ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Head Display Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Folio Photonics

$95K - $123K/yr

Head of Optical Engineering COMPANY DESCRIPTION Folio Photonics is a dynamic startup company focused on developing a multi-terabyte multilayer fluorescent optical disc with a decades-long shelf life ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$130K - $168K/yr

Select appropriate components including, sensors, displays, optical stabilization systems, and ... Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or closely related field * 10+ years of experience in ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$130K - $168K/yr

Select appropriate components including, sensors, displays, optical stabilization systems, and ... Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or closely related field * 10+ years of experience in ...

QinetiQ

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$164K - $213K/yr

Select appropriate components including, sensors, displays, optical stabilization systems, and ... Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or closely related field * 10+ years of experience in ...

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, ... Perform photometric evaluation/tests on various aerospace/military displays, controls and lighting ...

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, ... Perform photometric evaluation/tests on various aerospace/military displays, controls and lighting ...

Folio Photonics

Optical Engineer - Longmont

Longmont, CO · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

Head of Optical Engineering COMPANY DESCRIPTION Folio Photonics is a dynamic startup company focused on developing a multi-terabyte multilayer fluorescent optical disc with a decades-long shelf life ...

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, ... Perform photometric evaluation/tests on various aerospace/military displays, controls and lighting ...

Luminit

Optical Engineer, Holography Lab

Torrance, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Role Overview Luminit is seeking an early-career Optical Engineer to support hands-on holographic recording and optical-bench work across our aerospace, automotive, and display programs. Working ...

The Aerospace Corporation

Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site +1

$137K - $177K/yr

... optical head, adaptive optic system, and modem. * Conducting specialized satellite laser ... Bachelor's degree Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, or another related technical ...

TekGarden

Optical Engineer

Fletcher, NC · On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

\n \n \n \n Optical Design Engineer \n \n We are seeking an Optical Design Engineer to join a well\-respected team of engineers in building innovative technology for emergency vehicles - helping first ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

Experience in specifying displays, especially near-eye displays for systems such as sights ... Experience mentoring junior optical engineers * Experience with hyperspectral systems * Strong ...

The Aerospace Corporation

Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

... optical head, adaptive optic system, and modem. * Conducting specialized satellite laser ... Bachelor's degree Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, or another related technical ...

Magna

Optical Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI

$122K - $158K/yr

s may display in multiple languagesbased on your language selection. What we offer: At Magna, you ... JOB SUMMARY The Optics Engineer is responsible for the design, development, characterization ...

Magna-International-6df39721

Optical Engineer

Southfield, MI · On-site

$118K - $153K/yr

s may display in multiple languages based on your language selection.What we offer:At Magna, you ... JOB SUMMARYThe Optics Engineer is responsible for the design, development, characterization ...

Magna

Optical Engineer

Southfield, MI · On-site

$118K - $153K/yr

s may display in multiple languages based on your language selection. What we offer: At Magna, you ... JOB SUMMARY The Optics Engineer is responsible for the design, development, characterization ...

Magna

Optical Engineer

Southfield, MI

$118K - $153K/yr

s may display in multiple languagesbased on your language selection. What we offer: At Magna, you ... JOB SUMMARY The Optics Engineer is responsible for the design, development, characterization ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

Select appropriate components including, sensors, displays, optical stabilization systems, and ... Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or closely related field * 10+ years of experience in ...

Orbotech

Senior Optical Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$150K - $194K/yr

... panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with ... Masters or PhD in Optical engineering (preferred) or Physics * Three to five years of professional ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsHealthcare JobsOptical JobsOptical Manufacturing Technician JobsHead Display Optical Engineer Jobs

Head Display Optical Engineer information

See salary details

$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do head display optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for head display optical 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 Head Display Optical Engineer do?

A Head Display Optical Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing the optical systems used in head-mounted displays, such as those found in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) devices. They work on components like lenses, waveguides, and light sources to ensure high image quality, minimal distortion, and user comfort. Their role often involves prototyping, testing, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to bring advanced display technologies from concept to production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Head Display Optical Engineer?

To thrive as a Head Display Optical Engineer, you need a strong background in optical engineering, physics, and display technologies, typically supported by a relevant degree and experience with optical system design. Proficiency with optical simulation tools like Zemax or LightTools, as well as familiarity with CAD software and prototyping equipment, is commonly required. Exceptional problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective cross-disciplinary communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are essential for developing innovative, high-performance display systems that meet rigorous industry standards and user needs.

What are some common challenges faced by a Head Display Optical Engineer when leading cross-functional teams in display technology projects?

A Head Display Optical Engineer often encounters challenges such as aligning the optical design requirements with electrical, mechanical, and software constraints. Coordinating between diverse teams—like hardware engineers, product designers, and manufacturing specialists—requires clear communication to ensure that optical performance goals are met without compromising on manufacturability or user experience. Additionally, staying ahead of rapid technological advancements and managing project timelines can be demanding. Successfully navigating these challenges calls for strong leadership, adaptability, and a collaborative mindset.

What is the difference between Head Display Optical Engineer vs Head Display Optical Engineer?

AspectHead Display Optical Engineer

Since the comparison is with the same job title, there is no difference between Head Display Optical Engineer and Head Display Optical Engineer. Both roles typically involve designing and developing optical systems for head-mounted displays, requiring similar skills, certifications, and work environments. They are used interchangeably in the industry, and professionals in this field often search for or compare these terms to understand job requirements or opportunities.

What are popular job titles related to Head Display Optical Engineer jobs?

For Head Display Optical Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Head Display Optical Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.

Optical Engineer - Solon

On-site

Folio Photonics
Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Folio Photonicsexternal

$95K - $123K/yr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Location: Solon, Ohio

Optical Engineer I

Location: Folio Photonics; Solon, OH — on-siteJob Type: Full timeReports to: Head of Optical Engineering

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Folio Photonics is a dynamic startup company focused on developing a multi-terabyte multilayer fluorescent optical disc with a decades-long shelf life, a small environmental footprint, and low total cost of ownership. This technology represents a significant and much-needed breakthrough for the archival and nearline data storage industry. Our engineering team possesses the diverse range of skills needed to bring the optical media, the optical pickup, and the optical disc drive to market — chemistry, physics, materials and polymer science, and optical, mechanical, computer, electronic, firmware, and software engineering. Our team is composed of talented individuals who thrive in a high-tech, interdisciplinary environment.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Optical Engineer I supports development of the optical pickup unit (OPU) that reads and writes data to our multilayer optical discs, and of the media that the OPU has to address. You will be given well-defined analysis, modeling, and laboratory tasks, and your work will be reviewed as you build depth. Within your first year, we expect you to be independently owning component-level analyses and measurements. You will have impactful scope and influence to a real product development program.

JOB DUTIES
  • Build, run, and extend optical models in Zemax and MATLAB or Python to support OPU and media development
  • Interpret laboratory and spinstand measurement data; produce reports that inform engineering decisions
  • Set up, align, and operate optical test benches; take systematic, reproducible, well-logged data
  • Support component characterization and incoming inspection of lenses, coatings, sources, and detectors
  • Run optical tolerance and sensitivity analyses
  • Support optical, opto-mechanical, and system-level integration and test activities
  • Document work in written test reports and analysis memos, present results to the engineering teams and uplevel to leadership
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
  • BS, MS, Ph.D., in Optical Engineering, Optical Sciences, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field; 0–2 years of professional experience
  • Solid command of geometrical and physical optics: aberrations, diffraction, NA and depth of focus, interference, and polarization. You can work these problems, not just define them.
  • Experience with optical design software (Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, or equivalent): you can build a sequential model from a prescription and run standard analyses
  • Proficiency in MATLAB or Python for modeling and data reduction
  • Demonstrated hands-on optical laboratory experience at the bench: aligning multi-element optical paths, working with lasers, lenses, mirrors, coatings, detectors, and opto-mechanical mounts
  • Familiarity with optical instrumentation — some subset of interferometers, wavefront sensors, beam profilers, spectrometers, autocollimators, alignment telescopes, microscopes, and power meters
  • AI-augmented engineering practice. Fluent use of AI assistants and coding copilots as everyday working tools — code generation and debugging, data reduction, literature and patent search, and technical drafting. Equally important: you can critically evaluate AI output, recognize when it is confidently wrong, and validate it against analytic limits, known results, or measurement before it leaves your hands.
  • Sound judgment about confidentiality is required — Folio’s optical designs, supplier specifications, and media formulations are proprietary
  • Clear technical writing, and the professional honesty to report a result you do not like
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Thin-film interference and transfer-matrix modeling of multilayer stacks
  • Statistical methods applied to engineering problems: Monte Carlo, design of experiments, measurement uncertainty
  • Experience with tolerance analysis in Zemax or Code V
  • Experience with wave-based optics modeling techniques - RCWA, FDTD
#J-18808-Ljbffr

Apply