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Junior Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

$120 - $170/hr

POSITION - Lead Optical Characterization Engineer Mar 30, 2026 Company Myrias Optics, Inc. is a ... mentor junior staff. You will serve as a bridge between software, hardware, and optical domains ...

Senior Optical Engineer

Bridgewater, NJ · On-site

$160K - $220K/yr

The role combines hands-on optical and SiPh device packaging engineering with project/technical ... Mentor junior engineers and build team capabilities. Core Competencies & Behavioral Skills

... of optical engineers within the BBP division to develop innovative wafer inspection products ... Work well with others in a leading or supporting roles; willing to share knowledge with junior ...

... of optical engineers within the BBP division to develop innovative wafer inspection products ... Work well with others in a leading or supporting roles; willing to share knowledge with junior ...

... of optical engineers within the BBP division to develop innovative wafer inspection products ... Work well with others in a leading or supporting roles; willing to share knowledge with junior ...

Lead, Optical Engineering - Stray light

Rochester, NY · On-site

$127K - $164K/yr

This engineer will help mature payload architectures, evaluate optical trades, and quantify how ... Mentor junior engineers and provide guidance in optical analysis, test execution, and engineering ...

Eng Sr Prin II - Optical

Merrimack, NH · On-site

$130K - $168K/yr

... junior engineers About BAE Systems Electronic Systems BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range ...

Eng Prin - Optical

Boulder, CO · On-site

$135K - $175K/yr

Ability to supervise and instruct technicians or junior engineers. * Maintain a regular and ... Experience with optical coating. * Experience with thin film design. * Solid interpersonal skills ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Sep 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 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.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,799 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Lead Optical Characterization Engineer

Myrias Optics

Amherst, MA • On-site

$120 - $170/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead the experimental characterization of optical components and systems.

  • Design and set up optical characterization systems, including test procedures and data analysis methodologies.

  • Manage and mentor the optical characterization team to ensure project execution and quality standards.


Job description

POSITION – Lead Optical Characterization Engineer

Mar 30, 2026

Company

Myrias Optics, Inc. is a fast-growing startup using proprietary nanoimprint technology to revolutionize the way optical components and systems are conceptualized, designed, and manufactured. The company is positioned to disrupt markets across a wide range of applications including consumer electronics, AR/VR, 3D scanners and LiDAR, imaging systems, optical communications, medical equipment, optical computing and more. Our unique all-inorganic imprinted optics enable metalenses, diffractive optics, waveguides all manufactured using wafer level process. By removing any organic material, we not only eliminate environmental and reliability issues but at the same time enable more complex designs with unmatched optical performance and highly cost-effective manufacturing.

POSITION – Lead Optical Characterization Engineer

Reporting to the CTO, the Lead Optical Characterization Engineer will collaborate with a talented team of engineers and scientists to test and evaluate cutting-edge Myrias Optics components and systems. Specifically, this position will lead experimental characterization of optical components, define and set up optical characterization systems, establish test and characterization procedures, develop efficient data acquisition and analysis methodologies, and grow and manage the optical characterization team. This role is ideal for someone with strong system-level thinking and hands-on optical experience, who is eager to lead complex interdisciplinary projects and mentor junior staff. You will serve as a bridge between software, hardware, and optical domains, ensuring our systems meet stringent performance and quality benchmarks. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and capable engineer to gain expertise in the growing fields of meta-optics, waveguides, and diffractive optics. Together, we can shape next-generation optical systems for consumer devices, AR/VR, medical instrumentation, automobiles, robotics, and more.

POSITION TYPE: Full time, on-site
LOCATION: Amherst, MA
EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Senior (5+ years)

Key Responsibilities Technical Leadership & Systems Engineering
  • Lead cross-functional efforts in the development and integration of optical test systems.
  • Define and enforce system-level requirements, test procedures, and verification protocols.
  • Coordinate resources and timelines for optical characterization projects from concept to execution.
  • Provide technical mentorship and guidance to a growing team of engineers and technicians.
Optical Characterization and Metrology
  • Design optical systems for high volume screening and characterization of wafer level optics operating in mass production environments.
  • Execute precise optical measurements and characterization utilizing systems involving lasers, fiber optics, cameras, and power meters.
  • Establish designs and processes for alignment and integration of optical components into custom assemblies.
  • Develop calibration and validation methods to ensure high measurement fidelity and reproducibility.
Software and Automation Integration
  • Oversee or contribute to development of software tools for machine control, data acquisition, and image processing.
  • Drive system automation strategies for scalable and repeatable test and metrology setups.
Quality Control and Troubleshooting
  • Establish quality assurance workflows, analyze measurement data, and resolve systemic performance issues.
  • Manage root cause analysis and continuous improvement for metrology tools and setups.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with design and fabrication teams to influence product and measurement fixture development for testability.
  • Maintain detailed technical documentation, review reports, and communicate project updates across teams.
Qualifications and Requirements Experience
  • Minimum 5 years in optical engineering, systems engineering, or optical characterization roles.
  • Demonstrated leadership or mentorship experience in a technical setting.
Technical Expertise
  • Strong proficiency with optical instruments such as cameras, lasers, power meters, and fiber optics.
  • Familiarity with machine control programming in Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, or similar.
  • Experience integrating hardware/software in optical test setups.
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
  • Master's or Ph.D. preferred.
Skills
  • Deep understanding of optical principles (reflection, refraction, alignment, metrology).
  • Strong systems thinking and analytical skills for debugging and optimization.
  • Excellent communication skills for technical collaboration and leadership.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with real-time control systems and/or machine vision.
  • Familiarity with optical design tools (e.g., Zemax) and mechanical design tools (e.g., SolidWorks).
  • Background in fast-paced R&D, manufacturing, or laboratory environments.
WHAT WE OFFER
  • Competitive Compensation Package, including equity
  • Full Medical, Vision and Dental plans
  • Insurance: Company paid disability insurance
  • Paid time off: Vacation and sick time
EEO Statement

Myrias Optics is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affmintive Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

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