Platform integrates CXL®, Ethernet, NVLink, PCIe®, and UALink™ semiconductor-based technologies with the company's COSMOS software suite to unify diverse components into cohesive, flexible systems that deliver end-to-end scale-up, and scale-out connectivity. The company's custom connectivity solutions business complements its standards-based portfolio, enabling customers to deploy tailored architectures to meet their unique infrastructure requirements. Discover more at www.asteralabs.com.
Job Summary
We are seeking a visionary and execution-focused Senior Director of Optical Test to lead end-to-end optical test strategy, development, and high-volume manufacturing readiness across our photonics product portfolio. This role will define and drive a comprehensive test roadmap spanning silicon photonics, optical engines, and optical modules, ensuring best-in-class performance, scalability, and cost efficiency.
The ideal candidate combines deep expertise in photonics and semiconductor test with proven leadership in scaling products from R&D to high-volume production while driving yield, quality, and cost optimization.
Key Responsibilities
  • Define and execute a comprehensive end-to-end optical test roadmap, including Silicon photonics wafer probe testing, Photonics package test, Optical engine characterization, Optical module production test and Reliability testing.
  • Own and lead overall test strategy, balancing test coverage, tester throughput, test cost, capital expenditure planning and product quality.
  • Build, lead, and scale a high-performing global organization with full ownership of end-to-end test platforms.
  • Drive manufacturing readiness, including ownership of factory yield KPIs, production test bring up and volume ramp execution.
  • Architect and deploy high-volume automated test equipment (ATE) for optical and photonics products.
  • Develop and implement yield-learning frameworks to accelerate defect detection, root cause analysis, and yield improvement.
  • Lead initiatives to reduce cost of test through automation, architecture optimization, and test time reduction.
  • Scale test infrastructure and methodologies from engineering samples to high-volume manufacturing.
  • Partner across cross-functional organizations including photonics design, packaging, validation, operations and quality & reliability to plan and execute production testing.
  • Collaborate with foundries, OSATs, and global manufacturing operations to ensure robust test deployment and execution.
  • Drive continuous improvement in yield, test coverage, test time and production efficiency.
  • Provide technical leadership in design reviews, DfT strategy, and product qualification

Qualifications & Requirements
  • MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optics, Physics, Semiconductor Engineering, or related field
  • 15+ years of experience in semiconductor and/or photonics test engineering. 10+ years of experience leading complex test development programs and engineering organizations
  • Strong experience with silicon photonics production testing, optical module test, and high-speed optical systems.
  • Hands-on experience testing 100G / 200G / 400G PAM4 optical modules and optical engine sub-assemblies.
  • Demonstrated expertise in developing production-scale photonics test systems. Experience building and deploying high-volume ATE platforms.
  • Deep understanding of yield engineering, statistical process control (SPC), reliability qualification and design-for-test (DFT) principles.
  • Experience working with foundries, OSATs, and global manufacturing ecosystems.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with silicon photonics or co-packaged optics (CPO) testing.
  • Expertise in test automation, data infrastructure, and analytics-driven yield optimization.
  • Familiarity with industry standards (e.g., Telcordia, IEC).

Base salary range is $260,000 to $295,000 depending on experience, level, and business need. This role may be eligible for discretionary bonus, incentives and benefits.
We know that creativity and innovation happen more often when teams include diverse ideas, backgrounds, and experiences, and we actively encourage everyone with relevant experience to apply, including people of color, LGBTQ+ and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities.