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Full Time Principal Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BAE Systems

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Merrimack, NH · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

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

Monarch Quantum

Optical Engineer Level 5

San Diego, CA · On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Senior Principal Optical Engineer. As we scale, you ... As a full-time employee, you will be eligible for Monarch's comprehensive benefits package, which ...

nLIGHT

Optical Engineer

Camas, WA

$90K - $110K/yr

Summary We are seeking a hands-on Optical Engineer with experience supporting complex opto ... Right to Work Poster Employment Type: Full-Time Regular

Astrion

Optical Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$152K - $196K/yr

Mountain View, CA JOB STATUS: Full-time CERTIFICATION: N/A TRAVEL: Limited; as needed US Citizen ONLY Astrion is seeking an Optical Engineer, with either an active TS-SCI clearance or eligibility to ...

Applied Physics

Senior Electro-Optical Engineer

New York, NY

$117K - $153K/yr

Lead a small optical engineering team as the Certified Principal Engineer (CPE) for the build and test of prototype or high TRL optical sensor hardware * Perform optical analysis to determine ability ...

The Aerospace Corporation

Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility at El Segundo, CA ... Bachelor's degree Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, or another related technical ...

Applied Physics

Senior Electro-Optical Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$117K - $153K/yr

Lead a small optical engineering team as the Certified Principal Engineer (CPE) for the build and test of prototype or high TRL optical sensor hardware * Perform optical analysis to determine ability ...

Applied Physics

Senior Electro-Optical Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$117K - $153K/yr

Lead a small optical engineering team as the Certified Principal Engineer (CPE) for the build and test of prototype or high TRL optical sensor hardware * Perform optical analysis to determine ability ...

The Aerospace Corporation

Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site +1

$137K - $177K/yr

The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility at El Segundo, CA ... Bachelor's degree Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, or another related technical ...

HEICO

Optical Engineer

Sarasota, FL · On-site

$119K - $155K/yr

We are looking for an Optical Engineer to join our Engineering team ... This position is full-time, Monday - Thursday, on-site. This is not a remote or hybrid position.

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All JobsFull Time Principal Optical Engineer Jobs

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 Jun 9, 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
Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

BAE Systems

Merrimack, NH • On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

BAE Systems rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 143 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

Job Description
BAE Systems is currently looking for a talented Senior Principal Optical Engineer II to join our EO/IR Capability Group. This group comprises a team of expert Optical, Electro-Optical, Opto-mechanical and Laser specialists dedicated to developing innovative hardware solutions that drive the success of our program portfolio.
The Senior Optical Design Engineer will develop and mature advanced EO/IR system concepts. Work will support development of next-generation Precision Pointers, Laser Systems, Imaging Systems, and other complex EO/IR systems.
This will include the design, analysis, and measurement of optical subsystems. Responsibilities include the design and analysis of optical subsystems, and the testing and validation of prototype assemblies. The work environment is fast-paced and presents many technical challenges as well as significant growth opportunities. Successful technical contributors will be comfortable working in multi-disciplinary teams, present current program work to customers as well as contribute to proposals for new projects.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities Include:
  • Design and develop optical system architectures and specifications for EO/IR Technology.
  • Predict and Perform performance analysis and design verification.
  • Perform system modeling and system data analysis to understand the overall performance of the optical system.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively
  • Contribute to program success

Hybrid: Onsite 3 days per week
About BAE Systems Electronic Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference. Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems' game-changing defense and commercial electronics. Exploiting every electron, we push the limits of what is possible, giving our customers the edge and our employees opportunities to change the world. Our products and capabilities can be found everywhere - from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space. At our core are more than 14,000 highly talented Electronic Systems employees with the brightest minds in the industry, we make an impact - for our customers and the communities we serve.
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.
Required Skills and Education
  • BS degree in Optical Engineering or a related technical field
  • Experience in designing complex optical subassemblies and systems
  • Experience in optical system level performance modeling
  • Broad understanding of EO/IR Systems

Preferred Skills and Education
  • Ability to obtain a Secret Clearance

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