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Full Time Principal Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Principal Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$175K - $195K/yr

To manufacture these products, Systems Irvine is seeking individuals like you to join our team as Principal Optical Engineer. In this position, you will provide technical leadership in the design and ...

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Principal Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$175K - $195K/yr

To manufacture these products, Systems Irvine is seeking individuals like you to join our team as Principal Optical Engineer. In this position, you will provide technical leadership in the design and ...

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

Raytheon

Principal Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$137K - $177K/yr

Raytheon in El Segundo, CA seeks an Optical Engineer willing to apply their interest, training, and knowledge to optical design, analysis, assembly, integration, and test. Our Space Optics Department ...

Coherent

Senior Principal Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · Hybrid

$148K - $204K/yr

D in Optics, Optical Engineering, Opto-mechanical instrumentation. Advanced education qualifications would be a plus. Candidates with suitable hands-on experience with a BS degree will be considered ...

BAE Systems

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Austin, TX · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

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

Astera Labs

Optical Test Engineer, Principal

San Jose, CA · On-site

$185K - $240K/yr

We are seeking a world-class Senior Staff to Principal Optical Test Engineer to lead the development and execution of advanced test strategies for Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) solutions. This senior role ...

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Full Time Principal Optical Engineer information

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

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

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time 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 Full Time Principal Optical Engineer vs Optical Engineer?

AspectFull Time Principal Optical EngineerOptical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's/PhD in Optical Engineering or related field; extensive experienceBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch and development, product design, leadership roles in industryDesign, testing, and development tasks within engineering teams
Industry UsageUsed in advanced R&D, product innovation, and technical leadershipCommon in manufacturing, testing, and application development

The main difference is that a Full Time Principal Optical Engineer typically holds a senior, leadership role with extensive experience and responsibilities in R&D and product development, whereas an Optical Engineer focuses on design, testing, and implementation tasks within engineering teams. The principal role involves strategic oversight and innovation, while the optical engineer executes technical tasks.

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

Cities with the most Full Time 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 Full Time Principal Optical Engineer jobs?

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

Full Time Principal Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Principal Optical Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Principal Optical Engineer

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Irvine, CA • On-site

$175K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

A Day in Your Life at MKS:
MKS Systems Irvine is growing very rapidly with significant strategic investments in the development and fabrication of cutting-edge, high precision optics, opto-mechanical assemblies, fiber optic module assemblies, and systems. To manufacture these products, Systems Irvine is seeking individuals like you to join our team as Principal Optical Engineer.
In this position, you will provide technical leadership in the design and development of complex optical systems by coordinating cross-functional development activities. If you have a passion for working with cutting-edge technology, this is the role for you!
You Will Make an Impact By:
  • Architect and design complex optical paths and hybrid systems. Utilize industry-standard modeling software to simulate beam propagation in both free-space and fiber-optic configurations.
  • Define and select active and passive optical components, including laser diodes, AOMs, WDMs, isolators, etc. Manage integration of these components with mechanical and electronic control systems.
  • Lead and work the physical realization of designs on the optical bench. Build, align, and test optical components and systems, including precision alignment and fiber splicing, to verify performance and quality.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams and interact with suppliers to transition prototypes into scalable, manufacturable products.

Skills You Bring:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, or equivalent; graduate coursework preferred.
  • 8+ years of related industry experience in optical product design and development
  • Strong foundation in optics and photonics, including beam propagation, fiber-optic principles, and laser fundamentals, with proficiency in optical design and analysis using Zemax or equivalent tools.
  • Skill in functional demonstration and prototyping, including rapid optical setup, iterative design refinement, troubleshooting, and validation.
  • Hands-on experience with optical alignment, optical metrology, and common test instruments (beam profilers, OSAs, power meters, interferometers).
  • Familiarity with systems integration and working knowledge of mechanical tolerances, opto-mechanical hardware, and electronic control interfaces.
  • Effective communication skills for working cross-functionally and documenting technical work.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
  • Office and laboratory work is required, with regular work in a cleanroom environment. Wearing of Personal Protective Equipment as well as cleanroom garb is required
  • Must be able to lift, move, or position equipment up to 35 pounds while working in a laboratory environment
  • Noise level in the laboratory environment can temporarily be elevated, but does not typically require PPE
  • Travel Requirements: Up to 5-15% Travel is required, including international travel

We are interested in a qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we will not be sponsoring work visas for this position, at this time.
Compensation and Benefits:
Salary Pay Range: $175,000 - $195,000 per year. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law. At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role.
Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable].
Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.].
MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details.
MKS will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act and the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers.
#LI-EK1
Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. persons." "U.S. persons" are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.
MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries ("MKS") is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.
MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: accommodationsatMKS@mksinst.com .
If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role

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