Santa Monica, CA · On-site
$170K - $215K/yr
Principal Optical Engineer Location: On-site (Santa Monica, CA) Compensation: $170,000 - $215,000 base + competitive equity Type: Full-time About the Role A cutting‑edge technology startup in the ...
Santa Monica, CA · On-site
$170K - $215K/yr
Principal Optical Engineer Location: On-site (Santa Monica, CA) Compensation: $170,000 - $215,000 base + competitive equity Type: Full-time About the Role A cutting‑edge technology startup in the ...
Cambridge, MA · On-site
$95K - $245K/yr
We are seeking an innovative and driven Principal Optical Engineer (PMTS) to lead the charge in ... based on optic, photonic and laser technologies. • Interacts with device, hardware and software ...
Cambridge, MA · On-site
$95K - $245K/yr
We are seeking an innovative and driven Principal Optical Engineer (PMTS) to lead the charge in ... based on optic, photonic and laser technologies. • Interacts with device, hardware and software ...
Lorton, VA · On-site
$164K - $213K/yr
Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro-optic/ infrared (EOIR) imaging sensor optical design, laboratory optical characterization, and ...
Lorton, VA · On-site
$164K - $213K/yr
Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro-optic/ infrared (EOIR) imaging sensor optical design, laboratory optical characterization, and ...
Lorton, VA · On-site
$100 - $135/hr
Position Overview QinetiQ US is seeking an experienced Principal Optical Engineer with strong laboratory and prototype integration experience to support system integration on multiple defense ...
Lorton, VA · On-site
$100 - $135/hr
Position Overview QinetiQ US is seeking an experienced Principal Optical Engineer with strong laboratory and prototype integration experience to support system integration on multiple defense ...
Lorton, VA · On-site
$164K - $213K/yr
Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro-optic/ infrared (EOIR) imaging sensor optical design, laboratory optical characterization, and ...
Lorton, VA · On-site
$164K - $213K/yr
Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro-optic/ infrared (EOIR) imaging sensor optical design, laboratory optical characterization, and ...
$130K - $168K/yr
Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro-optic/ infrared (EOIR) imaging sensor optical design, laboratory optical characterization, and ...
$130K - $168K/yr
Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro-optic/ infrared (EOIR) imaging sensor optical design, laboratory optical characterization, and ...
Chandler, AZ · On-site
$127K - $164K/yr
Medical
Life
PTO
Northrop Grumman Space Systems is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer to support the Electro-Optics Group within the Launch Vehicles business unit in Chandler, Arizona. You will work as part of ...
Chandler, AZ · On-site
$127K - $164K/yr
Medical
Life
PTO
Northrop Grumman Space Systems is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer to support the Electro-Optics Group within the Launch Vehicles business unit in Chandler, Arizona. You will work as part of ...
$130K - $168K/yr
Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro-optic/ infrared (EOIR) imaging sensor optical design, laboratory optical characterization, and ...
$130K - $168K/yr
Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro-optic/ infrared (EOIR) imaging sensor optical design, laboratory optical characterization, and ...
$164K - $213K/yr
Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro-optic/ infrared (EOIR) imaging sensor optical design, laboratory optical characterization, and ...
$164K - $213K/yr
Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro-optic/ infrared (EOIR) imaging sensor optical design, laboratory optical characterization, and ...
Irvine, CA · On-site
$175K - $195K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
... as Principal Optical Engineer. In this position, you will provide technical leadership in the ... This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide ...
Irvine, CA · On-site
$175K - $195K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
... as Principal Optical Engineer. In this position, you will provide technical leadership in the ... This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide ...
Irvine, CA · On-site
$175K - $195K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
... as Principal Optical Engineer. In this position, you will provide technical leadership in the ... This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide ...
Irvine, CA · On-site
$175K - $195K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
... as Principal Optical Engineer. In this position, you will provide technical leadership in the ... This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide ...
Tucson, AZ · On-site
$100 - $120/hr
Senior Optical Engineer II / Principal Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division tackles mission‑critical space‑domain and ISR challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community ...
New
Tucson, AZ · On-site
$100 - $120/hr
Senior Optical Engineer II / Principal Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division tackles mission‑critical space‑domain and ISR challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community ...
New
Lorton, VA · On-site
$130K - $168K/yr
Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro-optic/ infrared (EOIR) imaging sensor optical design, laboratory optical characterization, and ...
Lorton, VA · On-site
$130K - $168K/yr
Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro-optic/ infrared (EOIR) imaging sensor optical design, laboratory optical characterization, and ...
Lorton, VA · On-site
QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro-optic/ infrared (EOIR) imaging sensor optical design, laboratory optical characterization, and prototype integration with ...
Lorton, VA · On-site
QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro-optic/ infrared (EOIR) imaging sensor optical design, laboratory optical characterization, and prototype integration with ...
$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 ...
$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 ...
Irvine, CA · Hybrid
$175K - $195K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
... as Principal Optical Engineer. In this position, you will provide technical leadership in the ... This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide ...
Irvine, CA · Hybrid
$175K - $195K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
... as Principal Optical Engineer. In this position, you will provide technical leadership in the ... This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide ...
$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 ...
$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 ...
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
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 ...
Quick apply
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
$137K - $177K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
Raytheon in El Segundo, CA seeks an Optical Engineer willing to apply their interest, training, and ... S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay ...
$137K - $177K/yr
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
Retirement
PTO
Raytheon in El Segundo, CA seeks an Optical Engineer willing to apply their interest, training, and ... S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay ...
$74K - $86.6K
3% of jobs
$86.6K - $99.2K
9% of jobs
$99.2K - $111.8K
9% of jobs
$118.1K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$111.8K - $124.4K
10% of jobs
$124.4K - $137K
10% of jobs
The median wage is $146.6K / yr.
$137K - $149.5K
14% of jobs
$149.5K - $162.1K
13% of jobs
$169.8K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$162.1K - $174.7K
15% of jobs
$174.7K - $187.3K
11% of jobs
$187.3K - $199.9K
5% of jobs
$199.9K - $212.5K
3% of jobs
$74K
$147.2K
$212.5K
| Aspect | Home Based Principal Optical Engineer | Optical Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Typically requires a bachelor's or master's in optical engineering or related field; professional certifications are a plus | Usually holds a bachelor's or master's in optical engineering or related discipline |
| Work Environment | Primarily remote, with occasional on-site visits or meetings | Often based in labs, manufacturing facilities, or offices, with some remote work |
| Industry Usage | Used in industries like telecommunications, defense, and consumer optics, often in senior or specialized roles | Common in research, development, and manufacturing sectors within optics and photonics |
The main difference is that the Home Based Principal Optical Engineer typically holds a senior, specialized role with remote work flexibility, while the Optical Engineer often works in more hands-on or lab environments. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but the principal position involves higher-level responsibilities and strategic oversight.
Cities with the most Home Based Principal Optical Engineer job openings:
The most popular types of Principal Optical Engineer jobs are:
States with the most job openings for Home Based Principal Optical Engineer jobs include:
The top searched job categories for Home Based Principal Optical Engineer jobs are:
$170K - $215K/yr
Full-time
Re-posted 17 days ago
Location: On-site (Santa Monica, CA)
Compensation: $170,000 – $215,000 base + competitive equity
Type: Full-time
About the RoleA cutting‑edge technology startup in the augmented reality (AR) space is seeking a highly experienced and hands‑on Principal Optical Engineer to lead its optics department. This individual will play a dual role — 60% technical design and prototyping, and 40% leadership and team management — driving the development of next‑generation optical systems for AR headsets and other R&D initiatives.
This position is ideal for a seasoned optical designer who thrives in fast‑paced, multidisciplinary environments and is passionate about pushing the boundaries of immersive technology.
Key ResponsibilitiesLead the optics department and guide project execution from concept to prototype
Design, simulate, and validate complex optical systems for AR applications
Collaborate cross‑functionally with mechanical, electrical, and software teams
Perform hands‑on lab work including optical assembly, testing, and metrology
Develop scalable processes for prototyping and eventual manufacturing
Mentor junior engineers and delegate technical tasks as needed
10+ years of experience in optical design, ideally within AR/VR, aerospace, defense, or complex imaging systems
Expertise in Code V, Zemax, and SolidWorks
Strong hands‑on experience in optical R&D and metrology
Familiarity with manufacturing, quality control, and tolerancing in optics
Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
U.S. Citizenship required
Full‑time, in‑person presence required (5 days/week in Santa Monica)
Background in AR/VR hardware development or high‑precision optical systems (e.g., reflective, display, or backlight technologies)
Experience at companies specializing in advanced optics, aerospace, or AR/VR (e.g., Raytheon, NASA JPL, Meta)
Programming proficiency in Python or C++ for optical simulation or automation
Ability to rapidly prototype and iterate in early‑stage product environments
Demonstrated leadership managing small, technical teams
Willingness to be hands‑on and technically engaged
Strong communication and collaboration skills
Excitement about in‑person collaboration in a hardware‑first environment
