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Junior Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Junior Optical Technician

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

Junior Optical Technician Location: Los Angeles, CA About Observable Space At Observable Space, w ... You will work closely with optical, mechanical, and electrical engineers to ensure high-performance ...

Optical Engineer I

Somerville, MA · On-site

$70 - $110/hr

The Role We are seeking a Junior Optical Engineer to help build, align, and test the advanced optical systems at the heart of our Quantum Camera. This is a hands-on, bench-first role: you will spend ...

Optical Engineer I

Somerville, MA · On-site

$140K - $182K/yr

The Role We are seeking a Junior Optical Engineer to help build, align, and test the advanced optical systems at the heart of our Quantum Camera. This is a hands-on, bench-first role: you will spend ...

Optical Engineer I

Somerville, MA · On-site

$140K - $182K/yr

The Role We are seeking a Junior Optical Engineer to help build, align, and test the advanced optical systems at the heart of our Quantum Camera. This is a hands-on, bench-first role: you will spend ...

Optical Engineer I

Somerville, MA · On-site

$140K - $182K/yr

The Role We are seeking a Junior Optical Engineer to help build, align, and test the advanced optical systems at the heart of our Quantum Camera. This is a hands-on, bench-first role: you will spend ...

Sr. Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

About Us: Ocean Optics is a fast-paced, high performing and high growth organization that was ... Manage and mentor a team of junior engineers.Work collaboratively with other engineering and cross ...

Sr. Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$120 - $165/hr

The successful candidate will also have experience in managing and mentoring a team of junior engineers and working collaboratively with other engineering and cross-functional teams.As a Sr. Optical ...

Senior Optical Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership on multidisciplinary projects. Required Qualifications * B.S. or M.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering ...

New

Sr. Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$110 - $160/hr

The successful candidate will also have experience in managing and mentoring a team of junior engineers and working collaboratively with other engineering and cross-functional teams.As a Sr. Optical ...

Staff Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

Mentor junior and mid-level optical engineers in design methodology, laboratory techniques, modeling, and best practices. * Lead technical reviews, provide constructive feedback, and foster growth of ...

Staff Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

Mentor junior and mid-level optical engineers in design methodology, laboratory techniques, modeling, and best practices. * Lead technical reviews, provide constructive feedback, and foster growth of ...

Staff Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

Mentor junior and mid-level optical engineers in design methodology, laboratory techniques, modeling, and best practices. * Lead technical reviews, provide constructive feedback, and foster growth of ...

As a senior technical leader, the Principal Optical Engineer will mentor and guide junior, intermediate, and senior engineers, fostering technical growth, ensuring high engineering standards, and ...

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Junior Optical Engineer information

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$33.5K

$71.8K

$109.5K

How much do junior optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior optical engineer in the United States is $71,799.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a junior optical engineer?

A Junior Optical Engineer is an entry-level engineering professional specializing in optical systems, components, and technologies. They assist in designing, testing, and optimizing optical devices such as lenses, lasers, and imaging systems. Their responsibilities may include conducting experiments, analyzing data, and supporting senior engineers in research and development. Strong analytical skills, knowledge of optics principles, and proficiency with simulation tools are often required. This role provides foundational experience for growing into more advanced optical engineering positions.

What does a junior optical engineer do?

As a Junior Optical Engineer, you may assist in designing, testing, and evaluating optical systems such as lenses, imaging devices, or sensors under the supervision of senior engineers. Your responsibilities often include running simulations, performing hands-on experiments in the lab, analyzing data, and contributing to technical reports. You’ll also collaborate closely with colleagues in mechanical and electrical engineering to integrate optical components into larger systems. This role often provides opportunities to learn from mentors and gain hands-on experience with real-world applications, which is valuable for long-term career growth in the optical engineering field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior optical engineer?

To thrive as a Junior Optical Engineer, you need a solid background in optics, physics, and mathematics, often supported by a bachelor's degree in optical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or CODE V), basic laboratory equipment, and CAD tools is commonly expected. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you work efficiently within engineering teams and present findings clearly. These skills ensure precise design, troubleshooting, and collaborative project development in this technically demanding role.

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What cities are hiring for Junior Optical Engineer jobs?

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What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Junior Optical Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Junior Optical Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Junior Optical Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,799 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Junior Optical Engineer or Physicist with Security Clearance

Valkyrie Enterprises

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Position:  Junior Optical Engineer or Physicist (Job ID:4429)
Location:  Huntsville, AL Job Id:  4429
# of Openings:  2 Junior Optical Engineer or Physicist Purpose: Valkyrie Enterprises is seeking a Junior Optical Engineer or Physicist * At Huntsville, AL and Redstone Arsenal, AL for weapon system sensor/seeker simulation, testing, and evaluation, development, planning and analysis, which may include: * Optical system requirements, design, development and analysis * Scene projector optics and integration with seeker/sensor * Laser and infrared radiometry and testing of cameras and sources. * The ideal candidate will have experience in optical systems, optical engineering, sensors/seeker testing, and hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) simulation. * The successful candidate will play a role in expanding our technology solutions to customers and stakeholder satisfaction. * Development support activities will include design, assembly, alignment, and testing of optical systems, illumination systems, and laser systems. Operational support activities will include configuration, radiometric calibration, and operation of specialized equipment in support of the testing of missile sensors/seekers and other electro-optical sensors. Job Description: * Provide optical engineering design, development, integration, test, verification and analysis expertise to activities for scene projection and weapon system integration and test. * Serve as an optical engineering team member and coordinate with other optics subject matter experts (SMEs) * Design and develop laser and optical solutions for testing with seekers/sensors * Development support activities will include design, assembly, alignment, and testing of optical systems, illumination systems, and laser systems * Operational support activities will include configuration, radiometric calibration, and operation of specialized equipment in support of the testing of missile sensors/seekers and other electro-optical sensors * Position requires comprehensive knowledge to resolve complex problems and provide solutions * Collaborate continuously and mentor team members and others. * Support the preparation of regular program status reports for senior leadership and government customers * Identify and mitigate program risks while developing contingency plans Qualifications: * Must have a BA/BS in optical engineering, physics or related area and at least 0-10 years of related experience. * Must have the ability to conduct research and perform analysis on optical requirements and designs. * Must have optical design software experience for optical system design and ray tracing. * Must have higher level language programming (Matlab, Python, or equivalent) for data analysis and visualization. * Must have passion for solving problems and providing workable solutions. * Must have strong analytical and reasoning skills and ability to visualize optical/laser systems. * Must have all-round communication skills and ability to work individually and collaboratively. * Must be self-motivated and directed, with keen attention to detail. * Must have analytical and creative problem-solving abilities. * Must have customer service orientation. Desired Qualifications: * Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree or PhD in Optic Engineering,Physics and/or related degree, preferred. * Experience with optical design, assembly, ray tracing and/or HWIL testing, preferred. * Experience with HWIL equipment, such as Laser and/or Electro-optical Infrared (EOIR) Scene Projectors, sources, sensors and/or optics, preferred. * Experience in ZEMAX, Code V, OSLO, or equivalent software languages, preferred. * Experience with Department of Defense (DoD) programs, preferred. * Prefer an Active Secret clearance  Security Requirements: * Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance. Travel Requirements: * None to occasional travel; 10-25% or less * If position requires travel by domestic flight or access to secure federal facilities/military bases, candidate must be able to obtain (by start of position) and maintain appropriate identification credentials, such as REAL ID. (More information regarding REAL ID can be found: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id). Physical Requirements: * Remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods * Able to sit and work on a computer for long periods of time * Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another * Communicating with others to exchange information * Light work that includes moving objects up to 25 pounds   Pre-Employment Requirements: Any offer of employment with Valkyrie Enterprises is contingent upon the successful completion of all applicable pre-employment requirements. Depending on the position, these may include a criminal background investigation, employment and education verification, pre-employment drug screening, driving record review, security clearance eligibility, government installation access, and any other customer or contract-specific requirements. Failure to successfully meet any required pre-employment condition may result in the withdrawal of the contingent offer of employment. Valkyrie strictly adheres to a policy of equal employment opportunity. This policy is based on Valkyrie’s commitment to hire and retain qualified employees consistent with position requirements; and to seek, employ, promote and treat all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, childbirth, physical disability, mental disability, age, military status or protected veteran status, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition, genetic information or sexual orientation or other protected characteristics Additionally, Valkyrie Enterprises provides a variety of benefits to eligible employees to support your best health, wellness, and future, to include medical/dental/vision options, company paid life and disability insurances, 401k with match, education reimbursement, as well as company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) Apply for this Position