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Junior Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Staff-Optical Test Engineer

Allentown, PA · On-site

$118K - $220K/yr

Evaluate emerging optical testing technologies and integrate industry advancements into platform ... Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, leading design reviews and establishing technical best ...

Staff-Optical Test Engineer

Allentown, PA

$127K - $164K/yr

Deep expertise in optical principles, photonic systems, and advanced testing methodologies * Strong ... Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, leading design reviews and establishing technical best ...

Mentor and guide junior optical engineers and physicists * Create a culture of technical rigor, accountability, and momentum * Coordinate with systems, mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing teams

Mentor junior engineers and provide guidance in optical analysis, test execution, and engineering ... best practices. Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree and minimum 9 years of prior relevant experience.

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 ...

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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Showing results 1-20

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 Jul 10, 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:
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,799 per year, or $34.5 per hour.
Electro-Optical Engineer - Senior Staff

Electro-Optical Engineer - Senior Staff

Lockheed Martin

Littleton, CO

$109K - $142K/yr

Other

Posted 27 days ago


Lockheed Martin rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 388 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 61 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Space is a critical domain, connecting our technologies, our security and our humanity. While others view space as a destination, we see it as a realm of possibilities, where we can do more - we can innovate, invest, inspire and integrate our capabilities to transform the future.
At Lockheed Martin Space, we aim to harness the full potential of space to cultivate innovation, reduce costs, and push the boundaries of what technology can achieve. We're creating future-ready solutions, focusing on resiliency and urgency through our 21st Century Security vision. We're erasing boundaries and forming partnerships across industries and around the world. We're advancing spacecraft and the workforce to fuel the next generation. And we're reimagining how space can connect us, ensuring security and prosperity.
Join us in shaping a new era in space and find a career that's built for you.
Lockheed Martin Space is seeking a Senior Staff Electro-Optical Engineer to join the Optical Payload Center of Excellence.
OPCoE enables new frontiers in visible-light and infrared systems, missile defense, space exploration and much more. Our members integrate authorities across the nation, within Lockheed Martin, our industry partners and leading research universities, into one fast-acting, collaborative group.
You will be successful in this role if you have deep knowledge troubleshooting, possess critical thinking skills and the ability to work on cross-functional teams. You should also demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills.
As a Senior Staff Electro-Optical Engineer your typical roles and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Reviewing design requirements
Creating block diagrams
Creating schematics
Creating circuit card assembly (CCA)
Working with procurement on all the parts of the bill of materials (BOM)
Supporting manufacturing of the CCA
Performing test checkout of the CCA by creating test plans and performing board tests
Supporting program box integration
Supporting the program lifecycle, including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, PSR, and launch, specifically for optical payload or component builds.
Supporting he design of Electronic and Special Test Equipment (STE) for laser systems.
Developing and refining design standards and processes.
Training and mentoring junior engineers.

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About Lockheed Martin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912