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Full Time Optical Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nokia

Staff Optical Test Development Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

We are looking for a staff optical engineer to develop optical test solutions for our optical products. You will be empowered to make decisions and implement your creative ideas to advance Nokia ...

Nokia

Staff Optical Test Development Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$105K - $195K/yr

We are looking for a staff optical engineer to develop optical test solutions for our optical products. You will be empowered to make decisions and implement your creative ideas to advance Nokia ...

Leidos

Optical Test Lead

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$116K - $210K/yr

Leidos' Defense Systems / Manufacturing is seeking a talented Optical Test Lead to join our Space ... Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, program management, and customer teams to meet ...

New

Nokia

Optical Test Co-op

San Jose, CA · Hybrid

... engineering, Telecommunication, Physics or a related field with an accredited school in US. What ... optical modules. * Test Plan Development & Execution: How to develop, implement, and execute ...

Leidos

Optical Test Lead

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$116K - $210K/yr

Leidos' Defense Systems / Manufacturing is seeking a talented Optical Test Lead to join our Space ... Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, program management, and customer teams to meet ...

New

Amphenol TCS

Electrical Test Engineer

Yocumtown, PA · On-site

Global ownership of high-speed test, including, bit error rate test (BERT), optical test ... Responsible for engineering verification test (EVT) and design verification test (DVT) planning ...

CivicMinds, Inc.

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 ...

Nokia

Optical Test Co-op

San Jose, CA · On-site

$20.10 - $70.40/hr

Proficiency in programming or scripting languages such as Python, Matlab, or VB. * Familiarity with ... and optical test equipment. * Basic understanding of fiber optical communication systems and ...

TRL11, Inc.

Lead Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$139K - $179K/yr

Design and implement optical test setups including alignment tools, calibration methods, and ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics/Electrical Engineering or a related ...

TRL11, Inc.

Lead Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$139K - $179K/yr

Design and implement optical test setups including alignment tools, calibration methods, and ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics/Electrical Engineering or a related ...

TRL11, Inc.

Lead Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA

$138K - $179K/yr

Design and implement optical test setups including alignment tools, calibration methods, and ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics/Electrical Engineering or a related ...

IonQ

Senior Photonics Test Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

Familiarity with free-space optics and imaging systems. * Hands-on experience with cryogenic optical test setups. * Experience working with laser sources and fiber components. * Strong programming ...

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All JobsFull Time Optical Test Engineer Jobs

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 Jun 20, 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.

Are test engineers in demand?

Test engineers, including optical test engineers, are in demand due to the growing need for quality assurance in technology and manufacturing sectors. Skills in optical testing, automation tools, and industry standards increase employability, especially in companies developing advanced optical and electronic systems.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior optical test engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in optical systems, and advanced certifications can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in high-demand industries like telecommunications and aerospace. Such roles often require expertise in optical testing, troubleshooting, and the use of specialized equipment, along with leadership responsibilities and sometimes managerial duties.

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most optical test engineers earn between $70,000 and $130,000 annually, highly specialized or senior-level engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership roles in high-demand industries can potentially earn $500,000 or more per year. Such compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, especially in large tech or telecommunications companies.

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.

Are optical engineers in high demand?

Optical engineers, including full-time optical test engineers, are in high demand due to the growth of industries such as telecommunications, aerospace, and medical devices that rely on optical technologies. Their expertise in optical systems, testing, and measurement tools like interferometers and spectrometers makes them valuable in research and development roles, with job prospects expected to remain strong as optical innovations continue to expand.

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.
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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:
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Full Time Optical Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Optical Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 3% Full Time, and 96% Part Time. 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 Optical Engineer

Senior Optical Engineer

Foxconn Industrial Internet

San Jose, CA • On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 hours ago

Job description

We are seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to join our Optical NPI team to support the development and scaling of next-generation optical switch products from New Product Introduction (NPI) through high-volume manufacturing. This role focuses on the optical subsystem architecture, performance margins, tolerances, contamination sensitivity, and system stability, and will drive validation, characterization, and production readiness from prototypes through product maturity.
This is a highly cross-functional role working closely with NPI, test engineering, manufacturing teams, and customers to ensure robust optical performance and scalable production solutions.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead deep-dive investigations of complex optical path issues, identifying root causes and driving improvements across design, test, fixtures, and manufacturing processes through structured experiments and DOE methodologies.
  • Partner with NPI and Test Engineering teams to develop manufacturable optical measurement strategies, including selection and integration of optical test equipment for product development and production environments.
  • Collaborate with customers and internal teams to define and implement optical inspection and cleaning processes to improve yield, reduce retest rates, and maintain optical performance standards.
  • Support Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) for automated optical inspection and cleaning systems by defining acceptance criteria, conducting qualification and correlation studies, and closing readiness gaps prior to production release.
  • Qualify optical test equipment and stations through measurement system analysis, including Cg/Cgk, GR&R, and station-to-station correlation studies.
  • Analyze production and test data to identify performance gaps and implement corrective actions prior to mass production.
  • Document technical findings, validation results, and process improvements to support design and manufacturing readiness.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
  • 5+ years of experience in optical engineering, optical testing, or optical manufacturing/NPI supporting complex hardware systems in laboratory or production environments.
  • Proven experience troubleshooting optical path issues, including fiber connectors, end-face quality, contamination control, and optical signal integrity.
  • Hands-on experience implementing optical measurement systems, including automation, calibration, data logging, and traceability.
  • Experience defining and validating optical inspection and cleaning processes in collaboration with cross-functional or customer teams.
  • Strong experimental and analytical skills with experience conducting structured experiments (DOE) and applying data-driven decision making.
  • Ability to produce clear technical documentation and communicate findings to engineering and manufacturing teams.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with optical switching products or high-speed networking optics, including fiber-based interconnects, optical modules, or optical assemblies.
  • Familiarity with high-speed optical link testing and performance metrics such as BER, eye diagrams, jitter margin, and signal integrity analysis.
  • Experience supporting equipment qualification and production readiness, including SAT planning and execution.
  • Working knowledge of measurement system capability analysis including Cg/Cgk, GR&R, and correlation studies.
  • Experience working with mechanical designs and interpreting 2D/3D CAD drawings.

Salary Range: $140,000 - $180,000 per year
Work Location: San Jose, CA (onsite)
Foxconn Industrial Internet is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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