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Junior Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nokia

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

Lead complex technical investigations, drive innovative solutions, and mentor junior engineers. * Verify and enhance optical performance, including testing aspects such as OSNR, signal quality, and ...

Monarch Quantum

Optical Engineer Level 3

San Diego, CA · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Will mentor junior engineers * Execute complex engineering tasks involving planning, preparation ... A bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field * Minimum of 5 years of ...

Monarch Quantum

Optical Engineer Level 3

San Diego, CA · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Will mentor junior engineers * Execute complex engineering tasks involving planning, preparation ... A bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field * Minimum of 5 years of ...

Monarch Quantum

Optical Engineer Level 3

San Diego, CA · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Will mentor junior engineers * Execute complex engineering tasks involving planning, preparation ... A bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field * Minimum of 5 years of ...

Tesla

Staff Optical Network Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

As a Staff Engineer, you will mentor junior team members, influence strategic network architecture ... Oversee the deployment of optical network equipment, including transponders, multiplexers ...

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Ametek

Optics Manufacturing Engineer

Middlefield, CT · On-site

$125K - $161K/yr

Are you ready to collaborate with leading experts in optical engineering and contribute to the next ... Work independently, mentor junior staff, and potentially lead cross-functional projects. * Create ...

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Junior Optical Engineer information

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$33.5K

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How much do junior optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Junior Optical Engineer position, and why are they important?

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.

What are some typical projects or tasks a Junior Optical Engineer might work on?

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 is a Junior Optical Engineer job?

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.

More about Junior Optical Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Junior Optical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Junior Optical Engineer job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Junior Optical Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Junior Optical Engineer jobs are:
Junior Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Optical Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,799 per year, or $34.5 per hour.
Staff Optical Engineer

Staff Optical Engineer

Nokia

San Jose, CA • On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Nokia rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 76 rated telecommunications companies

Job description

Job Description
As a Staff Optical Design Verification Test (ODVT) Engineer, you will lead the comprehensive testing, validation, and performance characterization of the next generation of coherent linecards and pluggables. This position involves developing and executing detailed test plans, analyzing complex data, and ensuring that Nokia's optical products meet stringent performance specifications, quality standards, and industry compliance requirements. In this role, you will frequently face intricate technical problems, requiring advanced problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of state-of-the-art DSP, optical front-end technologies, and basic transmission impairments. You will play a critical role in the product development lifecycle, from early-stage integration and contributing to detailed line card architectures with peer engineering groups, to final product release, directly driving the delivery of high-performance and reliable optical networking solutions.
Responsibilities
  • Translate system requirements into detailed line card architecture in collaboration with peer engineering groups.
  • Lead complex technical investigations, drive innovative solutions, and mentor junior engineers.
  • Verify and enhance optical performance, including testing aspects such as OSNR, signal quality, and environmental resilience. Compare test results against specifications to ensure all requirements are met as well as identify and implement improvements for modules and systems.
  • Develop and explore strategies to integrate the use of AI into the ODVT test environment
  • Drive test automation initiatives by developing and maintaining robust Python-based scripts to significantly enhance testing efficiency and coverage.
  • Collaborate with hardware, firmware, manufacturing and design teams to diagnose and resolve optical performance issues, ensuring timely solutions.

Qualifications
You have
  • MS or PhD degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related majors.
  • 3 years of experience in the area of coherent optical communication.
  • Deep technical competency in coherent optical communication technology, digital signal processing and high-speed optical signal generation and detection.
  • Proven understanding of coherent optical transmission systems and their linear and nonlinear impairments and tradeoffs (e.g., cross-talk, OSNR, chromatic dispersion, PMD, SPM, XPM, FWM).
  • Expertise in standard industry design validation processes and the product life cycle.
  • Hands-on experience with characterizing and troubleshooting high-speed coherent optical transceivers using various lab equipment such as optical spectrum analyzers (OSA), wave analyzers, and real-time oscilloscopes.
  • Proficiency in Python scripting for test automation, data acquisition, and analysis.

It would be nice if you also had
  • Hands-on experience with system-level optical communication hardware and components.
  • Proficiency in Git workflow and version control systems (e.g., Git, GitHub, Bitbucket)
  • Experience with database management systems such as SQL, NoSQL, or time series databases.

About Us
Advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.
Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile and transport networks, powered by the innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we're advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.
Learn more about life at Nokia.
Our recruitment process
We act inclusively and respect the uniqueness of people. Our employment decisions are made regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to a culture of inclusion built upon our core value of respect.
If you're interested in this role but don't meet every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enrich our teams, and you may be just the right candidate for this or another opportunity.
The length of the recruitment process may vary depending on the specific role's requirements. We strive to ensure a smooth and inclusive experience for all candidates. Discover more about the recruitment process at Nokia.
About the Team
Some of our benefits in US:
  • Corporate Retirement Savings Plan
  • Health and dental benefits
  • Short-term disability, and long-term disability
  • Life insurance, and AD&D - Company paid 2x base pay
  • Optional or Supplemental life and AD&D insurance (Employee/Spouse/Child)
  • Paid time off for holidays and Vacation
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Tuition Assistance Plan
  • Adoption assistance
  • Employee Assistance Program/Work Life Resource Program

The above benefits exclude students.
Disclaimer for US/Canada
Nokia Maintains broad annual base salary ranges for its roles in order to account for variations in knowledge, skills, experience and market conditions, and with consideration to internal peer equity. Check the salary ranges in the job info section for this role.
All North America job posts will post for a minimum of 7 calendar days and up to 180 days or until candidate/s identified.

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