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Manager Principal Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Optical Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$95K - $245K/yr

We are seeking an innovative and driven Principal Optical Engineer (PMTS) to lead the charge in ... As a technical leader, you will also build, mentor, and manage diverse, cross-functional teams of ...

Principal Optical Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$95K - $245K/yr

We are seeking an innovative and driven Principal Optical Engineer (PMTS) to lead the charge in ... As a technical leader, you will also build, mentor, and manage diverse, cross-functional teams of ...

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$100 - $135/hr

Position Overview QinetiQ US is seeking an experienced Principal Optical Engineer with strong ... Generate technical documentation and reports and convey or present the information to management ...

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$164K - $213K/yr

Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro ... Provide optical subject matter expertise to program managers and manufacturing staff. * Assist in ...

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

$130K - $168K/yr

Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro ... Provide optical subject matter expertise to program managers and manufacturing staff. * Assist in ...

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

$130K - $168K/yr

Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro ... Provide optical subject matter expertise to program managers and manufacturing staff. * Assist in ...

Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro ... Provide optical subject matter expertise to program managers and manufacturing staff. * Assist in ...

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$130K - $168K/yr

Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro ... Provide optical subject matter expertise to program managers and manufacturing staff. * Assist in ...

QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro-optic/ infrared (EOIR ... Provide optical subject matter expertise to program managers and manufacturing staff. * Assist in ...

Principal Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$175K - $195K/yr

... as Principal Optical Engineer. In this position, you will provide technical leadership in the ... Manage integration of these components with mechanical and electronic control systems. * Lead and ...

Principal Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$175K - $195K/yr

... as Principal Optical Engineer. In this position, you will provide technical leadership in the ... Manage integration of these components with mechanical and electronic control systems. * Lead and ...

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 ...

Principal Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$175K - $195K/yr

... as Principal Optical Engineer. In this position, you will provide technical leadership in the ... Manage integration of these components with mechanical and electronic control systems. * Lead and ...

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 ...

Optical Engineer

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 ...

Optical Engineer

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 ...

Principal Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$137K - $177K/yr

Raytheon in El Segundo, CA seeks an Optical Engineer willing to apply their interest, training, and knowledge to optical design, analysis, assembly, integration, and test. Our Space Optics Department ...

Showing results 21-40

Manager Principal Optical Engineer information

See salary details

$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do manager principal optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager principal optical engineer in the United States is $143,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a manager principal optical engineer?

Manager Principal Optical Engineers are senior-level professionals who oversee the design, development, and optimization of optical systems and components, such as lenses, lasers, and fiber optics. In addition to their technical expertise, they manage teams of engineers, coordinate projects, and collaborate with other departments to ensure that optical solutions meet performance, cost, and quality goals. They also play a key role in mentoring junior staff and contributing to the strategic planning of optical engineering initiatives within an organization.

How does a manager principal optical engineer balance technical project responsibilities with team leadership duties?

In this role, you'll split your time between hands-on optical engineering—such as system design, simulation, and troubleshooting—and leading a team of engineers. You'll be responsible for setting technical direction, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring project milestones are met. Effective communication and delegation are crucial, as you'll often coordinate with cross-functional teams in mechanical, electrical, and software engineering. Balancing these aspects requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize both immediate technical challenges and long-term strategic goals.

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

To thrive as a Manager Principal Optical Engineer, you need advanced expertise in optical engineering, physics, and system design, typically backed by a master’s or Ph.D. in optics or a related field. Familiarity with optical simulation tools (such as Zemax or Code V), CAD software, and experience managing optical prototyping and testing are crucial. Outstanding leadership, project management, and communication skills help guide multidisciplinary teams and drive complex projects to completion. These skills and qualities are vital for delivering innovative optical solutions, ensuring project success, and fostering a collaborative engineering environment.

What is the difference between Manager Principal Optical Engineer vs Optical Engineer?

AspectManager Principal Optical EngineerOptical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (MS/PhD) in optics or related fields, with leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's in optics, physics, or engineering
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, and collaborates with cross-functional departmentsFocuses on designing, testing, and analyzing optical systems
Industry UsageUsed in high-tech, aerospace, defense, and research organizationsCommon in manufacturing, R&D, and product development sectors

The main difference is that the Manager Principal Optical Engineer oversees teams and projects, requiring leadership skills, while the Optical Engineer primarily focuses on technical design and analysis tasks. Both roles require strong technical credentials, but the managerial responsibilities distinguish the Manager Principal Optical Engineer.

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Infographic showing various Manager Principal Optical Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.

Principal Optical Engineer

Draper Labs

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$95K - $245K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Overview:

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.

Job Description Summary:

We are seeking an innovative and driven Principal Optical Engineer (PMTS) to lead the charge in developing next-generation optical sensors and corresponding processing algorithms. In this role, you will bridge the gap between groundbreaking research and real-world application. You will be responsible for architecting novel sensor technologies, driving technical maturation, and securing the funding required to bring these innovations to life. A candidate will ideally have a diverse range of skills in areas such as optical physics, electronics, coding, digital signal processing, and product engineering.
As a technical leader, you will also build, mentor, and manage diverse, cross-functional teams of engineers to turn complex concepts into market-ready solutions.

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities
* Designing, analyzing, integrating components with optical devices, and demonstrating device prototypes.
* Develops, builds and tests systems and products based on optic, photonic and laser technologies.
* Interacts with device, hardware and software design teams to develop optical systems; specifying, selecting and qualifying active and passive optical components, developing and benchmarking system performance models.
* Develop and implement test procedures and/or evaluating and selecting appropriate test instrumentation.
* Provides multi-discipline support to instrumentation production by resolving technical issues associated with components, parts, products or systems.
* Testing of new and existing designs and documentation of changes through a formal engineering change notification process.
* Provide recommendations for cost reduction efforts.
* Apply quantitative analysis in determining root cause of highly technical problems and propose, develop and implement solutions for corrective action.
* Develop and maintain effective internal/external relationships.
* Independently drive solutions to complex problems - develop requirements, propose ways forward when customer requirements are unclear or incomplete, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements.
* Subject Matter Expert (SME) in cyber security, able to plan, design, and execute large scale technical software and hardware solutions.
* Able to provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and to apply analysis techniques across a range of technical disciplines
* Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies for them.
* Develop, document, and teach best practices to less experienced engineers; Demonstrate strong organization, planning, and time management skills to achieve program goals.
* Performs other related duties as assigned.
Skills/Abilities
* Proficiency in digital and analog electronics circuit design, high-performance, real-time embedded firmware development.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
* Excellent mathematical skills.
* Excellent mechanical skills.
* Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
* Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
* Ability to prioritize tasks.
* Thorough understanding of engineering theories and procedures.
Education
Requires a bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field. Masters or PhD degree preferred.
Experience
10-15 years experience Optical Engineering experience or related field required.

Additional Job Description:

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a US government security clearance.

Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you don't find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration.

Job Location - City:

Cambridge

Job Location - State:

Massachusetts

Job Location - Postal Code:

02139-3563

The US base salary range for this full-time position is

$95,000.00 - $245,000.00

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.

Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now www.draper.com/careers.

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact hr@draper.com.